Power Amplifiers
Bryston 14B SST2 Stereo 600 Watt per Channel Power Amplifier
- Written by John E. Johnson, Jr.
- Published on 03 June 2010
In Use
I tested the Bryston 14B with a McIntosh MCD500 SACD player, Lamm L2 Reference preamplifier, and Carver Amazing Mark IV ribbon speakers. Cables were Emotiva, Slinkylinks, and Legenburg.
Man, this thing cranks! I thought the plaster was going to come off the ceiling. Fortunately, it doesn't have any plaster (;=>
I shoved some bombastic SACDs and CDs through the 14B, with nary a crackle of distortion. I have a feeling that the dynamic power (overhead) is considerable.
The sound of the 14B is on the neutral side. I did not perceive any tendency for bass, mids, or highs to be forward or recessed. It does not have a sound of its own, unless you can hear huge biceps flexing. It's rated at 600 watts, but it's like having a 12 gauge shotgun, loaded with double 00 buckshot and magnum powder charge.
I listened to some of the most demanding albums I have, and the 14B never faltered. The deepest bass was not diminished. The high register horns never sounded harsh or edgy. It was just great music, and plenty of it.
