|
Bryston active speakers
HI Folks,
I am going to start a thread on all things relating to the Bryston Active speakers. The first versions will be the Model T and the Middle T. james |
BRYSTON MODEL T ACTIVE SPEAKER
The Bryston Model T loudspeaker is also available in a fully ACTIVE version. Active loudspeakers differ from Passive speakers in that the crossover that determines which drivers (Tweeter, Midrange and Woofer) get which audio frequencies is controlled by an ELECTRONIC crossover placed between the preamp and the power amplifiers rather than the passive crossover version which is typically built into the loudspeaker. Also all the drivers in the loudspeaker (T.M.W.) have an independent amplifier channel controlling them as opposed to a Passive crossover where one amplifier channel controls all the drivers in the speaker. So an Active 3-way speaker like the Bryston Model T requires 3 separate amplifier channels per speaker whereas the Model T Passive only requires one amplifier channel per speaker. The advantage of an electronic crossover placed between the preamplifier and the power amplifiers is all the speaker control (crossover slopes, crossover points, gain etc.) are performed at what is called low level signal levels whereas passive crossovers are operating at what is referred to as high level signal levels. Manipulating and adjusting signals at low levels is far more accurate than attempting the same with high level signals. So if you look at the frequency response, the crossover slopes and the volume levels per driver required the Active crossover provides much more accuracy than the passive option. If you refer to the graph below of the Bryston Model T Active loudspeaker you will see two curves – one (upper) is the ‘Listening Window’ and the other is the ‘Sound Power Response’. With an Active crossover we can adjust and design these two performance areas of the speaker separately and independently whereas with a passive crossover they have to be adjusted in tandem. So in a passive system an adjustment on the listening window affects the sound power directly and vice-versa. The importance of the listening window and power response in a loudspeaker is explained in detail in another white paper available on request. So the flexibility and accuracy that Active crossovers provide cannot be underestimated from a performance perspective. The other advantage of Active loudspeaker systems is the fact that the amplifiers output stage is directly connected to the loudspeaker driver. So the Woofer, Midrange and Tweeter all have separate amplifiers controlling their movement directly rather than having to deal with passive components (capacitors, inductors, resistors etc.) required by passive networks. If you recognize that music is essentially a transient condition, a ‘stopping and starting’ as the music signal requires then any system that can control this stopping and starting of the drivers is much more capable of an accurate rendition of the input signal. The transient response improvement with the direct connection between the amplifier and speaker in the active system. is mainly due to the fact that the main filter components in a passive crossover network, the inductors and capacitors, are energy storage devices. By definition they both suffer from forms of hysteresis where there is a delay between the energy storage and the release of that energy. This leads to a distortion of the signal’s time signature and it will also be frequency dependant to some extent. The other big area of benefit is that fact that the passive filter network has intrinsic losses and these losses translate directly into a reduction in the amplifier power that actually makes it to the loudspeaker drivers. Removing those losses from the equation translates into a more efficient transfer of energy between the amplifier and the loudspeaker. If you are considering moving to an Active system at some point in the future then purchasing the Bryston ‘Signature’ version of the Model T loudspeaker is a great first step. You would simply replace the external passive crossover that comes with the Signature version of the speaker with the Bryston BAX-1 Active crossover and add 4 more channels of amplification. |
HI Folks,
Soundstage Magazine is coming out with an article on May 1st regarding the state of Active Speakers now and in the past and the Bryston Model T Active is featured in the article. Favorite Quote: "Their all-Bryston system in 2017 reproduced incredibly deep, tight bass; beautifully clear, detailed mids; superbly extended highs; and a soundstage as awe-inspiring for its width as for its depth. Rarely, at any audio show, have I heard a system sound so good!" james |
