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McIntosh and Bryston are two of the most well-known audio brands in the world. Both companies have a long history of creating high-end audio equipment that is loved by audiophiles around the globe. However, the debate over which company makes the best amps can get heated, so let’s try to settle it once and for all. This article will give a detailed comparison of McIntosh vs Bryston amps.
The main difference between these two brands is their price point. McIntosh amps tend to be more expensive than Bryston amps, but they also offer a lot more power and features than their cheaper counterparts from Bryston.
McIntosh amplifiers are often built around vacuum tubes rather than transistors like the Bryston amps. The benefit here is that vacuum tubes tend to add more warmth to your music, making it sound more like it was recorded on vinyl than digital formats like CDs or MP3s.
Comparing McIntosh amps and Bryston amps
| Feature | McIntosh | Bryston |
|---|---|---|
| Power output | High | High |
| Sound quality | Warm, rich | Neutral, transparent |
| Slew rate | Fast | Fast |
| Damping factor | High | High |
| Circuit design | Vacuum tube and | Solid-state |
| Price | High | High |
1. Price
Both brands make quality amplifiers at different price points, so you’ll have to decide which one is going to fit your budget. When comparing the two, it’s important to remember that McIntosh amps are generally more expensive than Bryston.
The average McIntosh amp sells for about $4000, while the average price of a Bryston amp hovers around $2500-$3000.
2. Power
Power is the measurement of how much wattage an amplifier can deliver. A high-power rating means that the amp will be able to play louder at a higher volume and produce more bass, but it also means that you’ll need to make sure your speakers can handle its output. Most McIntosh amps have power ratings between 100W and 200W per channel, while Bryston amps are typically rated in watts per channel.
If you’re going for maximum versatility and home theater setup flexibility as well as high-end sound quality, look for amps with higher power ratings. If you’re building a dedicated listening room or recording studio with one set of speakers, then lower wattages could be more suitable.
3. Remote
Both McIntosh and Bryston offer a remote control to their amps. The remote is an important feature for convenience and ergonomics, but it’s not the most important part of an amplifier. It’s easy to get lost in the specs, but before you choose an amp, try listening to it first!
4. Cooling
Bryston amps use internal fans while McIntosh amps use a passive cooling system to keep the amp cool. This means that there is no fan inside the amplifier, so it can’t be used in high-power applications. However, this also means that the Bryston amplifier is better for low-power applications because no moving part could break down over time.
5. Design
To begin with, both of these brands have a long history of producing some of the best-sounding amplifiers in the world. Each company has been around for over 50 years and has a loyal base of devoted users. The first thing to note is that McIntosh designs their products in the U.S., while Bryston designs theirs just outside Ontario, Canada.
Even though McIntosh amps are designed here in America, they tend to have more classic looks than Bryston’s models. Think brushed aluminum faceplates instead of brushed steel ones, or black knobs on your amp rather than stainless steel ones. In contrast, you’ll find that Bryston amps look more modern than McIntosh models do because they use more unique materials like bamboo cabinets or carbon fiber grilles.
Pros and Cons of McIntosh and Bryston
When comparing McIntosh and Bryston, it’s important to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each brand. Here are some of the pros and cons of both:
McIntosh
McIntosh is a legendary audio equipment brand that has been producing high-quality products for over 70 years. They are known for their iconic blue-watt meters and black glass faceplates, as well as their rich and warm sound quality. McIntosh products are built to last, with many vintage models still in use today. While they are expensive, they offer a comprehensive product line that includes amplifiers, preamplifiers, speakers, and more. If you are looking for top-of-the-line audio equipment, McIntosh is definitely a brand to consider.
Pros:
- Legendary sound quality: McIntosh has a reputation for producing some of the best-sounding audio equipment on the market. Their products are known for their rich, warm, and detailed sound.
- Iconic design: McIntosh is known for their iconic blue-watt meters and black glass faceplates. Their products have a classic, retro look that many audiophiles love.
- Longevity: McIntosh products are built to last. Many vintage McIntosh products from the 1960s and 70s are still in use today, which is a testament to their build quality.
