BRYSTON

OWNER’S MANUAL

Instructions For Bryston

SST Series Amplifiers

Model 6BSST

6BSST

THREE CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

Table of Contents

General Introduction

Instalation and Ventilation

Rear Panel Input Settings/Connections

Setting Input Selector Switch

Balance Input Connector Configuration

Setting Polarity

Setting Input Sensitivity

Output Binding Posts and Polarity

Front Panel Description

LED Indicators (Power-up Sequence)

LED Indicators (Operating Conditions)

Power Control Panel

Master Curcuit -Breaker

AC Power Input

Local/Auto Switch

Local/External Switch

Rack Mounting Instructions

Individual Module Removal

Channel Fuse Type/Location

5.1 Typical Home Theatre Setup

Block Diagram of the 6BSST

Typical Performance Graphs

Technical Specifications

Important Warranty Information

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5

Page 6

Page 7

Page 8

Page 9-12

Page 13

Back Cover

6BSST

THREE CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the 6BSST Three Channel Power Amplifier.

Bryston welcomes any suggestions you may have, or comments regarding the operation of your amplifier. We consider you, our customer, to be Bryston’s most important resource, and your opinion is very much appreciated.

Description

The 6BSST is a modular design 3 x 300W per channel audio power amplifier. Each channel selects a balanced or single ended input. Each channel selects a gain of 29dB(1v), 23dB(2v) or 17dB(4v). Each channel input may be operated inverted or non-inverted operation(0 or -180 degrees). The power up of the 6BSST may be controlled by remote control voltage. The 6BSST includes ‘soft start’ power control circuitry to eliminate high inrush currents when A/C power is applied.

Warranty ( see back page for details )

Shipping Box & Packing Material

Please keep the original shipping box and all packing material. This will ensure the amplifier is protected in future transport. In the unlikely event you have a problem and must return it for service you must use the proper packing material.

Ship the amplifier only in the original packing material, as the unit is not insurable by carriers otherwise.

Installation ( see rack mounting section if applicable )

Ventilation. The most important installation consideration is ventilation. The 6BSST is a convection-cooled amplifier.

Unrestricted air-flow across its heat sinks is a must. For this reason do not install anything directly above it. Allow 3.5’ (2u) to 5” (3u) inches of space above and to the sides of this amplifier. Do not install directly above other heat generating equipment. Should your instillation conditions be constricted, then additional forced air-cooling may be necessary. Bryston can provide an optional fan package if required. Any 6BSST channels thermally shutting down during operation indicates insufficient cooling, and a remedy must be found for cooling the amplifier. Provide a minimum 6” space to the rear of the 6BSST for ventilation and dressing cables to and from the amplifier.

Never operate the 6BSST in a vertical position.

Wiring the 6BSST ( also see rear panel description )

Speaker wires should be as short as practical. Use quality wire, and if runs are more than 3 meters use at least 12 gauge wire. The speaker binding posts will accept wire up to 3 gage in size. Bryston can custom build cables for your application.

A/C power

Before plugging in the power cord be sure your 6BSST is specified for the correct a/c voltage for your locality. The voltage is listed to the right of the power input connector. The circuit feeding the 6BSST should be sufficient so as not to cause the circuit breaker to trip. Note: the 6BSST when operated with all channels at maximum power into 4 ohm loads, can consume all the available power in a normal household circuit, therefore a dedicated electrical circuit may be necessary with this situation. Never lift the safety ground to the amplifier or remove the ground pin from the plug.

Power line conditioners

will not improve the 6BSST performance, in fact most of the time they restrict the flow of current in the power line to the amplifier, reducing performance at high output levels.

1

6BSST

THREE CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

Rear Panel Input / Output Connections

1. Input Select Switch.

Each 6BSST channel gives the user the option of switching between either balanced input or single ended input.

2. Balanced Input connector. ( Imp. 20k )

This input connector accepts standard ‘XLR’ or 1/4” TRS .

Use quality, 100% shielded cables with gold plated connectors.

‘XLR’ type

‘TRS’ type

‘RCA’ type

3. Single Ended Input. ( Un-balanced input ) ( Imp. 50k )

This input connector

accepts standard ‘RCA’ or ‘Phono’ connectors.

Use quality, 100% shielded cables with gold plated connectors.

Balanced input Vs Single ended input:

The balanced input requires a balanced pre-amp source. Balanced

Fig 1

systems provide noise protection from external electrical interference, so cable length can be very long (50m or longer ).

The single ended or unbalanced input is provided for pre-amps without balanced output. Single-ended cables should be kept to 20’ (7m) or less. In general never use longer cables than necessary, never coil excess cable length, and run signal wires away from AC power or speaker cables.