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Going Active April, 2017 Model T BAX-1 Active Crossover Hi James, I don't know if you remember about an email I sent you regarding my decision to go from the PMC IB2i's to the Model T Signatures. Just wanted to give you an update... Up to this point I have been using a Esoteric K-03x as my cd player, a Esoteric C-03x as my preamp, an Esoteric A-02 as my amp with the Model t's. I have been very happy with this setup. BUT, I have been waiting for the BAX-1 crossover to come available, and now that it is, I have been thinking of going active. If I went active with the Esoteric A-02, I would need 2 more, and the cost would be outrageous. So instead it decided to test my single 7B3 (which I have been using on my center channel) on one of the model T's against the A-02, in mono mode. I was surprised how well the 7B3 performed, so much that I found it difficult to like one over the other. Each had great qualities, but in the end, I found the 7B3 would make me just as happy. Plus the fact that it would improve even more in the active setup. So, I ending up ordering another single 7B3 and a BAX-1 today, to get me started. I know the Bax-1 will be a longer wait time than the amp, so I can at least run my Model T's in passive mode for now. I will have to wait for my A-02 to sell before I can get the 2-4B3's, and go active at that point. I will keep you updated on my findings. Adol |
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Pulsworks Audio Arts Active Demo May, 2017 Model T Active System Open House at Pulsworks Hi James, Ken and I have just been listening to the new active system before our event tomorrow. Although we were always happy with the T's in passive configuration and even more impressed with the Signature version, this active system is on an entirely different level! The regulars around here know I (Ken) generally don't listen very loud. I find most systems get hard and annoying long before they approach clipping or dynamic compression. They were amazed, however, to walk into a session where I was literally fluttering pant legs and rattling everything in the room with a big smile of my face! This system is so clean, pure and powerful that amazing levels can be reached without any hint of hardening or strain. The bass is more powerful, clean and extended that I have ever heard in any system, even those with stacks of uber expensive subwoofers. The upper and mid frequencies also lose a level of grain, become tonally more accurate and are therefore much more revealing of timber and space. This is a significant upgrade over performance as we already suggested stated was perfectly good! I am sure this system will impress all that hear it, and thank you for giving us the opportunity to demonstrate the new Bryston Model T active system. Ken Roach/David Puls Pulsworks Audio Arts |
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston BAX-1 Digital Crossover GUI May, 2017 Model T BAX-1 Active Crossover GUI Hi Folks, Please see below the GUI that is available with the new Bryston BAX-1 Digital Electronic Crossover. Most room problems occur below 120Hz due to standing wave issues. The BAX-1 GUI allows you to modify the factory preset frequencies from 30Hz to 120Hz in 1Hz steps. You can also enter any frequency you wish and make the same adjustments. You can ‘increase’ the gain a maximum of 3dB or ‘reduce’ the gain by 6dB in 0.1 increments at the frequency chosen. You can also adjust the ‘Q Factor’ in 0.1 steps. The factory setting for Q is ‘3’ The Red Line in the graph at the bottom indicates the changes you are making. After making the appropriate adjustment just hit SAVE. |
BRYSTON MEMO
May 2017 Hi James The Bryston Active Speaker Demo Show was fantastic! The Bryston room was packed all night with many people exclaiming that they had never heard anything like this in their life! With the striking of the bass drum in the Finale of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite many people were in disbelief at the impact of what they just heard. So many people dropped their jaw, eyes wide open, some shouting out “Yea!!!” very loudly, and others simply sitting speechless as their pant legs rustled with the sonic impact. It was an experience and a delight to behold. It was a great evening! Thank you for helping to make the evening a very memorable one for more than the 150 people that came out. This was the first time that any of those present heard an active system—a whole new experience in itself. I even have a few clients tell me that they have never heard anything like it—this is a great step forward. I think that it is likely that at least two people will upgrade their Model T’s to active. Again, thank you for a great evening of music at Pulsworks. David Puls Pulsworks Audio Arts |
Hey James
The demo at Pulsworks was fantastic. The night belonged to Bryston ....we had a full room the entire evening. Wow is all I can say....the resolution and detail of the system was amazing.....top to bottom extension was amazing .....no sub required. I will add to this when I get home Garry Taylor |
James
Thank you for making such a great speaker as the T active system. I think it is an amazing system that makes music come alive. Have a great day! David |
Hi James
