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.
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