4. Polarity Switch ( 0 or -180 degrees)

Each 6BST channel gives the user the option of inverting the polarity of the input signal -180 degrees.

Polarity inversion is application specific. The normal operating position is 0 degrees.

5. Input Sensitivity (Gain) Switch.

The optimum gain setting will depend upon the source pre-amp operating level, and or personal preference.

The 1v setting is used when the source is single-ended, or from a transformer coupled balanced source.

This is the home theatre setting for single ended or un-balanced operation.

The 1v setting provides the most amplifier gain - 29 dB. (1v in = 100w @ 8 ohms.) (noise -112 dB)

A signal level of 1.7v at the input is required to deliver 300W into 8 ohms (rated output).

The 2v setting is used when the sources output is actively Balanced.

This is the home theatre setting for balanced operation Or use this setting with any systems where the volume control rotation is limited to the bottom half of the control or less.

The 2v setting provides an amplifier gain - 23 dB. ( 2v in = 100w @ 8 ohms.) ( noise -115 dB )

A signal level of 3.4v at the input is required to deliver 300W into 8 ohms (rated output).

The 4v setting is used when the source pre-amp has a high output level, or in ultra sensitive systems where the volume control rotation range is still limited when using the 2v setting.

Some pre-amps may be unable to deliver enough level to use this setting.

The 4v setting provides an amplifier gain - 17 dB. ( 4v in = 100w @ 8 ohms.) ( noise -118 dB )

A signal level of 6.8v at the input is required to deliver 300W into 8 ohms (rated output).

The noise is referenced in dB below rated output of 300 watts. Different input configurations result in slightly different noise readings. The above noise ratings represent minimum readings, actual readings may be better.

2

6BSST

THREE CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

6. Output binding posts & polarity.

The RED binding post is connected to the amplifier output. Connect to this post the (+) terminal on the loudspeaker.

The BLACK binding post is connected to signal ground. Connect to this post the (-) terminal on the loudspeaker.

When the polarity switch is set for 0 degrees (normal operation ) the output at the RED binding post is in phase with the input signal.

When the polarity switch is set for 180 degrees (inverted operation) the the output at the RED binding post is 180 degrees out of phase with the input signal.

The Output binding posts provide three different interconnect options. Combinations may be used when bi-wiring. See figure 2 below. Cables should be kept as short as practical and should never be terminated with connectors that may become confused for AC power connectors. Cables should be dressed away from input and power cables.

1. Banana plugs offer a quick disconnect option. Before inserting a banana plug into the binding post be sure to tighten the post nut to avoid rattling and to provide full insertion of the banana plug. Gold plated locking banana plugs are available from Bryston.

2. Spade lugs provide high contact area and secure fastening. Lugs should be gold plated. See diagram for details.

Post diameter is 5/16’ ( 8mm ),lug width 5/8” (16 mm). Gold plated spade lugs are available from Bryston.

3. Stripped bare wire up to 3 gauge can be inserted through the hole in the binding post and held in place by tightening the post knob. Additional tightening pressure can be achieved using a coin in the slots of the knob. Do not over tighten or the binding post may become damaged. Note that copper wire is malleable and may require further tightening after the initial installation.

Fig 2

2

Spade lug dimensions 3

1

Coin

7. Rear Handle (Page 2 Fig 1)

The handle on each channel is to protect the connectors and removal of the channel from the chassis.

This handle should never be used to carry the 6BSST. Use only the front panel handles for carrying the 6BSST, or lift from the sides of the chassis if not equipped with front panel handles.

3

6BSST

THREE CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

2

1

Front Panel

1. 'SST POWER' switch

The front panel label 'SST POWER', is a touch sensitive membrane switch used to apply or remove a/c line power to the

6BSST circuitry. Push firmly the center of the switch until the power-up sequence begins. Push again and the 6BSST will power-down. ( Note: the rear circuit breaker must be on for the 6BSST to power-up)

2. LED Indicators

Each 6BSST channel has a LED indicator to monitor the following channel conditions:

U NLIT -

R ED indicates channel has no power.

indicates channel is muted (power-up-down sequence)

G REEN indicates channel operation is normal.

F LASHING R ED - indicates channel clipping.

O RANGE indicates channel thermal shutdown.

Power up sequence

After pushing the 'SST POWER' switch, each channel led will turn from unlit to red (mute). When the power supplies have stabilized the channel will come out of mute and the led will change to green (normal operation).

Unlit led ( No power )

The 6BSST channel led when unlit indicates no A/C mains power is present at the channel. If all channel led indicators are unlit the 6BSST probably needs only to be powered on. A single led not lighting possibly indicates blown channel fuses. When checking fuses switch off the circuit breaker on the rear panel, or unplug the power cord. Use only the specified quick-acting 4 amp 250V 5mm x 20mm fuses. See page 6 for the fuse locations.