A follow up to my involvement in the recent Bryston Model T Active speaker demo at Puls Audio. The demo was very impressive......the systems had incredible control in the room starting with the bottom end through to the highs. I think everybody that entered the Bryston active room thought that we had a sub woofer operating with the system. The bass response moved your body as will as your pant leg were flapping, however it was in total control at all times never hearing any distortion from the system and with this the volumes levels were right up there with no harshness or grain.....it was big fun demoing and listening to this system. The balance of the system from top to bottom was as good as I have heard on any system at any price point. Active is the way to go once you hear it and many people said this after entering another room which was 3 times the price and running passive ( nice system ) however everyone ended up back in the Bryston room with the active system! You have no idea until how good this is until you sit down and listen to it for yourself!! Garry Taylor |
Hi James,
When will the Middle T Signature be available? Thanks |
Quote:
As of next week - we are showing them at the LA Show. james |
Quote:
|
BRYSTON:
Complete BLISS ! Please do yourself a favour and come and listen to this setup in LA this weekend. Carlos Warlick Carlos is a multi-platinum recording engineer with recording & mixing credits to over 50 million record sales. |
COMPUTER AUDIOPHILE
harmonica2 I went on Saturday. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay very long. Nicest surprise for me was the Bryston room. Sounded great and they brought a nice library of music to test things out. |
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Model T Active – L.A Show Impressive!!! June 3, 2017 Hi James I bought the Middle T Active show speakers They could not have sounded better with the new Bryston DSP/Crossover Sold! Active setup here we go Drew Baird, Moon Audio |
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Middle T Active … Turns Pro June 2017 Hi Folks, I am pleased to announce that Peter Moore of ERoom Mastering has purchased our Bryston ‘Middle T ACTIVE Speakers and BAX-1 Digital Crossover’ for his Mastering Studio. Peter Moore is a Canadian music producer who was first recognized for his innovative recordings of the Cowboy Junkies, produced on a shoestring budget. Nominations: Juno Award for Recording Engineer of the Year, Grammy Award for Best Historical Album, Genie Award for Best Achievement in Music - Original Song Movies: Hard Core Logo 2 Peter’s credits include: Neil Young, Garth Hudson, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Oscar Peterson, Diana Krall, Neko Case, Bruce Cockburn, Murray McLauchlan, Finger Eleven, Sloan, and hundreds of others. He has Won 2 Genie's, won 2 Gemini's. Nominated twice for a Juno." |
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Middle T Active – L.A. Show June 15, 2017 LA Audio Show Report: Loudspeakers - by Neil Gader Auspicious Debuts The Bryston Middle T goes active Bryston demonstrated a tri-amped, fully active version of its three-way, four-driver, mid-sized floorstander, the Middle T. Rather than housing active elements internally like most pro studio monitors, Bryston allows the end user to retain “have-it-your-way” control by adding external amplifiers, including, Bryston hopes, something along the lines of its own B3 Cubed series amps and the BAX-1 DSP Electronic Digital Crossover. Listening to a selection of Nickel Creek alt-bluegrass, and some sax-driven jazz, I was reminded how often I gravitate towards active loudspeakers. The immediacy and speed and bass control with slam is so persuasive that it just gets a little addicting. Neil Gader Absolute Sound Magazine |
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Vancouver HI-Fi Center Audio Show June 2017 Hi Folks, Great Bryston Active speaker setup and sound at our dealer in Vancouver: Hi-Fi Center This is a full Active Bryston system: • Model T Active Speakers • BAX-1 Active Digital Crossover • 14B Cubed Amplifier • 7B Cubed Amplifier (2) • 4B Cubed Amplifier • BP26 Preamplifier • BDP-2 Digital Player • BDA-3 DAC • BIT 20 Isolation Transformer’ As one customer commented – “I WANT IT ALL!” |
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Active System Cables – Straight Wire June, 2017 Hi Folks, Straight Wire was so impressed with the sound at the recent Los Angeles Audio Show with the Bryston Middle T Active Speakers they decided to do a custom set of speaker cables for us exclusively available through Bryston Dealers and Distributors. They are a colour coded (black & red) plus and minus tri-wired package with each pair numbered (1 to 6) to provide easy connections and no confusion at the amplifier and speaker terminations. The Expressivo Grande II is utilized for the bass. Two runs of Expressivo II for mids and highs Black sheath with 2 foot open at the amp end and 1 foot open at the speaker end Cables can be ordered with Spades or Expandable Bananas. MSRP $3250 - 8 foot Pair |
Hi James,
I would be very interested in reviewing the active Middle Ts. I was just telling some of the other guys how good the active Model Ts that were demonstrated at HiFi Centre sounded this past weekend in Vancouver. Like the Cubed amps, very precise and linear sounding from top to bottom. Sounded like a much more expensive speaker system and a lot of expensive speakers don't integrate as well or sound as coherent throughout the entire audio band. Regards, Roger Kanno Associate Editor Soundstage Magazine |
