Bryston
4B3 Cubed Amplifier
$7,495.00 USDFeatures
2 Channels each with fully independent power supplies including transformers
300W into 8 ohms (and up to 500 into 4 ohms) per channel
The patented Salomie circuit found in all Cubed Series amplifiers
Switchable gain (23dB or 29dB)
Fully convection cooled means no noisy fans
Machined and anodized aluminum enclosure and dress panel
Less than 500mW standby power consumption
SoftStart microprocessor controlled startup sequence won't trip circuit breakers
DC trigger for automated turn on and turn off
Active extremely low distortion input buffer
Balanced and Single Ended audio inputs
Selectable gain at 23 or 29dB
Regulated power supplies to all voltage gain stages
Independent power supplies for each channel
Convection cooled and housed in a fully aluminum chassis.
No fans or other moving parts
Bridging switch configures amplifier into a single 900W Channel
Legendary Bryston 20 Year Warranty
What's in the Box?
Warranty
The Bryston 4B³ is a true legend in the world of high-performance audio amplification, a dual-channel (stereo) amplifier that has earned international acclaim for its unwavering ability to deliver uncompromising sound quality in even the most sophisticated and demanding sound systems. This venerated amplifier has achieved an iconic status, embodying Bryston's relentless pursuit of audio excellence. As Bryston's most popular model within the esteemed Cubed Series, the 4B³ has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious SoundStage Network's 2017 Products of the Year Award. This recognition is a testament to the amplifier's remarkable capabilities, which have captured the hearts and ears of audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike.
In the realm of audiophile lore, few components have attained the level of ubiquity and reverence as the Bryston 4B. This amplifier has become a true icon, with countless music lovers having either owned, desired, or been fortunate enough to experience its exceptional performance firsthand. The 4B's legacy spans over four decades, having been in continuous production (albeit with frequent refinements) since its introduction in 1978. The current iteration, the 6th generation of this legendary amplifier, represents the pinnacle of Bryston's engineering prowess. Rated at a staggering 300 watts per channel into 8 ohms (and an astonishing 500 watts into 4 ohms), the 4B³ is a true dual-mono amplifier that wields immense power, yet remains within reach for discerning audiophiles seeking the ultimate in audio fidelity.
What truly sets the Bryston 4B³ apart is its ability to deliver a level of clarity, nuance, and outright truthfulness that is simply stunning. This amplifier unveils every intricate detail and subtle nuance within the music, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in the emotional depth and dynamic range of their favorite recordings. For those who have always dreamed of owning a Bryston 4B, the current 4B³ model represents the perfect opportunity to experience this legendary amplifier at the pinnacle of its performance. With its remarkable power, precision, and uncompromising fidelity, the 4B³ stands as a testament to Bryston's enduring commitment to audio excellence, promising to elevate your listening experience to new heights of sonic bliss.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the Bryston 4B Cubed Amplifier with the Silver Dragon Interconnect. Sold in Pairs, the Silver Dragon V2 is our top-of-the-line silver conductor-based interconnect. With a braided geometry and amazing shielding, this interconnect is a remarkable solution where noise isolation is key. Get the best cables for your best audio gear. Black Dragon Speaker Cables are also recommended for the best connection to your hi-fi-loudspeakers.
First to Last Watt Philosphy
The design of the Bryston Cubed series amplifiers was driven by a significant objective: to develop amplifiers that maintain an ideal power curve from the very first watt all the way to their maximum output. This is a departure from the behavior exhibited by most amplifiers, where the best noise floor, drive capability, and distortion performance are typically achieved only from around one-third of their rated power output and upwards. Bryston's engineering team recognized that this common trait in amplifier design could potentially compromise the listening experience, especially during quieter passages or when driving less demanding speaker loads. As a result, they focused their efforts on ensuring that the Cubed series amplifiers deliver their optimal performance characteristics right from the very first watt of output power.
By maintaining an ideal power curve starting at one watt, the Cubed series amplifiers offer consistent, high-quality performance across their entire output range. This means that even at lower listening levels or when driving more efficient speakers, the amplifiers will exhibit exceptional noise floor characteristics, impeccable drive capability, and minimal distortion. This design approach ensures that the Cubed series amplifiers can faithfully reproduce the subtlest nuances and finest details in the music, regardless of the output level or speaker load. Whether you're enjoying a delicate acoustic performance or reveling in the thunderous dynamics of a cinematic soundtrack, these amplifiers will deliver a truly immersive and faithful listening experience, free from the potential compromises that can arise from less optimal power curves.