Clipping ( flashing red )

Clipping occurs when the channel output level no longer can follow the level increase at the input (Over driven outeeput condition). When a 6BSST channel is driven into clipping the channel led will change from green to red then back to green when the level is reduced ( Flashing Red ). Momentary clipping can be tolerated, however it indicates that maximum un-distorted power has been surpassed and potential speaker damage may result if overload conditions persist.

Any amplifier that is constantly operated into clipping indicates a more powerful amplifier is needed for that application.

Thermal Shutdown ( orange )

The 6BSST channel has thermal shutdown circuitry to prevent damage due to overheating.

Should thermal shutdown occur, the channel will mute, and the channel led will turn orange indicating this condition.

When the channel has cooled to a safe operating condition the channel will return to normal operation.

Persistent Thermal shutdown indicates steps need to be taken to increase airflow across the channel or channels heat sink. ( Also see installation section on ventilation ).

4

6BSST

THREE CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

Power Control Panel

1. Master circuit - breaker.

The 6BSST uses a magnetic-trip circuit breaker (1) to protect the amplifier.

This switch should be ‘OFF’ when installing the 6BSST. When switched ‘OFF’ all A/C power is removed from the amplifier, including standby power.

The circuit breaker is not the day to day power switch and should be switched and left ‘ON’ after the installation is complete.Use the ‘SST POWER” switch or an external control voltage to Power-up or Power-down the amplifier.

Should the breaker trip, lower or remove the amplifier input signals. Switch the breaker to the ‘ON’ position. Then power the unit up normally. The circuit breaker must be ‘ON’ at all times for the 6BSST to operate.

2. AC power input.

This is a high current plug for the power cord receptacle. Check that the voltage rating at the right of the connector conforms with your locality. With the circuit breaker ‘OFF’ insert the power cord into the 6BSST, then plug the other end to an approprate A/C power outlet.

3. Power-Up ( Local / Auto switch. )

A. In “Local” position either the front panel ‘SST POWER” switch or an external voltage controls the power-up of the 6BSST.

B. “Auto” is used when the 6BSST is powered from a switched power outlet.

The ‘SST POWER’ switch and / or control voltage will function normally after the initial power up.

4. External control voltage power up ( Local / external switch.)

A. To power-up the 6BSST using an external control voltage,

Supply a 4v to 12v A/C or DC control voltage to the ‘IN’ terminals of connector ( 5 ).

Use paired wire of 22 gauge to 18 gauge sufficient in length between the source device and the 6BSST. (see ‘W’ )

Select switch (4) to “External”. The amplifier will now power-up only when the control voltage is present (on).

Immediately following power up, the control voltage will appear at the ’OUT’ terminals of connector (5) for the control of other equipment.The Removal of the control voltage ( 0v) causes the 6BSST to turn ‘off’ and the control voltage at the ‘OUT’ terminals is interrupted.

B

. In the“Local” setting of switch (4) the 6BSST will ignore the control voltage, and power up only by using the front panel ‘SST POWER’ switch, or as in section 3 above. If a control voltage is present at the ‘IN’ terminals it will still be available at the ‘OUT’ terminals after the power-up sequence.

Control Voltage equipped source

4 to 12v ac or dc

Control voltage wire preparation for screw terminals separate 1”

18 to 22 gage wire fig W

1/4” strip to other voltage controlled devices

Note:

The ‘OUT’ terminals are connected to the ‘IN’ terminals once the 6BSST has powered-up.

The control current is determined by the source equipment. The carrying current of the ‘OUT’ relay is 2 amps.

The 6BSST itself draws less than 2 ma from the control current when operating.

5

6BSST

THREE CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

Rack Mounting Instructions

The 6BSST 19” version may be rack mounted with or without the ability to remove the channels. If removal of the channels is desired then the shipping screws securing the channels need to be removed.

REMOVE 4

6-32 SCREWS

FROM THIS

SIDE

TOP VIEW

REMOVE 3

3-32 SCREWS

FROM THIS SIDE

DO NOT REMOVE

SCREWS FROM

RACK MOUNT

BRACKET

FAST ACTING 4A 250V 5mm X 20mm

REMOVE 8 SCREWS 632 X 3/8”

Removing the channels makes rack mounting far easier as the chassis will be much lighter.

Before removing any screws from the

6BSST be sure the power cord is removed from the unit.

Remove the screws indicated on the top and bottom views plus the ones described on the sides.

Pull gently on the channel handle to remove the channel. Be prepared to use both hands to handle the channel.

It should not be necessary to remove the power input module.

Install 6BSST chassis in rack.

Carefully reinstall the channels.