Hi James,
Greetings from Italy. My MIDDLE T’s ACTIVE Everything arrived safe and sound. And I must admit, the Middle T's Active as well as the 4B3s are simply magnificent! I will send you some pictures soon. Best regards, Dario |
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Active Model T’s with BAX Crossover James First impressions..... My Model T’s with new BAX Active Crossover Two words: Extremely impressive! Much better than I would have ever imagined possible. You are rivalling my love of ESL mids and highs with outstanding bass. Perhaps the best overall setup that I have owned...and I have owned a lot of various speaker technologies. Very few with an acceptable WAF. The Tri-amping I have done over the last three years on my Model T’s was an improvement over the passive Signature crossover but the BAX is night and day better, and I am the first to admit I was as skeptical as they come. Of course the engineer in me wants to understand how is this possible? Lol. My guess is the phase alignment of the drivers is much better with the BAX. The pro crossover equipment I have used has no such real capability except for a crude time delay of crossover curves to account for different driver locations in a venue. So far I am just using the default settings. I used the user interface for 10 minutes to fiddle but just reset everything back to flat for now. Time for that beer! Drew |
Testsystems
Re: BRYSTON MODEL T ACTIVE SPEAKERS Listening to the Signature Ts ACTIVE playing Roger Walters's The Wall at 95 dBa according to the B&K SPL meter. The 7Bs are cooking but the sound is just FANTASTIC. Deep and clear. Not a hint of over driving distortion. Absolutely amazing. A concert in my living room........ |
|
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Saskatoon – Model T Active Setup July 2017 Hi Folks, Great Bryston Active speaker setup and sound at our dealer in Saskatoon. Hi James, I have attached a recent picture of the active system in the Bryston Room. It is absolutely fantastic as the performance is profoundly realistic with rich deep bass, liquid midrange and air in the top. Any album I have put on has been fantastic! David Puls Pulsworks Audio Arts |
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Model T Active – Tom in Singapore July, 2017 Thanks James! I just played my new Bryston BAX-1 Digital Active Crossover on my Model T Signatures for a short while... Absolutely superb! It’s such a refined and polished sound now...and the sound stage and detail is incredible... It’s not like day and night compared to the passive Xovers...which speaks a lot for the excellent quality of the passives...But it’s a whole new level now in terms of resolution and detail... Awesome! Later...I played my MD collection...all from Radion recordings over 20 years...and I never heard this kind of detail...details I have never heard before...complete accuracy...like a veil has lifted! 🎸🎺 By the way, the Hana cartridge also came for my BLP-1 Bryston Turntable ...and it sounds great out of the box ...superbly balanced sound...exactly what I was missing all the time…🍾🙏 Cheers and thanks for making it happen James! Best regards, Tom in Singapore |
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Model T Active – Vancouver Audio Show July, 2017 Hi James, I recently had the opportunity to hear the latest Bryston Active Model T system at the Vancouver Hifi Centre Audio Fest. I am particularly interested in the Middle T. Other than the main speakers in a 5.1 set up, are there any special connection regarding the other speakers? I am thinking of using the Mini T for rears/surrounds as well as the Mini T centre Do you foresee any issues going that route? The sound quality with the Bryston Active Model T was truly one of a kind. ALAN CHONG |
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Middle T Active – Customer Feedback July, 2017 Hi James, Sorry for the delay in writing you back the first impressions about the Middle T actives and 4B3s / 2.5 B3s set of amps I have received more than 10 days ago. I was out of town for work so after a couple of days of having this marvelous set in my home I was still unable to set it up immediately. However, I have now had the opportunity to assemble the complete Middle T Active system. I mounted the complete Bryston Middle T Active set: 2 x4b3s + 1 x 2.5B3 + Active Middle T's and Bax-1. Unfortunately I had only the chance to warm up the system for a couple of hours and just see how wonderful these amps and speakers look. I will send you some pictures soon. And I must admit, the Bryston Active Middle T system is simply magnificent! Even if your goal (l agree jewelry doesn't have any relevance in playing music) was not to build jewelry pieces of furniture but musical devices the look is magnificent, and the new improvements really achieved new standards for your brand esthetically and functionally. Sorry for my not perfect English, but my main language is Italian. Will be back soon! Regards, Dario |
I agree with Dario.
