7B3 vs 28B3
 

I am putting together a system for mostly vinyl and some streaming. I will be using an Audio Research REF 6SE pre-amp with an ARC 3S phono amp. My speakers will be Maggie 20.7. My audio advisor recommended a pair of Bryston 7B3 mono amps. I am tempted to bump up to a pair 28B3 monos. In a 24’x12’x8’ room, is there any benefit of going with the 28B3 instead of the 7B3? I listen to everything from classic rock to country to classical to blues to big band to acoustic music at sane, but sometimes loud, volumes. Are there any downsides (other than price) to going with the 28B3 over the 7B3? The 28s look like they have a beefier build to them.

Thank you,

Lew

I just bought 28B3, prior I had 14B SST. There is something special about the 28B. They have so much drive even at low volumes. If you can, go with the 28.

So easy to listen to, from background music to as loud as you want to go.

My 14B would start to clip on some songs, now never an issue. Even though the 28B’s are double the wattage rating for my speakers, I need not to worry about destroying them with clipping.

Where's Ivan on this? Doesn't he own 10 or 12 of each?

While I've owned any number of Bryston pieces (great gear) I topped out with the 4B-SST. With the current hunger of 20.7 Maggies you might be best served with the larger amps. However, there is always the chance they will 'melt' the 20.7s if you become too injudicious with the volume knob.

Guilty as charged; the 28B3 is the way to go. They are very special sounding Amps, as evidenced by how many I own.

Believe it or Not, I have another pair on order as I type this. :yes:

If you go with 28B3, not really needed, but suggest you have 20 amp circuit’s installed. I needed more AC outlets anyway, so not a big cost to upgrade from 15 to 20 amp lines.

If you can swing 28B3's, go for it. You won't be disappointed.