DO NOT REMOVE SCREWS FROM

RACK MOUNT BRACKET

BOTTOM VIEW

REMOVE ALL 6-32 SCREWS ON

THE BOTTOM.

The removal of the feet should not be necessary as clearance below the amplifier MUST be at least 1U when rack mounting.

6

Left Front

6BSST

THREE CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

Typical 5.1 Home Theatre Setup

Right Front

6BSST 3 x 300w per ch

Powered Subwoofer

Left Rear

Center

Home Theatre processor

Right Rear

4BSST 2 x 300w per ch.

7

6BSST

THREE CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

8

6BSST

THREE CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

Typical Band-pass Noise

Power supply artifacts are all below -95 dBu balanced input with 23dB gain shown dBu: dB relative to a reference of 0.7746 Volts

Typical THD+N Harmonic Content

The harmonic content of the 6BSST is all even order.

9

6BSST

THREE CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

Typical Frequency Response

8 ohm 300w<.01dB 20Khz.

4 ohm 500w<.1dB 20Khz.

Typical Phase Response

4 ohm 600w

8 ohm 300w

10

6BSST

THREE CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

Typical THD+N Sweep

Graph shows that distortion is essentially unaffected by load.

4v balanced input shown.

4 ohm 600w

8 ohm 300w

Typical IMD Sweep

4 ohm 600w

8 ohm 300w

11

6BSST

THREE CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

Damping Factor

8 ohm reference

Typical Crosstalk channel 2 reading with channels 1 & 3 driven to

300w into 8 ohms channel 2 reading with channels 1 & 3 driven to

600w into 4 ohms

12

6BSST

THREE CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

Technical Specifications

Power Output, 29dB - 1.7Vin = 300W @ 8 Ohms - (1V Position)

Gain Select and Sensitivity 23dB - 3.4Vin = 300W @ 8 Ohms - (2V Position)

17dB - 6.8Vin = 300W @ 8 Ohms - (4V Position)

Input Impedance

Distortion

IM or THD+noise

Noise

50 Kohms single ended

20 Kohms balanced

< 0.005% 20Hz to 20kHz at 300 watts into 8 ohms,

< 0.007% 20Hz to 20kHz at 500 watts into 4 ohms

Measured with input shorted - 20Hz to 20kHz.

>112dB below rated output 29dB gain (- 75dBu)

>115dB below rated output 23dB gain (- 78dBu)

>118dB below rated output 17dB gain (- 81dBu)

Slew Rate

Power Bandwidth

Damping Factor

>60 volts per microsecond

<1 Hz to over 100 kHz

Over 500 at 20 Hz, ref. 8 ohms

Dimensions

Rack mount version

17” version

Weight:

48.3 x 13.3 x 39.4cm - 19” x 7” x 20.5“ with handles - mounted rack depth - 46.7cm - 18.375"

43.2 x 13.3 x 39.4cm - 17” x 7” x 19“ approx. 36kg - 80 lbs

Power Consumption &Heat Load single channel 300W @ 8 ohms -

3 channels @ 300W @ 8 ohms -

Max. Heat Dissipation 8 ohms - single channel 500W @ 4 ohms -

3 channels @ 500W @ 4 ohms -

Max. Heat Dissipation 4 ohms -

At Idle -

625 Watts

2100 Watts

4100 Btu/Hr.

1075 Watts

3450 Watts

6600 Btu/Hr.

225 Watts

13

BRYSTON 20 -YEAR WARRANTY

Bryston products are warranted to be free from manufacturing defects for a minimum of twenty years from the original date of manufacture. This includes parts, labour and return shipping to the first owner and all subsequent owners. Warranty coverage is automatic and commences with the original date of manufacture which is kept on file at Bryston.

In the event of a defect or malfunction, Bryston will remedy the problem by repair or replacement, as we deem necessary, to restore the product to full performance.

This warranty is considered void if the defect, malfunction or failure of the product or any component part was caused by damage ( not resulting from a defect or malfunction ) or abuse while in the possession of the customer. Tampering by persons other than factory authorized service personnel, or failure to fully comply with Bryston operating instructions, voids the warranty.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which may vary from province to province and country to country.

BRYSTON LTD.

P.O. BOX 2170

677 NEAL DRIVE

PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO

CANADA

K9J 7Y4

BRYSTON SERVICE U.S.A.:

70 COVENTRY ST.

SUITE #5

NEWPORT VERMONT

U.S.A. 05855

PHONE: 802- 334-1201

FAX: 802-334-6658

FOR BRYSTON SERVICE OUTSIDE CANADA:

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR

OR

CHECK OUR WEB SITE AT: [email protected]

OR

CALL BRYSTON DIRECTLY AT:

PHONE: 705-742-5325

FAX: 705-742-0882