Bryston's commitment to pushing the boundaries of amplifier performance is evident in the Cubed series, where every design decision is driven by a relentless pursuit of sonic excellence. By maintaining an ideal power curve from the first watt, these amplifiers solidify Bryston's reputation for delivering audio components that truly elevate the listening experience to new heights of fidelity and realism.
Achieving this starts with a number of design approaches:
- Complete freedom from low-level crossover and zero-crossing artifacts: Most Class-AB amplifiers, while having sufficient bias to prevent primary crossover distortion, can still suffer from secondary crossover distortion due to insufficient speed in the driver transistors. The Cubed Series tackles this issue head-on by employing exceptionally fast driver transistors, combined with proprietary technologies. Bryston's Quad Complementary Output design vastly reduces the capacitance seen by the driver transistors, virtually eliminating storage delay in the output stage that could contribute to nonlinearities in the zero-crossing region. This innovative approach ensures a smooth and artifact-free transition through the zero-crossing point, preserving the integrity of the audio signal.
- Continuing efforts to reduce low-level noise and enhance clarity: Bryston's commitment to clarity extends to the lowest listening levels, where the amplifier's noise floor can significantly impact the overall audio experience. The Cubed Series amplifiers push the noise floor far below the signal level, improving the silence between musical notes and enhancing the clarity of the music at low power levels. This attention to detail ensures that even the most subtle nuances and delicate passages are reproduced with exceptional fidelity and transparency.
- Concentration on reducing distortion at all levels, especially high frequencies: Bryston amplifiers are renowned for their unwavering focus on reducing high-frequency distortion artifacts, a pursuit that sets them apart from many other amplifier designs. The results are remarkably flat THD-with-frequency curves, showing almost no tendency for distortion to increase as frequency rises. This exceptional performance has the effect of reducing overall haze and pulling the quietest passages out of the background, allowing every intricate detail and nuance to shine through with stunning clarity and precision.
Additionally, the new Cubed Series employs highly effective RF employs highly effective RF rejection in the power supplies, which traps and eliminates radio-frequency hash from either interfering with or emanating from the amplifier via the power cable or signal cables.
About Bryston Amps and Speakers:
Bryston is a leading manufacturer of high-performance audio equipment based in Ontario, Canada, renowned for its powerful and accurate amplifiers and speakers that deliver stunning sound quality. They have been designing and manufacturing state-of-the-art electronics for consumer and audio professional markets for more than 50 years. Since the debut of its first amplifier in 1973, Bryston has grown its product line to encompass a range of world-renowned Amplifiers, Loudspeakers, and Digital Audio Components. Each of Bryston's hand-assembled products is extensively tested before shipment. From their state-of-the-art solid-state amplifiers to innovative products like the Bryston 4B, BDA-3.14, BDP series, Cubed series, and the legendary Bryston 20, their amplifiers, phono preamplifiers, conditioners, and stereo power amplifiers are engineered to extract every nuance from audio sources, revealing details and dynamics that other amplifiers struggle to reproduce. Bryston's extensive lineup of amplifiers spans from compact powerhouses to massively powerful monoblock amplifiers designed to drive the most demanding speakers and subwoofers. Their amplifiers are revered for their ability to deliver a stunningly realistic and immersive soundstage with thunderous dynamics and jaw-dropping accuracy.
From their state-of-the-art solid-state power amps and headphone amplifiers (BHA-1) to innovative products like the Bryston 4B, BDA-3.14, Cubed series, and the legendary Bryston 20, their amplifiers, phono preamplifiers, conditioners, and stereo power amplifiers are engineered to extract every nuance from audio sources, revealing details and dynamics that other amplifiers struggle to reproduce. Bryston's extensive lineup of amplifiers spans from compact powerhouses to massively powerful monoblock amplifiers designed to drive the most demanding speakers and subwoofers. Their amplifiers are revered for their ability to deliver a stunningly realistic and immersive soundstage with thunderous dynamics and jaw-dropping accuracy.
