SST C–SERIES

TAKING POWER TO THE NEXT LEVEL

INTRODUCING THE

NEW C–SERIES

OUR GOAL

For over 30 years, Bryston has had a continuing commitment to design and manufacture the most accurate and reliable audio electronics. The performance, value, and reliability of our amplifiers, and our unrivaled warranty, have brought us recognition in the world of pro audio, as well as with reviewers and home users. But there is no product that cannot be made better. To this end, we maintain an extensive research and development program, constantly investigating techniques, technologies, and devices that promise improvements to all aspects of our amplifiers. The

Bryston SST C–Series is the direct result of this on-going quest, and represents a significant step forward in the art and science of audio amplification.

WHAT WE’VE DONE

Among the advances included in the SST C–Series are: faster, more linear and more reliable output transistors for better high frequency accuracy; doubled filter capacitance for even deeper and better-controlled bass; a new proprietary grounding protocol which eliminates the need for ground-lift switches and reduces system noise; and a new computer-modeled heatsink profile for cooler operation and longer component life. Modular design and separate power supplies for each channel ensure cross-talk is essentially nonexistent, and provide precise and focused soundstaging. Components mount directly into glass-epoxy circuit boards, eliminating variations in signal travel and wire interaction. Reviewers agree: sound quality is improved to a stunning degree, realizing a higher, and far more consistent standard of musical accuracy across a line of amplifiers than ever before possible.

PERFORMANCE

WITHOUT COMPROMISE

With today’s increased clarity and dynamic range in recordings and movie soundtracks, you need equipment that not only equals, but surpasses, the parameters of the most demanding material available. The SST C–Series is without peer in meeting this performance challenge.

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Modular design with independent power supplies each with its own transformer for precise sound-staging.

Above Bryston model 6B SST 3-channel amplifier

SONIC SUPERIORITY

BY DESIGN

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

ENSURES SONIC SUPERIORITY

From input to output, all the circuitry in the C–Series of amps has been optimized for the most accurate performance possible. All analog signal circuitry is fully discrete to avoid the compromises, phase shift, and non-linearities inherent in IC’s. The Bryston C–Series amplifiers incorporate an innovative gain stage topology, which yields a substantially lower noise floor through the use of low-impedance pathways within the amplifier, and has strong advantages in reducing overall distortion. Bryston’s computer controlled distortion analyzers confirm that IM distortion of less than

10 parts per million (below 0.0009%) are typical for this new circuitry. All SST amplifiers use Bryston’s proprietary output stage, which we call “Quad-Complementary.” The

Quad-Complementary topology improves linearity to a new standard of accuracy, while virtually eliminating aggressive higher harmonic distortion products. The overall harmonic distribution of Bryston’s Quad-Complementary output stage closely approaches an ideal Class-A output, except that the overall distortion is actually much lower. (True class-A output stages suffer from relatively high current-induced distortion levels, consisting of mostly lower-order harmonics). The listening characteristics display a high degree of transparency without harshness or grain. The annoyances previously ascribed to ‘transistor sound’ are absent, and the amplifier seems to combine the seductive lushness of tube equipment with the focus and accuracy of solid-state.

Quick-connect 12 Volt trigger input allow remote on/off triggering of your amplifier(s).

Above Bryston SP 1.7 Processor can provide on/off trigger signal for all Bryston SST amplifiers.

Power LEDs on the front panel indicate each channel’s functional status — green for power-on, red for overdrive.

Above LED indicators on Bryston 9B SST C-Series 5-channel amplifier.

MODULAR DESIGN/INDEPENDENT

POWER SUPPLIES

No matter how good an amplifier’s signal path may be, it’s meaningless if it’s starved in the power supply, an all too common way of cutting costs. One of the things that makes the Bryston SST Series unusual is our insistence that every amplifier in the line have a completely separate and independent power supply for each channel, including its own toroidal transformer.

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SOLID

CONSTRUCTION

Bryston’s research has shown that separate power supplies provide the best imaging, clarity, and dynamic range — all attributes that are especially crucial given the emerging and demanding high resolution digital sources. The power supplies employ multiple filter capacitors per channel, rather than single pairs of larger filter cans, allowing improved high frequency response, and reducing overall losses in the supply.

