Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Bryston vs Axiom Amps

I've been doing some searching but not really getting the answers I need. I'm very seriously considering taking the plunge and purchasing a 5.1 system ( or just 5.0 ) with the M80 v3 as the foundation.

I was settled on Bryston amplification wether it be 4Bsst + 9B or 6B. Keep in mind price is not the issue since I'll be buying recently used amps. But since it's pretty much accepted that the Brystons are very revealing in top end and can sound bright, I"m not sure wether this is and ideal setup with the M80 with it's forward sounding top end. This sounds like a poor match.

I've searched as much as I can on the A1400-8. Sonically it may be a better match ( key word "may" ) but I've been reading snippits about the reliability of this unit and the fact that it does not deliver the stated rated power in all channels across the full bandwidth. Now, that rarely happens but it can and is a concern to me.

So, I'd like to read your thoughts on both amps if you have heard them with the M80 or even M60 which I'm told may be better suited to Bryston amplification.

Cheers!

All I can help you with is that Bryston's plant is located 10 minutes from my house, which is pretty neat.

I would search online for used Bryston amps if you decide on that brand, as I've come across many in the past. They also have a transferable warranty, which is very appealing.

I've enjoyed the A-1400-8, A-1400-2, 4BSST, 9BSST, and 14BSST over the last several years. Sound quality on all those amps are excellent and any one of them will extract all the resolution and nuances out of your M80s.

Yes there was a relay problem in the early Axiom amps which has been addressed in the latest versions. As for the Brystons I had a main switch repair in the 4BSST and all three Bryston amps eventually had their caps replaced. All pretty minor maintenance IMO and not worth worrying about.

Among that fine lineup of amps, I'd suggest looking for the best deal.

I've had the pleasure of hearing my M80 run by the A1400(out of my price range) and it is indeed a treat. I have not heard any Bryston amps but I am also in the used amp market(savings here) or otherwise. Santa may be very good to me this year

The A1400-8 would be purchased new. Bryston amps will be used unless. 4Bsst's can be had for less than the 3Bsst online however the price will easily be more than one A1400-8. And like I say the money part is not an issue - I'll find a way lol. ( one slightly used teenager for sale lmao ). It comes down the best match for the M80's. I fatigue rather easily to bright, aggressive highs and to forward a midrange.
I'd also entertain ideas of other moderately high end amps. Anthem comes to mind.

I would be amazed in a blind listening test that you could hear the difference between the A1400-8 and the Brytson or Anthem, or Emotiva, or ... There are advantages to the A1400-8, but I don't think sound quality would be one of them.

Bryston is a great Canadian success story, like Axiom, and are regarded around the world for their stability and quality (Bryston stands behind their product with incredible warranties).

There are lots to worry about when putting together an audio system, a Bryston amp usually isn’t one of them.

The Bryston warranty is reflected in the price.

I agree, no different than Honda.

.... and Iv'e owned 3 Honda's lol.

Well, the thing about amps and not hearing differences is a personal thing. Some can some can't . Not saying I have golden ears. But just to put things into perspective.... about 15 years ago, I was in a shop in Edmonton while on vacation from northern BC. I was very interested in a certain B&W speaker. Electronics were moderately esoteric. At first listen, with my demo CD's I was not impressed and actually uninterested.. The salesman's suggested he switch speaker cables.. He went from an inexpensive Audioquest to something I can't recall.. The "immediate" difference was astonishing to say the least and thats what we chatted about for the next hour as I forgot about the speakers lol. Sooo, to say no one can hear differences between all amps or all cables or all whatever is just being well for lack of a more polite way putting it - closed minded. I use to have some pretty decent gear years ago ( YBA, Focal, Totom, Roksan, etc etc.) No, I couldn't always hear the changes I made ... but, mabye, just maybe.... the next guy could.......sorry for the rant.

Why do you remember the name of the cheap cable but not the expensive cable? It sounded like his upsell was effective.