Surround Processor Reviews

Bryston SP3 Surround Processor and 9B SST² Amplifier Specs

Specs

Bryston SP3 Surround Processor
Audio Decoding:
Dolby: TrueHD, Digital Plus, Digital EX, Pro Logic IIx
DTS: DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS, Neo: 6
Audyssey: No
Other: Club, Natural
3D: Yes
THX Certification: No
Video Processing: None
Auto Setup/Room EQ: None
Dimensions (W x H x D, inches): 19 x 6.5 x 15.5
Weight (pounds): 24
Price: $9,500
Connections
Inputs: Video: HDMI 1.4a (8)
Audio: Coaxial digital (4), optical digital (3), 7.1-channel analog (1), stereo analog (6 RCA, 2 XLR), AES (XLR, 2), USB (1)
Additional: 12-volt trigger (1)
Outputs: Video: HDMI 1.4a (2)
Audio: 7.1-channel XLR (1), 7.1-channel single-ended (1), stereo analog (3), optical digital (1), 0.25-inch headphone
Additional: RS-232 (1), 12-volt trigger (3), Ethernet (1)

Bryston 9B SST² Amplifier
Number of Channels: 5
Rated Power (watts per channel): 120 into 8 ohms, 200 into 4 ohms
Specified Frequency Response: 1 Hz to over 100 kHz
Dimensions (W x H x D, inches): 19 x 5.25 x 19.1
Weight (pounds): 76
Price: $8,095
Connections
Inputs: XLR (5), RCA (5)
Outputs: Five-way binding posts (5)

Company Info
Bryston
(705) 742-5325
bryston.com

COMMENTS
DRC's picture
Submitted by DRC on May 26, 2013 - 3:19pm

Hi Fred
I have question for you about your review. I was wondering what phono cartridge and phono stage you used in your review.
I have identified an issue with the SP3 in 2 channel bypass when being fed a signal from a phono stage. The issue has been confirmed by Bryston. I am using a Ortofon Cadenza Bronze (.4mv) fed into either a Parasound JC3 or an EAR 834P. Both have a 68 Db gain which means it is putting out 1 volt @ 1000 hz.
The issue is a loud transient popping sound that unfortunately got so bad it blew a driver in one of my Usher speakers.
As you appear to be the only reviewer that actually hooked up and analogue front end I was wondering what your set up was and if you experienced any issues.

Thanks

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