In the 9B SST, and 6B SST models we carry the modular concept further, making the channels removable.

FLEXIBILITY & FEATURES

SST amplifiers offer feature flexibility. For example, all allow a choice of input connection — balanced XLR-F, balanced

1/4” phone, or single-ended RCA jack — together with a switch to select gain settings. A trigger input allows systemwide on/off control. Overall, the SST Series itself facilitates flexibility in putting together the total system through a variety of channel and power output options.

SUPERIOR INGREDIENTS

We use only the finest components — such as 0.1% metalfilm resistors, polypropylene capacitors, custom-wound toroidal transformers, and hand-matched transistors — to reduce noise and distortion to the absolute minimum. Goldplated balanced or single-ended (RCA) input connectors are standard as well as gold-plated 5-way loudspeaker binding posts, to eliminate possible causes of distortion from corrosion. As befits products intended for use on stage as well as in the home, the SST chassis are extremely robust.

THE RESULT

Although the description of circuit innovations can indicate the research and commitment we bring to the design and manufacturing of our products, it’s not the whole story. The purpose of all this technology is to place you within the scene of the movie, or to transport you to the actual musical event.

Whether you can experience all the drama, movement, and emotions intended is the one truly meaningful measure of any audio/video system. Take the time to visit your Bryston dealer and audition our SST Amplifiers. We think that you’ll rediscover how exciting audio can be.

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5.1

CHANNEL

Typical 5.1 Surround hook-up using

Bryston 9B SST C–Series Amplifier.

RELIABILITY &

SUPPORT

BUILT TO LAST

The techniques and custom materials that Bryston brings to bear every day in the construction of audio equipment are more typically found in industrial plants building military and aerospace electronics. Our traditional adherence to proprietary parts, sophisticated construction techniques, and in-depth testing prevents the unit-to-unit variability typical of mass produced product and assures that your amplifier will perform for many years without concern.

frequency square-wave input and a capacitive load. This extremely rigorous burn-in quickly “matures” components and weeds out any potential premature failures. The result is reliable trouble-free performance for many years.

EASY SYSTEM UPGRADES

We’ve designed the SST Series to take into account that systems change. There’s a full range of channel and power options, several amplifiers may be operated in bridged mono mode, and the 9B SST may be ordered with as few as 3 channels, and later expanded up to 5 channels.

HAND ASSEMBLED WITH CARE:

All audio products we make are hand assembled and individually tested by a dedicated team of Bryston employees in our own North American manufacturing facility.

ON-LINE CUSTOMER SUPPORT

The Bryston website allows for downloading of technical bulletins, product addenda, and complete user manuals.

UNIQUE BURN-IN PROCEDURE

Each and every Bryston audio product undergoes an extensive quality control “burn-in” procedure. Following a complete operational checkout, every amplifier is placed on a test-bench and run for 100 hours at full output (one-hour on/one-hour off for additional thermal stress), with a high

OUR WARRANTY

Our commitment to build-quality and quality assurance is why every product we manufacture features an unlimited, transferable warranty, a warranty that remains unequaled by any other audio manufacturer in the world.

Input flexibility: XLR or 1/4” phone jack for balanced signals and RCA jack for single-ended source; input gain is selectable.

Above left to right Model 4B SST input connectors, balanced/ single-ended switch, and (Pro model only) input gain adjustment.

We make all amplifiers available in standard 19” faceplates with handles, as well as the 17” versions. Either size aluminum front panel may be ordered in a silver or black finish. A special order 19” C–Series rack mount version is also available on request.

Above ( left to right ) 7B SST 19” faceplate; 14B SST 17” version.

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SST

C–SERIES

7B SST C–SERIES

The 7B SST single-channel amplifier employs a balanced-output design that reduces THD and IMD to unprecedented low values (typically 0.001% or less).

