Apogee Duetta Signature
The Bi-200 continues performing confidently with the Apogee Duetta full-range ribbon speakers. Those who have heard these speakers before know they are capable of majestic bass, and so is the Bryston. The combination plays smoothly, neutrally, and with a seductively full-blooded and very powerful bass. There is never any doubt whether the amplifier has enough power for these relatively inefficient speakers. However, the Apogees are also hugely revealing, even more so than the Magicos. Even though the Bryston drives these speakers with ease and confidence, and the result is very musical, it is very obvious that the Bryston does not elicit all of the low-level resolution, airiness, and refinement the ribbons are capable of. Contrary to my experience with the Magico pairing, the performance of the Apogees does not pull me across the mark of suspending disbelief. However, I must reiterate that, even with these extremely critical and revealing speakers, the sound is never harsh or abrasive and remarkably fluid and continuous.
Bonus Content: Bryston B60R
As Bryston’s first integrated amplifier, the B60 combined the functionality and quality of the BP-6 preamplifier and 2B-LP amplifier into an ultra-slim package with an understated appearance. Introduced in 1998, there are 27 years of progress between the B60 and the Bi-200. I’m sure it’s not fair, but let’s compare the two anyway!
Although I never felt that Bryston amplifiers are particularly sensitive to warming up, I made sure to allow the B60 an entire day to acclimate and elected to use the Magicos to judge its performance.
The B60 sounds remarkably enthusiastic, bold, and propulsive, driving the Magicos surprisingly confidently and seemingly very easily, even when playing at considerable sound levels. I’m sure that the B60’s power limit could eventually be reached when pushed hard enough, but I don’t like to listen to music extremely loudly, and I didn’t test this. During my listening, there seemed to be no lack of power. Although the B60 sounds pleasantly confident and robust, it is rather rough and almost “square” in its behavior, and it clearly lacks resolution and refinement. Nevertheless, given its “entry-level” stature and age, however, I was still pleasantly surprised. On second thought, I probably should have seen that coming, given that Bryston has consistently applied the same level of care and attention to all its designs, whether entry-level or top-of-the-line.
The way I see it, the B60 is both surprisingly good and clearly from a much earlier incarnation, underscoring the advances made throughout its various iterations.
The Bi-200 is significantly airier and more refined, and much more fluid. Its resolution is also in another realm. Also, whereas the B60 concentrates the soundstage and the performers primarily as a clumped-together “block” within the speakers, the Bi-200 creates a considerably broader and deeper stage with more breath and more distinct layering.
Conclusion
With the Bi-200, Bryston has created an integrated amplifier that successfully combines all the benefits of the 3B Cubed power amplifier with an excellent, fully balanced analog preamplifier. Interestingly, the Bi-200’s preamplifier section may well be its most significant achievement, and at the same time, the most unassuming because it is essentially transparent.
Operating precisely as the 3B Cubed, the Bi-200 presents a balanced sound that is not typically encountered in a powerful amplifier, characterized by sounding rich, relaxed, controlled, and neutral all at once. The amplifier allows the music to be conveyed in a smooth manner, but otherwise, just as it was recorded. The Bi-200 is not only extremely low in distortion and exceedingly neutral, but it also skillfully avoids becoming lean, devoid of color, or “un-musically” analytical.
Its design may be an opinion-divider, and there are indeed “sexier” specimens out there. However, in terms of performance, the Bi-200 is faultless. This amplifier is not just worth considering for those who are in the market for a powerful yet musical integrated amplifier. Even if one is looking only for a power amplifier, I would recommend trying the Bi-200, as chances are that its built-in preamp will outperform the external preamplifier.
External Links
Distributor for the Benelux: Mafico
Excellent review Christian and a blast from the past for me! The Bryston B-60 was my very first piece of high end gear purchased in 1998 for a tidy $1500. Paired with the original Rega Planet CD player and some random Definitive Technology two way towers it sounded pretty fine to me. And sounds like some large improvements since then and a nice piece of industrial design as well.
Cheers;
Jon
Great review. Any idea how the Bryston would pair with Harbeth HL5 Plus speakers? I don’t feel I’m getting all I can with them with my Accuphase E-600. I’m looking for a little more control in the bass.
Hi Don, Bryston is said to work well with Harbeths. However, it sounds to me that you are looking for tightness and precision, not necessarily power or authority. In that case, I don’t think the Bryston Bi-200 would be a better choice than your E-600. I’d recommend investigating amplifiers known to sound tight and fast. A Kora TB140 is perhaps tighter than I would consider neutral, but it might pair very well with the Harbeths. Alternatively, you could consider trying Class D. Devialet gets mixed reviews, but if you have not yet heard it, it’s worth trying as an all in one concept. You could also try a Class-D power amp such as th eLAiV GAnM monos or Mola Mola Perca stereo in combination with the E-600 used as a preamp. While probably not an ideal setup in the long run, this allows you to hear the differences without changing things around too much.
Christiaan, your reply is appreciated and I really like your ideas. I read your review of the Kora TB 140 and now on a quest to hear one. I’ll keep an eye out in the marketplace for all of your suggestions. By the way, I managed to find a couple of other reviews of the Kora and all of you came to the same conclusion. I’m not sure how anyone could not be drooling to hear one.