BRYSTON

OWNER’S MANUAL

Instructions For Bryston

SST Series Amplifiers

Models 3B SST and 4B SST

Table of Contents

3B SST and 4B SST Series Amplifiers

General Introduction

Description

Instalation and Ventilation

Page 1

Rear Panel Input Settings/Connections

Setting Input Selector Switch

Balance Input Connector Configuration

Setting Input Sensitivity

Output Binding Posts

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

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5

Block Diagrams

Typical Performance Graphs

Page 8

Page 9-12

Technical Specifications

Page 13

Bridged Mode Instructions Page 14

Important Warranty Information

Back Cover

3B SST and 4B SST Series Amplifiers

Introduction

Thank you for choosing an SST SERIES Stereo 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 3B SST

The 3B SST is a dual mono design 2 x 150W per channel audio power amplifier. Each channel selects a balanced or single ended input. Each channel selects a gain of 29dB(1v) or 23dB(2v). The 3B SST includes ‘soft start’ power control circuitry to eliminate high inrush currents when A/C power is applied. The power up or turn-on of the 3B SST may be activated by remote control voltage.

Description 4B SST

The 4B SST is a dual mono design 2 x 300W per channel audio power amplifier. Each channel selects a balanced or single ended input. Each channel selects a gain of 29dB(1v) or 23dB(2v). The 4B SST includes ‘soft start’ power control circuitry to eliminate high inrush currents when A/C power is applied. The power up or turn-on of the 4B SST may be activated by remote control voltage.

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. All SST amplifiers are convection cooled.

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 SST channels thermally shutting down during operation indicates insufficient air flow, and a remedy must be found for cooling the amplifier. Provide a minimum 6” space to the rear of the amplifier for ventilation and dressing cables to and from the amplifier.

Never operate the amplifier in a vertical position.

Wiring the SST amplifier ( 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 gage wire. The speaker binding posts will accept wire up to 3 gage in size. Bryston will custom build cables for your application.

A/C power

Before plugging in the power cord be sure your SST amplifier is specified for the correct a/c voltage for your locality. The voltage is listed on the label found at the upper right of the rear panel. The circuit feeding the 4B SST should be sufficient so as not to cause the circuit breaker to trip (15 amp min). Note: the 4B SST when operated with both channels delivering maximum power into 4 ohm loads, will 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 nor remove the ground pin from the plug.

Power line conditioners

will not improve the SST amplifier performance, in fact most of the time they restrict the flow of current to the amplifier, reducing performance at higher output levels

1

3B SST and 4B SST Series Amplifiers

Rear Panel Input / Output Connections

1/4” PHONE PLUG

2

1 4

5

XLR TYPE

RCA PLUG

3

6

Fig 1

1. Input Select Switch.

Each SST 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.

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 systems provide noise rejection 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 keep signal wires away from AC power or speaker cables.

4. 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 -110 dB)

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 -113 dB )

The noise is referenced in dB below rated output. Different input configurations result in slightly different noise readings.

The above noise ratings represent minimum readings, actual readings may be better.

5. Mode Switch. (individual or bridge mode)

The individual setting is for two channel operation.

Bridge mode is for mono operation.

6. Level Control. (pro models only)

The level control will attenuate the input signal level from 0dB through -14dB.

2

3B SST and 4B SST Series Amplifiers

6. Output binding posts.

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.

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 gage 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.

Spade lug dimensions

1

2

3

Fig 2

Coin

3

3B SST and 4B SST Series Amplifiers

2

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

2. LED Indicators

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

U

NLIT

-

R

ED

indicates channel has no power.

indicates channel is muted (power-up)

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 SST channel LED when unlit indicates no A/C mains power is present at the channel. If both channel LED indicators are unlit the amplifier probably needs only to be powered on.

Clipping ( flashing red )

Clipping occurs when the channel output level no longer can follow the level increase at the input (Overdriven input condition). When an SST 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 undistorted 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 )

Each 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

3B SST and 4B SST Series Amplifiers

Power Control

1. Master circuit - breaker.

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

This switch should be ‘OFF’ during installation. When switched ‘OFF’ all A/C power is removed from the amplifier, including standby power.