With a low noise floor (typically below -118dB) and excellent signal tracking characteristics (slew rate of 120

Volts per microsecond), the 7B SST monoblock assures a new degree of transparency, musicality, and ease of listening. Capable of delivering a truly prodigious 600

Watts continuously into 8 Ohms, and with tremendous power reserves, the 7B SST offers virtually perfect freedom from overload on any type of speaker or music.

Single-channel (mono-block) amplifier

600 W into 8 Ohms

900 W into 4 Ohms

The 7B SST is also available in a special version for very low impedance loads, i.e., 2 Ohms and below.

One advantage of the 7B SST’s

Monoblock design is that it allows you to place the amplifier adjacent to the loudspeaker, providing improved performance through lower cable resistance.

The 14B SST is also available in a special 120 Volt 20 Amp version (requires a dedicated 20 Amp AC outlet).

Dual-channel (stereo) amplifier

600 W into 8 Ohms

900 W into 4 Ohms

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14B SST C–SERIES

Probably the best value “esoteric” high power

2-channel amplifier on the market today, the 14B SST is basically a pair of 7B SST amplifiers on a single compact chassis. Its superbly low noise floor yields an inky black silence between notes for hauntingly realistic reproduction. As a dual mono modular design, it has the power to drive, with breath-taking ease and clarity, speakers which have been considered

“impossible” loads in the past.

4B SST C–SERIES

The Bryston 4B is something of a legend. As our most popular model, it has attained international status as an amplifier suitable for the finest and most sophisticated sound systems. In its latest incarnation, the 4B SST, it is a dual mono design delivering a massive 300 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms.

Whatever the venue, be it recording studio, concert stage, broadcast facility, home theater installation, or state-of-the-art stereo system, the 4B SST continues as the number one choice.

Dual-channel (stereo) amplifier

300 W into 8 Ohms

500 W into 4 Ohms

FUEL FOR THE

SENSES

The 4B SST may also be operated in bridged mono, providing 900 Watts into 8 Ohms

Dual-channel (stereo) amplifier

150 W into 8 Ohms

250 W into 4 Ohms

3B SST C–SERIES

The 3B SST stereo amplifier, at 150 Watts per channel at 8 ohms, provides all the sonic virtues and the same high value as our more powerful 4B

SST but in a package which is both compact and less costly. Historically, the 3B has found favor in a wide range of audio/video systems which call for medium to high amounts of power but wish to avoid sacrificing sonic accuracy and long-term reliability.

The 3B SST may also be switched to bridged mono, providing 400 Watts into 8 Ohms

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EFFORTLESS

POWER

6B SST C–SERIES

The Bryston 6B SST provides three channels of powerful amplification in a single chassis. Consisting of three totally independent amplifier modules, each with its own power transformer and power supply, each audio channel will supply effortless power even to the world’s most demanding loudspeakers. The 6B

SST is a convenient solution for home theater leftcenter-right amplification and is also a great way of tri-amplifying 3-way loudspeakers.

3 – channel amplifier

300 W into 8 Ohms

500 W into 4 Ohms

3 – position sensitivity switch:

1V, 2V, or 4V

SPECIFICATIONS AVAILABLE TO ALL SST AMPLIFIERS

Distortion < 0.005% from 20Hz to 20kHz at rated output into 8 Ohms

IM or THD+noise

< 0.007% from 20Hz to 20kHz at rated output into 4 Ohms

Noise

Slew rate

Power bandwidth

Damping factor

Input Impedance

(Measured with input shorted; 20Hz. to 20kHz.)

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

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

>116dB below rated output @ 17dB gain (-78dBu)*

*setting available on models 6B & 9B only

Greater than 60 volts per microsecond

From less than 1 Hz to over 100 kHz

Over 300 at 20 Hz, ref. 8 Ohms

50k Ohms single-ended, 20k Ohms balanced (10k each leg)

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Polarity switch on each channel

9B SST C–SERIES

The Bryston 9B SST is a modular, 5-channel, singlechassis power amplifier delivering 140 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms. The 9B, however, is unique among SST amps — although it also employs modular construction in which each channel is selfcontained with audio circuitry, connectors, and an independent power supply, the 9B channel module differs in that it is built on its own removable assembly. This means that not only may any channel be easily swapped in the unlikely event of failure, but also that the 9B may be configured with fewer channels if an application so requires. Indeed, the

9B SST may be ordered in a 3, 4 or 5 channel version. Modular channels are available separately for later expansion.

