Bryston 3 or 4b v Musical Fidelity P270 v Chord SPM 1000b

[Clarkey_71]

I've got the bug to upgrade my power amp at the moment. I normally use a very old and dear to my heart Musical Fidelity P270. This gives me plenty of power but is quite dated. This has recently developed a defect so I am currently using a borrowed Chord SPM 1000b. This is another great amp, but pure and simply isn't mine to keep!! I use PMC OB1's, so naturally the Bryston amps are of interest to me, though I have never auditioned any. Funds prevent me from buying new, so it's second hand for me all the way!!
I just wondered if any of you had any comments on this subject. It's also worth pointing out that I use a Audio Research SP9 pre amp. I've no desire to update this amp as I have always really liked it and have been using it for nearly 15 years, but matching with it is obviously very important.
Any views?
Thanks

 

[Clarkey_71]

Any takers?

 

[Anonymous]

Well I'm not familiar with your pre but I am a big Bryston fan. I currently don't have a Bryston power amp; but that is bound to change in the next year or so. Bryston is a great bet when buying used - 20 year transferable warranty is a strong argument. If it was me I would look for a 4B ST or 4B SST. Both are great amps that have always had excellent reviews. I really can't see any reason why it wouldn't work well with your pre.

 

[Frank Harvey]

I'm not familiar with the Chord, but the Bryston would be a good choice to follow on from the P270, which had a huge amount of power on tap. By today's standards, I'm guessing it'll sound a little slow in the low end, and probably not as clear as todays equivalents. But still, it is a stonker.

Having owned a 3b previously, I can testify to the output capabilities oif the Brystons. Into 4 ohms I think it was about 200wpc, but never ran out of steam and never seemed to struggle at any point driving rather large KEF Reference. The OB1's need control, and the Bryston will not fail in that area.

 

[bladeslap]

I know what you mean about your dear old MF P270, I found it difficult to part with mine and ended up bi-amping the tweeters with it...worked a treat.

I'm sorry that doesn't help you with your problem. I'd speak to a specialist dealer familiar with your pre-amp, I use Doug Brady in Warrington (01925 828009).