The new cubed amps look even better than their SST2 predecessors. Just hooked up my new 7B3 replacing 7BSST2. And the sound ... Wow:banana: |
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Model T Active – Customer Review - Drew July, 2017 Well I have had the new Bryston BAX-1 with Tri-amped Signatures ( Qty. 4 7BSST2 for the Low and Mids, and a 4BSST2 for the Highs) now for three weeks and I thought I would follow up with my longer term observations, as first impressions can sometimes be wrong. I would have to say the following has been demonstrated day in day out with all kinds of music formats: 1. The speakers are extremely musical and inviting with all music formats. I really can’t find something about them that I don’t like! 2. They are well balanced both at low volume and at high volume, which is an unusual comment since most passive speakers have a sweet spot volume and when you go below they sound flat and lifeless. The ear and most drivers are non-linear so perhaps there is some software magic in the background. No idea…. but I like the net result. It is very well behaved and as I said above very musical. 3. They are also extremely “clear” akin to an electrostatic driver. I have heard on a few occasions an instrument in the background I had not remembered hearing before during past sessions. Perhaps it is just old age. LOL 4. This clarity of sound makes it very easy to up the volume without realizing how really loud you have the SPL. This is a common observation with good sound systems. Distortion gives us audio clues that we are “loud”, not so much with the BAX - Signature combo. Really that is it. One very happy customer. Well done James and team. Cheers Drew |
Hi Folks,
We now have a section on our website regarding the Bryston Active Speakers james http://bryston.com/products/active/Active_System.html |
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Middle T Active … Dario in Italy August 2017 Hi James, I have finally had the opportunity to test for a few weeks the Bryston Active Middle T loudspeakers system. GEAR: • Bryston 4B3 cubed power amp for low + another Bryston 4B3 Cubed for midrange + Bryston 2.5B3 Cubed for the high frequencies. • BAX-1 Digital Electronic Crossover • Bryston Middle T Active Speakers It hasn't been an easy task because for the first time in my life (I have owned a lot of expensive gear and auditioned much more at shows and at friend's homes) with this Bryston setup I kept hearing to music itself and not to the electronics involved in sound reproduction. This to say the quality is so high in terms of timbre, with amazing dynamics and huge but believable soundstage the music really seems played as I remembered at live concerts. All the instruments seem in the right place, perfectly located in the stage with razor shape definition. I mainly listen to Classical music, Blues and Jazz with a strong preference to medium/small acoustic ensembles, so a performance so natural and realistic is really a must! James, I really think going active is the future if a great leap forward in music reproduction is the final goal. Dario Camuzzini Italy |
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Bryston Active System – The Inner Ear August, 2017 THE COMPONENTS FOR WELL-TEMPERED AUDIO — TRI-AMPED LOUDSPEAKERS Last weekend, I listened to three well-arranged audio systems at Bryston’s V/P James Tanners home. The Bryston Middle Ts driven with the Bryston 28B Cubed mono blocks in room 1. The Bryston A2’s with the 7B Cubed mono blocks in room 2. Finally, in room 3 the Active Model T with the new (and amazing) 3-channel model 21B mono blocks. Each 21B amp is actually a 7B Cubed and a 4B Cubed in one chassis. A pair or 21B amplifiers will drive the Model Ts in an active configuration whereby the bass drivers are fed with the 7B and the midrange and tweeters are handled by the 4B and of course an active system needs an electronic crossover so the Bryston BAX-1 Digital Crossover. It was the winning system and, although powered by more electronics than the other two systems, it rendered the musical material exceptionally well with an organic quality that almost completely transcended the complicated system arrangement. The stunning performance made it impossible to find a signature sound and rivaled, possible outperformed, some the best audio I have ever heard!!! Ernie Fisher The Inner Ear Magazine |