5 – channel amplifier

Also available in:

4 – channel

3 – channel

140 W into 8 Ohms

200 W into 4 Ohms

3 – position sensitivity switch: 1V,

2V, or 4V

Polarity switch on each channel

Removable modular channels each delivering 140 Watts @ 8 Ohms

19 in./48.3 cm wide rack mount version (with handles)

7B SST

19 x 5.25 x 17.25 in.

48.25 x 13.3 x 43.8 cm

14B SST

19 x 7 x 19 in.

48.3 x 17.75 x 48.3 cm

4B SST

19 x 5.25 x 17.25 in.

48.25 x 13.3 x 43.8 cm

Mounted rack depth

15.75 in./40.1 cm

3B SST

19 x 5.25 x 12.5 in.

48.3 x 13.34 x 32 cm

17 in./43.2 cm wide shelf mount version (without handles)

Approx. weight

17 x 5.25 x 15.75 in.

43.2 x 13.33 x 40.1 cm

55 lbs/25 kg

18 in./46 cm

17 x 7 x 19 in.

43.2 x 18 x 48.5 cm

90 lbs/41 kg

15.75 in./40.1 cm

17 x 5.25 x 15.75 in.

43.2 x 13.33 x 40.1 cm

60 lbs/27 kg

11 in./28 cm

17 x 5.25 x 11 in.

43.2 x 13.3 x 28 cm

40 lbs/18 kg

6B SST

19 x 7 x 20.5 in.

48.3 x 18 x 52.1 cm

18.4 in./46.7 cm

17 x 7 x 19 in.

43.2 x 18 x 48.3 cm

96 lbs/43.5 kg

9B SST

19 x 5.25 x 19 in.

48.3 x 13.33 x 42 cm

2B SST

19 x 5.25 x 12.5 in.

48.3 x 13.34 x 32 cm

875 HT

19 x 3.5 x 19 in.

48.25 x 8.9 x 43.18 cm

17 in./43.2 cm

17 x 5.25 x 17.5 in.

43.2 x 13.3 x 44.5 cm

72 lbs/32.7 kg

11 in./28 cm

17 x 5.25 x 11 in.

43.2 x 13.3 x 28 cm

30 lbs/13.6 kg

11 in./28 cm

17 x 3.55 x 11 in.

43.2 x 13.3 x 28 cm

63 lbs/28.6 kg

GAIN AND SENSITIVITY*

SETTING 7B SST

1 Volt

2 Volt

14B SST 4B SST 3B SST 6B SST 9B SST 2B SST 875 HT

29dB; 2.3V 29dB; 2.3V

29dB; 1.8V

29dB; 1.3V

29dB; 1.8V

29dB; 1.1V

29dB; 1.0V

29dB; 0.9V

23dB; 4.6V

23dB; 4.6V

23dB; 3.6V

23dB; 2.6V

23dB; 3.6V

23dB; 2.2V

23dB; 2.0V

23dB; 1.8V

4 Volt

17dB; 7.2V

17dB; 4.4V

*For Full Rated Power

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2B SST

C–SERIES

2B SST C–SERIES

The first 2B started life way back in 1979 and has become a Classic among discriminating audiophiles worldwide.

This latest version of our 2B incorporates all the new

SST circuitry and provides twice the power of our original 2B.

From input to output, all the circuitry in the 2B SST amplifier has been optimized for the most accurate performance possible. The Bryston 2B SST amplifier is a compact, high quality 100 watt per channel, (8 ohms), stereo amplifier intended for use in home sound systems requiring a musically accurate, extremely reliable, no compromise power source.

While the 2B has for years been thought of as an exceptionally lucid and transparent amplifier for traditional two-channel stereo setups, it is now finding additional acceptance in such installations as multimedia surround-sound systems, and in the most ambitious music systems with multi-amplified speakers using electronic crossovers.

