Bryston 4B-ST (RETRO REVIEW) Is it still good after 20 years

In this video I take a look at the Bryston 4B-ST power amplifier.
A retro review (for me) is about equipment that is not made anymore.

- YouTube audio library

[nap]

Have been using a 12 B Pre - amp and 2 B Power the last 30 years and they still sound fabulous.
A brilliant company and their 20 year guarantee has proven true to their word.
I live in the UK and about 12 years ago the pre had a loose phono socket sent it back to Canada via my dealer and 3 weeks later it was back sounding even better a few new parts on the circuit board and phono socket repaired all for free of cahrge
Thanks for the 4 B ST review

[dennismckeown]

I owned one of these many years ago and the sound was fantastic the highs were crystal clear definatly something wrong with his amp. One of the best amps money can buy.

[thomascochran]

I have owned four 4B-NRB Bryson amplifiers since 1993. The warranty’s have expired! I feel the Bryson’s exhibit a minimalist functional design that I find desirable. In addition, they have never let me down. I’m sure there are many good amps for less money, but if I find a great product, I tend to stick with that product. These amps will likely outlast me.

[dennismckeown]

It's still one of the best ever made.

[PrimeHiFi]

Great review Ivar. Your channel is growing very fast, congratulations!

[runboyrunboy]

I have the Bryston 4B ST and just got a Lexicon512 which is actually Bryston 9B ST with 5 individual 3B ST in the chassis. When copared, the basic sound is similar. However, the biggest differences between a 4B sound and 3B sound is that 4B for sure is more powerful and controlled, it's faster with better high frequency extension. The sound stage is wide. In comparison, 3B is much warmer to make it sound almost like a tube amp. Wider sound stage than 4B but the midrange is smoother. If you don't need the extra power then it's right down to the taste between a 4B faster cleaner and extended range sound or a 3B warmer, more relaxed and more musical sound

[MichelLinschoten]

I completely agree, bryston is awesome gear they used to give 20 years warranty on their product. I use 2 50kg (!! EACH) weighing ATI amplifiers, good old days when they knew how to build a amp with superior parts. The 7b brystons were so well build and more powferful than a top model KRELL KS series..

The highs getting out control, did you check if the amp needs capacitor replacements ? These are not the youngest amps anymore..perhaps worth a check .

[lazzarr]

This is kind of industry standard amp and in order to hear what is really capable of you need a balanced preamplifier of a high class. I tried with similar AVM preamplifier but it is not match and those problems came partly because of that. With Bryston pre and balanced conection everything come into place and sound is hard to beat not only in this price tag.

[hansonmmm]

I got this is silver which I brought used around 5 years ago. Love the sound however recently the channel 2 have got crackling/humming sound. I guess I need to do the recap which I still have no idea on where to do it and how much will it cost. Brand new cost is really2 expensive.

[likesnoozn]

That is one unattractive powerful beast.
Nice review, Ivar. I like the rotating, floating stars! How many watts per channel do you think you were pushing in your listening tests?

[mookie]

Do you actually leave a decent speaker stand like a Dreadnought as wobbly as that? They have adjustable spikes for a reason....

[Stelios.Posantzis]

Another reviewer that doesn't like the Bryston looks. I don't get it. To me, this kind of looks simply mean this amp means business. That's right. And lest we forget: if something nice to look at is what one is after, then there's better ways out there to spend two grand - if on the other hand it's sound one is after, well, one can hardly go wrong with it. And the looks provide a guaranteed talking material each time one has guests..

[byrong]

I have only ever owned Arcam integrated/power amplifiers in my system powering Kef reference speakers. My dream, when funds allow, is to buy Bryston, Krell or McIntosh. Will probably always be a dream, but a we all need a bit of delusion now and then. Thanks for sharing.

[jackryder]

Second hand store is selling for $700 cad, is it worth it?

[jackryder]

Is this better than 3b, can I use for surround sound

[terrywho]

I've owned Bryston gear in the past, and while I appreciate the build quality and clarity, I struggled with it's high frequency reproduction. I had Bryston check the amp, and they found an issue with one of the connectors, but when the amp was returned, the highs were still unpleasant lacking in the ability to deliniate timbral differences. I had a couple of friends that owned the exact amp you have, the 4BST. The friend that does live sound and recordings still enjoys his, while the fellow audiophile sold his some time ago.