Hi James
I purchased the Active Middle T's recently. I followed your suggestion and I moved the active Middle Ts a little bit wider apart, so now the speakers are almost 2.5 meters far from each other. Wow...! I understand the importance of off axis response, as the soundstage is bigger, even more realistic while the center focus is still fantastic. I continue to be amazed how much control at low frequencies and how similar to real life the musical reproduction is listening to active Middle Ts. The coherence is so perfect the speakers actually disappear. Thanks. |
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: New Bryston Active Speaker Dealer August, 2017 Hi Folks, I am very pleased to announce the appointment of another dedicated Bryston Active Speaker Dealer. Welcome to: ‘Audio By Mark Jones’ Mark has a fully ‘Active Bryston System’ on display consisting of the following: • Bryston Model T Expresso Walnut Active Speakers • Bryston BAX-1 3-way Active Digital Crossover • Six channels of Bryston Amplification Having a dedicated listening room to allow customers to hear how much better Active Speakers can sound is paramount and I thank Mark for his commitment to this concept. In a market where customers are asking for more value added from their dealer the in-home setup and calibrated active Bryston speaker system is a perfect fit. “James, keeping in mind that I am accustom to the best gear on the planet --- CH Precision, Tenor, Magico, Kronos etc… These Active Bryston Model T’s sound just awesome !!!” Mark Jones Audio By Mark Jones http://www.audiobymarkjones.ca/bryst...-in-the-house/ |
Hi Folks,
Just got our first order for an Active Model T system for Norway !!! james |
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: Absolute Sound - Middle T Active Demo Hi Folks, AUSPICIOUS DEBUT!!! Nice response to our Bryston Middle T Active system demo from The Absolute Sound Magazine Check it out on page 112 in the October 2017 issue of TAS! |
Today I took a break from cooking Canadian Thanksgiving dinner and sat out on my front porch to drink a coffee.
Supertamp was playing in the living room. I was amazed by the sound mix so far away. Base mids and highs all were balanced and sounded just fine. It made me reflect that the Bryston T with BAX are the best all around speakers, most consistently musical, I have ever owned. This is referenced against solutions I still own costing many times more. Don't just take my word for it. Please take the time to go to TAVES in TO this coming weekend and listen for yourself. ( My assumption is they will have a demo, but I don't know, just guessing). I predict Active Crossover two channel solutions are going to flourish when the message finally gets out. Hats off to the pioneers like James. Cheers Drew W. |
MEMO: To All Bryston Customers
SUBJECT: New Bryston Active Speaker Dealer October, 2017 Hi Folks, I am very pleased to announce the appointment of another dedicated Bryston Active Speaker Dealer. Welcome to Audio Ark in Edmonton Alberta Audio Ark will have a fully ‘Active Bryston System’ on display consisting of the following: • Bryston Model T Walnut Active Speakers • Bryston BAX-1 3-way Active Digital Crossover • Six channels of Bryston Amplification Having a dedicated listening room to allow customers to hear how much better Active Speakers can sound is paramount and I thank Audio Ark for their commitment to this concept. In a market where customers are asking for more value added from their dealer the in-home setup and calibrated active Bryston speaker system is a perfect fit. |
| All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:19 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.10
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
©Copyright 2009-2023 AudioAficionado.org.Privately owned, All Rights Reserved.