Beyond just sheer power, Bryston's amplifiers (like the Bryston BP series and the Bryston 3B) are engineered with meticulous attention to detail, incorporating cutting-edge technologies and innovative features that elevate audio quality and performance to new heights. From warm, natural soundstages to precise imaging and crystal-clear clarity, Bryston amplifiers provide an unparalleled listening experience. Bryston's flagship amplifiers, like the mighty 28XO, showcase the company's dedication to crafting products that push the boundaries of audio fidelity. These behemoths are purpose-built to unleash the full potential of high-resolution audio sources, unveiling every intricate detail and nuance with uncompromising accuracy and transparency.
Bryston's top-of-the-line amps and speakers stand as titans of the audio world, delivering ground-shaking power and dynamics that transcend the capabilities of traditional amps and speakers. From studio-grade recordings to heart-pounding cinematic scores, these titans lay bare the true depth and intensity of source material, unveiling details and dynamics that lesser amplifiers would fail to reproduce. Whether concert-level bass and ponderous lows, or staggering transients and searing crescendos, Bryston redefines the limits of what is possible, delivering performance, power, and dynamics that push the boundaries of amplification and loudspeaker tech while defining new standards for what can be achieved. The perfect addition to your high-end DAC, preamp, bookshelf speakers (like the Mini A and Mini T), Bryston loudspeakers, headphone amplifiers, preamps, and more are perfect for any audiophile setup.
Bryston offers an incredible 20-year warranty on its analog audio products and loudspeakers (five years on digital products and cables). Based in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, Bryston products are sold through over 150 dealers in North America and 60 countries worldwide. Discover why Bryston is one of the most venerated high-end audio brands in the world and learn more about the products.
Features
- Balanced XLR and Single ended RCA input
- 2 Channels each with fully independent power supplies including transformers
- 300W into 8 ohms (and up to 500 into 4 ohms) per channel
- The patented Salomie circuit found in all Cubed Series amplifiers
- Switchable gain (23dB or 29dB)
- Fully convection cooled means no noisy fans
- Machined and anodized aluminum enclosure and dress panel
- Less than 500mW standby power consumption
- SoftStart microprocessor controlled startup sequence won't trip circuit breakers
- DC trigger for automated turn on and turn off
- Active extremely low distortion input buffer
- Balanced and Single Ended audio inputs
- Selectable gain at 23 or 29dB
- Regulated power supplies to all voltage gain stages
- Independent power supplies for each channel
- Convection cooled and housed in a fully aluminum chassis.
- No fans or other moving parts
- Bridging switch configures amplifier into a single 900W Channel
- Legendary Bryston 20 Year Warranty
Options
- Available with Silver or Black faceplate
- 17” or 19” faceplate (non-rack mountable) 19" comes with front mounted handles
- PRO version includes 19" rack mount dress panel in black plus rear panel channel trim pots (-14 to 0dB)
What's in the Box?
- Bryston 4B Cubed Amplifier
- Power Cord
- Manual and Warranty
FAQ
How much power does the 4B Cubed deliver?
The 4B Cubed is rated at 300 watts per channel into 8 ohm loads, and can output up to 500 watts per channel into 4 ohm loads.
Is the 4B Cubed a true dual-mono design?
Yes, the 4B Cubed features a true dual-mono amplifier design with separate power supplies and circuitry for each channel.
Does it have balanced XLR inputs?
Yes, in addition to unbalanced RCA inputs, the 4B Cubed has balanced XLR inputs.
Can the 4B Cubed be bridged to run in mono mode?
No, the 4B Cubed is a dedicated stereo amplifier and cannot be bridged into mono operation.
What speaker impedances is the 4B Cubed stable into?
It is stable into 4, 8 or 16 ohm speaker loads.
Specifications
Dimensions | Inches: 17 or 19 W x 6.3 H x 15.5 or 17.75 (with front handles) D |
---|---|
Weight | 42 lbs | 19 kg |
Frequency Response: | <1hz - 100khz: -3db |
THD+N (20Hz-20kHz @ Rated Power, 8Ω): | <0.005% |
Power Output (per channel): | 300W @ 8Ω | 500W @ 4Ω |
Noise: | RCA: -112dB |
XLR: -117dB | |
Input Impedance: | Unbalanced 7.5kΩ |
Balanced 30kΩ+ / 6kΩ- |