well, i ran into some serious health problems, and i'm still recovering. my left arm is paraliyzed and is a major source of pain. i am in terrible pain each day.. so, it's gonna a be quite some time before any upgrades happen, if they even happen. i did manage an in-home audition of a competing amp. it sounded great, but it ran too hot and caused me to have high electric bills. plus, the binding posts are crap. no provison for bananas or bare wire.

anyway, that's it for now...enjoy your systems in good health. because you never know what may happen. life's too short. take care.

dave_72 May 27, 2016 00:26

Well, here I am a year later, and no upgrades yet. Time is of the essence people. And good things come to those that wait.

dave_72 October 05, 2015 02:40

Upgrades have been postponed until later next year. I just thought I'd let all of you know...:D

dave_72 October 03, 2014 16:11

Thank you sir, much appreciated. Yes, I do too. I haven't thought about swapping arms...is it worth it, and is it hard to do? Yeah, the Bryston is what I call a "workhorse." It's not gonna win all the glamorous awards and accolades, but it's a decent solid amp that gets the job done for the most part, imo. I didn't pay much at all for it either...well under $3000.

dave_72 July 03, 2013 06:28

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the info! I understand that completely. It sounds like a sideways move. However, I was referring to European products like FM. Are they cheaper to buy in Europe?

Right, exactly. Just the integrateds. Which is great, but you need to head the separates to really get the full sound. I did go to the Accuphase booth @ CES, and I was impressed with the sound. The whole system was the top of the line of Accuphase; preamp, power amp, and sacd player.

Yes, I was interested in the Focals. These JBLs came up, and at a significant discount, so I went with these. I did hear them @ CES 2012 and I was happy with the sound. However, since JBL is a Harman beand it was driven with Levinson amplification.

So what do you think about Pass Labs? Good or no good? I'm only considering the Class A models and either the 2 or 3 box preamps.

So basically, I'm going with either FM (used,) Pass Labs, and Accuphase. Which one is yet to be determined. Which do you think is best out of the 3?

dave_72 March 17, 2013 20:49

Oh, would it be a good idea to travel there to Europe and purchase Euro brands? I imagine it would be cheaper...

dave_72 March 07, 2013 05:09

Hi Paul,

Ok, thank you for that. Yes, used is a better way to go, I agree. But, which brand would you say is the best resale value?

Yeah, the price of FM and other Swiss brands is sky high. It didn't used to be that bad 20 even 10 years ago. I dunno what happened, but it did.

Bryston to me, is ok. Yeah, I shouldn't have to apologize, but there is better out there, imo.

I already have the speakers I like: JBL S4700s. I didn't like them at all at first, but now I do after break in.

Yes, thank you. Of course.

-Dave

dave_72 March 07, 2013 04:19

Hi Paul,

Yes, I understand what you are saying here. The problem is, there's very little no demos to be had from these US dealers! I'm definitely not dealing with that particular dealer when he lied to me just to move a unit. Anyway, they (the dealers) either don't wish to sell them, or they just won't display them! So, I would probably have to buy used here on Audiogon or somewhere else. And that's a risky proposition to me.The Accuphase are very high priced here in the US. The distributor is out of his mind, imo. They are much much cheaper in Japan. Accuphase doesn't hold its value either. It's just not a good investment to me.

So, I am looking at a couple of other brands. One I would definitely have to buy used, and that is FM Acoustics. I am a former FM owner, and I regret selling those units. Another brand is Pass Labs. I feel their Class A amps are on a par with Accuphase. I have heard both and I could go with either one. The FM might be out of my reach depending on how much the units end up costing. Less than new, which are ridiculous prices, imo. I have contacted the US distributor for FM on used units. I do like the sound of FM quite a bit. Anyway, all 3 brands would better the Bryston. I got Bryston because I was being cheap and I sold myself short. But, it's not bad for what it is. You could do a lot worse. It definitely is not super high end. When I get the new amp, preamp, and phono preamp, I will stick the Bryston in either a second system (like in a smaller room) or a video system. We'll see.

Well, that's in for now. I look forward to your response.

-Dave

dave_72 February 25, 2013 21:52

Well, I am most likely gonna get Accuphase. But, not until at least a year from now. So therefore, done for now!

Yes i did. They were great! I wish I could afford those and an Accuphase unit.

dave_72 January 27, 2013 12:42

Thanks, I think...lol.

dave_72 January 26, 2013 23:14