- Comprehensive product line: McIntosh offers a wide range of audio equipment, including amplifiers, preamplifiers, speakers, and more.
Cons:
- High price point: McIntosh products are not cheap. In fact, they are some of the most expensive audio products on the market. This can be a barrier for many people.
- Heavy and bulky: McIntosh products tend to be larger and heavier than many other audio products. This can make them difficult to move and install.
- Limited features: McIntosh products are designed to be simple and straightforward, which means they may lack some of the features that other brands offer.
Bryston
Bryston is a Canadian company that specializes in producing high-quality audio products, including amplifiers, preamplifiers, speakers, and digital music players. They are known for their attention to detail, rigorous quality control processes, and outstanding sound performance. Bryston products are designed to last, with a 20-year warranty that is one of the best in the industry. While Bryston products may come at a premium price, they deliver exceptional sound quality and are a popular choice among audiophiles who demand the best.
Pros:
- High-end sound quality: Bryston is known for producing high-end audio equipment that delivers outstanding sound quality. They use high-quality components and have rigorous quality control processes to ensure their products perform at the highest level.
- Versatility: Bryston offers a wide range of audio products, including amplifiers, preamplifiers, speakers, and digital music players. This makes it easy for consumers to build a complete system with Bryston products.
- Excellent warranty and customer support: Bryston offers a 20-year warranty on their products, which is one of the best in the industry. They also have a reputation for excellent customer support.
- Balanced design: Bryston products have a sleek and modern design that is balanced and visually appealing.
Cons:
- Expensive: Like McIntosh, Bryston products are not cheap. They are priced at a premium, which can be a barrier for many consumers.
- Lack of brand recognition: Bryston is not as well-known as some other high-end audio brands, which may make it difficult for some consumers to trust the quality of their products.
- Limited availability: Bryston products are not available in all countries, which can make them difficult to purchase for some consumers.
Overall, both McIntosh and Bryston have their strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to consider your individual needs and budget when choosing between these two brands. Regardless of which one you choose, you can be sure that you are getting a high-quality audio product that will deliver excellent sound performance for years to come.
FAQs About Bryston and McIntosh
Are Bryston amps good?
Yes, Bryston amps are considered to be some of the best on the market. They are the company’s most expensive, most powerful, and best-sounding amps at any volume level. Each amplifier is ruggedly constructed internally with no point-to-point wiring. They leverage exceptionally clean and well-designed circuit layouts. Their Salomie input stage and Quad Complementary output produce some of the best sound quality available.
Is McIntosh high-end?
Yes, McIntosh is a high-end audio equipment manufacturer. Based in Binghamton, New York, the company was founded in 1949 by Frank McIntosh. McIntosh designs and produces audio amplifiers, stereo tuners, and other consumer electronics products. They are known for their legendary sound quality, iconic design, and longevity.
What class are Bryston amps?
All Bryston amplifier designs are based on Class AB output stage architecture, as opposed to Class A. Bryston is quick to point out the inherent benefits of this design–namely, improved linearity and lower distortion, without the massive heat and power consumption. This allows Bryston amps to deliver high-quality sound without sacrificing efficiency.
Who makes Bryston speakers?
Bryston loudspeakers were originally a personal project of Bryston Vice President James Tanner in partnership with Andrew Welker and Ian Colquhoun of Axiom Audio. They were originally intended for James’ personal use as reference loudspeakers for evaluating Bryston electronics. Today, Bryston offers a range of speakers that are designed to deliver outstanding sound quality.
Final Thoughts on McIntosh vs Bryston
McIntosh and Bryston both make excellent amplifiers. They’re both high-quality brands, but they’re not exactly budget-friendly, so it’s important to understand the differences between each one before you buy.
Bryston is a more expensive brand than McIntosh. Still, it has more power and better cooling than McIntosh does, both of which are important factors if you’re looking for an amplifier that can handle your system’s needs without overheating or shutting off unexpectedly in the middle of a song.
Another thing to consider is whether or not an amp has a remote control, which can be useful because it lets you control all the functions from one place rather than having to walk over every time you want to change something like bass boost level or treble cut value.
