[dkorbal]

Originally Posted by btn2803

I recently went back to audition the 802D3 with the Mac452 and Bryston 4B3. I would prefer to listen to the MC611 vs. 7B3 but my dealer did not have the 7B3 on hand.

After a couple of hours of listening, swapping between the MC452 and 4B3, IMHO, the Mac sounded to my ears more natural particularly with the voices. However, the 4B3 was very close to the Mac to my ears.

I like the bullet-proof 20-year warranty of the Bryston (vs. 3 years for the Mac). I currently have the Bryston 9B ST which I have used for the last 16+ years. It needed to be repaired only twice (replacing the cards), and in both occasion, I was glad it's under warranty. Price wise, the Bryston is also less expensive (~$1500 less for the 7B3 vs. MC611).

I am really torn...For those of you who have either the MC601/611 or 7B3 driving your 802/803 B&Ws, could you provide your thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

I realize you ended up with MC611 but I was wondering if you had anything to add about your assessment. I’m in the market for amps to drive my 803D3 and narrowed my choices to Mcintosh or Bryston specifically, MC452, MC462, MC601, 4B3, and 7B3. Budget will play a part in the final choice. I've demo'd Mac gear with the speakers and I’m familiar with how the two sound together but not Bryston. IMO The Mac which sounds great helps tone down the 803D3's brightness but at the cost of some clarity. My question is with Bryston do I gain back the clarity while retaining warmness or slight less warmth?