Dual-channel (stereo) amplifier

100W into 8 Ohms

180W into 4 Ohms

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The 2B SST may also be operated in bridged mono, providing 360 Watts into 8 Ohms

875 HT

C–SERIES AMPLIFIER

875 HT C–SERIES AMPLIFIER

The Bryston 875 HT amplifier represents a stateof-the-art approach to the expanding home theater marketplace. Providing all the features and flexibility necessary to assemble a superb Home Theater Multi-

Channel Surround System.

The world famous all new SST technology is implemented throughout the 875 HT amplifier providing the sound quality and incredible flexibility

Bryston is famous for. The amplifier offers 8 channels of amplification which can be utilized as independent 75 watt modules or any 2 adjacent channels bridged to 250 watts. Two very large power supplies provide all the reserve needed for the most demanding material available.

FLEXIBLE OPTIONS

WOULD INCLUDE:

• 7.1 surround system incorporating 7 channels at

75 watts and 1 subwoofer channel at 75 watts

• 6.1 surround system incorporating 6 channels at

75 watts and one subwoofer channel at 250 watts

• 5.1 surround system incorporating 3 channels

(left/center right) at 250 watts and 2 surround

channels at 75 watts

• 7.1 surround system incorporating 250 watts x 4

for surrounds and two back speakers with an

additional 3 channel amplifier (Bryston 6B SST)

for the front Left/Center Right speakers

875 Zone Amplifier available with features required for implementing up to 4 high quality stereo zones.

A 4 channel version of the 875 Z is also available.

8 – channel amplifier

75W into 8 Ohms

140W into 4 Ohms

250W Bridged into 8 Ohms

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20 – YEAR

AMPLIFIER WARRANTY

In a world where most things seem to need frequent upgrading, repair, or replacement, how can Bryston offer a comprehensive, unconditional, and fully transferable warranty on every audio product we make?

The answer would quickly become apparent if you were to tour Bryston’s plant in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.

State-of-the-art design facilities, with the latest CAD and circuit simulation software, and an inventory of some of the best and most reliable parts on the planet, combine with a manufacturing philosophy that eschews the artifacts of mass production — robots, moving assembly lines, and, frankly, shortcuts. Every Bryston audio component is handcrafted by people who take great pride in building the very best. Starting with a bare circuit board, for example, each component is hand selected and installed, every wire is cut and bent by hand, every connection is hand soldered.

On average, it takes thirty to thirty-five person-hours to assemble a single Bryston product. Is this just some romantic

19th-century notion of the artisan-craftsman, or is there a real benefit to you, the consumer? There is. Take the hand soldering, for example. We could do the job much faster by employing wave-soldering machines as many companies do. But that would mean exposing the entire circuit board to a molten-metal bath, a source of extreme heat shock that could result in long-term reliability problems.

We don’t skimp on testing or rush our products through some last-minute go/no-go check; at every stage individual parts, completed circuit-boards, sub-assemblies, and final assemblies are all put through rigorous inspection and testing procedures. When completed, every Bryston amplifier receives a comprehensive and carefully documented test of all its functions, and the printed results of this computer-aided analysis are actually packed and shipped with each unit. During this intensive procedure, we not only reject any product that falls outside of our advertised specifications, but also any not meeting an even narrower band of specifications that we use for internal testing. As a result, you can expect each Bryston product to perform as least twice as well as the advertised specifications.

Our 20-year amplifier warranty drives us in a different direction from the typical manufacturer. We consider a

Bryston product to be a mutual investment: by you, in an amplifier of lasting quality, and by us, in that we invest in the quality of the product in order to be secure in offering our warranty. It simply makes good economic sense to produce the very best products we can.

As a result, it can be said that we don’t just make amplifiers — we also make friends — extremely satisfied customers who become life-long evangelists for Bryston’s philosophy and tell their friends about our products. And, after all, who wouldn’t want to give such nice friends a 20-year warranty?

Canada’s largest independent manufacturer of high-end audio electronics for consumers and professionals. Founded 1962.

Bryston Limited P.O. Box 2170, 677 Neal Drive, Peterborough,

Ontario Canada K9J 7Y4 1-800-632-8217 bryston.ca