The circuit breaker is not the 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 SST amplifier to operate.

1

2

2. AC power input.

On the rear panel is provided a high current plug for the power cord receptacle. Check that the voltage rating on the label conforms with your locality. With the circuit breaker ‘OFF’ insert the power cord into the SST amplifier, 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 SST amplifier.

B. “Auto” is used when the SST amplifier 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 SST amplifier using an external control voltage,

4

3

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

Use paired wire of 22 to 18 gage sufficient in length between the source device and the SST amplifier. (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 amplifier to turn ‘off’ and the control voltage at the ‘OUT’ terminals is interrupted.

B

. In the“Local” setting of switch (4) the SST amplifier 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 source

4 to 12v ac or dc

fig W

Control voltage wire preparation for screw terminals

separate 1”

18 to 22 gage wire

1/4” strip

to other voltage controlled devices

Bryston part number CO-110A-11104

Note:

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

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

The SST control circuitry itself draws less than 2 mA from the control current when operating.

5

3B SST and 4B SST Series Amplifiers

8

Typical Band-pass Noise 3BSST

Power supply artifacts are all below -95 dBu balanced input with 23dB (2v) gain shown

3B SST and 4B SST Series Amplifiers

Typical Band-pass Noise 4BSST

Power supply artifacts are all below -95 dBu balanced input with 23dB (2v) gain shown dBu: dB relative to a reference of 0.7746 Volts dBu: dB relative to a reference of 0.7746 Volts

Typical THD+N Harmonic Content 3BSST Typical THD+N Harmonic Content 4BSST

The harmonic content of the 3BSST is all even order.

The harmonic content of the 4BSST is all even order.

9

Typical Frequency Response 3BSST

8 ohm 150w

4 ohm 250w

3B SST and 4B SST Series Amplifiers

Typical Frequency Response 4BSST

8 ohm 300w

4 ohm 500w

Typical Phase Response 3BSST Typical Phase Response 4BSST

4 ohm 400w

8 ohm 250w

4 ohm 400w

8 ohm 250w

10

3B SST and 4B SST Series Amplifiers

Typical THD+N Sweep 4BSST Typical THD+N Sweep 3BSST

Graph shows that distortion is essentially unaffected by load.

2v balanced input shown.

4 ohm 250w

8 ohm 150w

Typical IMD Sweep 3BSST

Graph shows that distortion is essentially unaffected by load.

2v balanced input shown.

4 ohm 500w

8 ohm 3000w

Typical IMD Sweep 4BSST

4 ohm 250w

8 ohm 150w

4 ohm 500w

8 ohm 300w

11

3B SST and 4B SST Series Amplifiers

Damping Factor 3BSST AND 4BSST

8 ohm reference

Typical Crosstalk 3BSST AND 4BSST

Channel 2 reading with channels 1 driven to rated output into 8 ohms

Channel 2 reading with channels 1 driven to rated output into 4 ohms

12

3B SST and 4B SST Series Amplifiers

3BSST Technical Specifications

Power Output

150 watts per channel into 8 ohms

250 watts per channel into 4 ohms

Gain Select and Sensitivity

29dB - 1.3Vin = 150W @ 8 Ohms - (1V Position)

23dB - 2.6Vin = 150W @ 8 Ohms - (2V Position)

Input Impedance

50 Kohms single ended

20 Kohms balanced

Distortion IM or THD+noise

< 0.005% 20Hz to 20kHz at 150 watts into 8 W

< 0.007% 20Hz to 20kHz at 250 watts into 4 W

Noise Measured with input shorted - 20Hz to 20kHz.

>110dB below rated output 29dB gain (- 75dBu)

>113dB below rated output 23dB gain (- 78dBu)

Slew Rate > 60 volts per microsecond

Power Bandwidth < 1 Hz to over 100 kHz

Damping Factor Over 500 at 20 Hz, ref. 8 ohms

Dimensions

19” version with handles - L x H x D

48.3 x 13.3 x 32cm - 19” x 5.25” x 12.5“ mounted rack depth - 28cm - 11.0"

17” version

43.2 x 13.3 x 28cm - 17” x 5.25” x 11“

Weight: approx. 18kg - 40 lbs

Power Consumption & Heat Load

At Idle - 127 Watts

Max. Heat Dissipation - 433 Btu/Hr.

