Bryston SP3 Preamp-Processor

[audiohippo]

Originally Posted by James Tanner - Bryston

Hi

I have a new version of the SP3 at home this weekend with the new 2.2 HDMI board and the new USB high resolution board - all seems to work well.

We should have units available shortly.

james

Awesome! Looking forward to getting mine booked in for the upgrade.

[James Tanner - Bryston]

Originally Posted by DrunkPenguin

James that is great.

I am really frustrated with the selection of pre pros right now. I sold my Classe SSP-800 late last year to get 4K. I did a few other upgrades as well and to save money at the time went with an Arcam AVR. Putting Dirac aside and that mess I just am not happy with the overall sound. It's crystal clear and at times quite nice but all sounds a bit congested closed in. Instruments sound far back in the sound field. My speakers are quite resolving and pick up the weak link (KEF Reference) I think the NAD M17 is going to have a similar ultra smooth sound similar to Arcam.

I'd be in with the Classe Sigma but they went one compliant HDMI input. Huge mistake. I have Roku, a UHD player and Comcast will enter the 4K set.top box soon. Three is the minimum. I hope Bryston does not follow Classe here. It's a mistake. A potential sales mistake.

That leaves Mac, Krell Anthem and Marantz. I love Bryston gear and while no Atmos, I could live as long as you have enough compliant inputs.

I know you can't really say but are looking at next year? End of the month?

Thanks
Rick

Hi Rick

I would say about a month.

The new HDMI board has 7 (2.2) compliant inputs so that should help you out there.

I was really pleased to read your post because one of the issues I have found is that many of the 'processors' available are built around 'computer' hierarchy where they make your tea in the morning and loaded with features but do not sound all that great.

The SP3 from inception was considered an AUDIO product first and foremost. So it is designed in the way a serious audio preamp would be designed. Discret Classs A circuits, separate power supplies for the analog and digital sections, Analog Bypass that does not go through any digital conversion circuits or volume controls, etc.

james

[audiohippo]

Any SP3 owners using non-bryston amplification? If so, what?

[nicoff]

Originally Posted by audiohippo

Any SP3 owners using non-bryston amplification? If so, what?

I use Classe amps.

[Chad.Wagner]

Originally Posted by audiohippo

Any SP3 owners using non-bryston amplification? If so, what?

McIntosh

[gbaby]

Originally Posted by audiohippo

Any SP3 owners using non-bryston amplification? If so, what?

I use a Krell KAV-500, but only for the centers and rear speakers. The mains are powered by the Bryston 2.5bsst2.

[DrunkPenguin]

Originally Posted by James Tanner - Bryston

Hi Rick

I would say about a month.

The new HDMI board has 7 (2.2) compliant inputs so that should help you out there.

I was really pleased to read your post because one of the issues I have found is that many of the 'processors' available are built around 'computer' hierarchy where they make your tea in the morning and loaded with features but do not sound all that great.

The SP3 from inception was considered an AUDIO product first and foremost. So it is designed in the way a serious audio preamp would be designed. Discret Classs A circuits, separate power supplies for the analog and digital sections, Analog Bypass that does not go through any digital conversion circuits or volume controls, etc.

james

Awesome! Thanks for again following up. I will be ready financially in two weeks so I will sit tight. It's not like I can't watch a movie now. I am sure the wait will be worth it as I loved my SSP-800 but also have heard several times that the SP3 even surpassed that. That is worth waiting for.

I will be waiting for the SP3 when ready.

Thanks

[DrunkPenguin]

Originally Posted by audiohippo

Any SP3 owners using non-bryston amplification? If so, what?

Not an owner yet but I am currently using Simaudio Neo mono amps. They are quite nice. I use three for the front three and a Parasound Halo for the rears.

Knowing how my Simaudio mono amps sounded with the Classe, I am sure they will sound incredible with the SP3.

Rick

[gbaby]

Originally Posted by DrunkPenguin

Not an owner yet but I am currently using Simaudio Neo mono amps. They are quite nice. I use three for the front three and a Parasound Halo for the rears.

Knowing how my Simaudio mono amps sounded with the Classe, I am sure they will sound incredible with the SP3.

Rick

Rick, the SP3 is absolutely the best audio purchase I have made and it has completely quenched my thirst to upgrade receivers and processors. In fact, it sounds so neutral that when I heard Atmos, it left me unimpressed. The 7.1 from the SP-3 is all you need. While folks talk about the "bubble" sound you get from Atmos, you get the same bubble sound from the SP-3 if the sound tract calls for it. Plus, you have two balanced digital inputs which you will really appreciate once you get a digital player like the BDP-2or3 which have balanced digital outputs. Makes a huge difference in the "weight" of the sound to me when playing two channel sources. Plus, the icing on the cake is 7.1 Dolby Pro Logic Music IIx. This codec sounds so good for 2 channel up converted to 7.1 that I find this is my primary listening mode for music.

[DrunkPenguin]

Yes, I'm sure it's what will work for me as my current state is not!

Trying to get to ten posts. Need to send a private message. Will pop over to the Aurender forum. I have enough budgeted for a prepro and server.

Really interested in the Aurender A10.

Rick