2 channels @ 150W @ 8 ohms - 668 Watts

Max. Heat Dissipation 8 ohms - 1255 Btu/Hr.

2 channels @ 250W @ 4 ohms - 1096 Watts

Max. Heat Dissipation 4 ohms - 2033 Btu/Hr.

Bridged @ 450W @ 8 ohms - 1053 Watts

Max. Heat Dissipation 8 ohms - 2057 Btu/Hr.

4BSST

Power Output

300 watts per channel into 8 ohms

500 watts per channel into 4 ohms

Gain Select and Sensitivity

29dB - 1.8Vin = 300W @ 8 Ohms - (1V Position)

23dB - 3.6Vin = 300W @ 8 Ohms - (2V Position)

Input Impedance

50 Kohms single ended

20 Kohms balanced

Distortion IM or THD+noise

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

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

Noise Measured with input shorted - 20Hz to 20kHz.

>110dB below rated output 29dB gain (- 75dBu)

>113dB below rated output 23dB gain (- 78dBu)

Slew Rate > 60 volts per microsecond

Power Bandwidth < 1 Hz to over 100 kHz

Damping Factor Over 500 at 20 Hz, ref. 8 ohms

Dimensions L x H x D

19” version with handles -

48.3 x 13.3 x 43.8cm - 19” x 5.25” x 17.25“ mounted rack depth - 40.1cm - 15.75"

17” version

43.2 x 13.3 x 40.1cm - 17” x 5.25” x 15.75“

Weight: approx. 22kg - 50 lbs

Power Consumption & Heat Load

At Idle - 170 Watts

Max. Heat Dissipation - 580 Btu/Hr.

2 channels @ 300W @ 8 ohms - 1280 Watts

Max. Heat Dissipation 8 ohms - 2320 Btu/Hr.

2 channels @ 500W @ 4 ohms - 2100 Watts

Max. Heat Dissipation 4 ohms - 3750 Btu/Hr.

Bridged @ 900W @ 8 ohms - 2040 Watts

Max. Heat Dissipation 8 ohms - 3890 Btu/Hr.

13

OPERATING BRYSTON 3B & 4B AMPLIFIERS IN BRIDGED MODE

“Bridged mode” refers to the combining or “bridging” of two amplifier channels into a single amplifier channel. The primary reason for doing this is to achieve a single amplifier channel with much greater output power. When two 3B channels or two 4B channels are bridged, the combined single channel will output up to 2 times the voltage and therefore, theoretically, 4 times the power of a single non-bridged channel. In practice, the actual output power achieved is limited by the capability of the power supply as well as the ability of the amplifier to dissipate the increased heat that is generated. It should also be noted that the load connected to a pair of bridged 3B or 4B channels should be 8 ohms or greater.

When two amplifiers channels are bridged into a single channel:

• Only one input is used: the LEFT channel (sometimes referred to as channel #1).

• The single input which is connected to the LEFT channel (Ch. 1) can be either balanced or unbalanced.

• The two BLACK binding post outputs are NOT used. Only the two RED binding post connectors are used. The LEFT (Ch. 1) binding post is the positive polarity connector and the RIGHT

(Ch. 2) RED binding post connector is negative.

• The bridged output is floating or un-grounded. DO NOT CONNECT EITHER OUTPUT TERMI-

NAL TO GROUND.

• To engage bridged mode, put the MODE switch, located on the rear panel, into the BRIDGED position. Before doing so, however, make sure all input and output connections are correct for bridged mode operation.

Ltd. 677 Neal Drive, P.O. Box 2170, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9J 7Y4

3B-4B-MANUAL-BRIDGED-MODE-INSERT.pdf

14

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 SERVICE CANADA:

677 NEAL DRIVE,

P.O. Box 2170, Stn Main,

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

3B-4B-SST-MANUAL_2005-06-23