Bryston
21B Cubed 3 Channel Amplifier
$13,795.00 USDFeatures
Balanced and Single Ended audio inputs
Selectable gain at 23 or 29dB
No fans or other moving parts
Regulated power supplies to all voltage gain stages
Convection cooled and housed in a fully aluminum chassis
Independent power supplies for each channel
Energy storage power transformers maximize dynamic range
What's in the Box?
Warranty
Bryston's 14B³ amplifier is revered by many audio enthusiasts for its exceptional performance characteristics. It delivers monobloc-level power in a dual-channel configuration, offering a silent noise floor and a perfect balance of power and finesse. While substantial in size and weight, the 14B³ demonstrates remarkable agility and speed, driving even the most demanding loudspeakers with ease and rendering music with exquisite detail. Building on this legacy, Bryston has introduced the 21B³, a new amplifier designed to bring the acclaimed Cubed Series performance to a versatile, three-channel package. This innovation follows Bryston's successful launch of a fully active loudspeaker system that allowed audiophiles to choose their own amplifiers for a customized 6-channel setup. The 21B³ features a unique power distribution:
- One channel rated at 600 watts
- Two channels rated at 300 watts each
This configuration is ideal for active loudspeaker setups, with the high-powered channel driving the bass section and the two lower-powered channels handling the midrange and high-frequency sections in a three-way system. Derived from the technology in Bryston's 7B³ and 4B³ amplifiers, the 21B³ is not limited to active speaker systems. Its versatility allows it to power any three channels, making it an excellent choice for front Left-Center-Right (LCR) channels in a home theater setup. The 21B³ represents Bryston's commitment to providing flexible, high-performance solutions that cater to the evolving needs of audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the Bryston 21B Cubed Amplifier with our popular 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.
Features
- Designed to meet the power requirements of a single active loudspeaker
- Balanced and Single Ended audio inputs
- Selectable gain at 23 or 29dB
- No fans or other moving parts
- Regulated power supplies to all voltage gain stages
- Convection cooled and housed in a fully aluminum chassis
- Independent power supplies for each channel
- Energy storage power transformers maximize dynamic range
Options
- Available with silver or black faceplate
- 17” (without handles) or 19” (with handles) faceplate available (non-rack mountable)
The Bryston 21B³ three-channel amplifier is meticulously designed to deliver exceptional amplification tailored for your Bryston Active Loudspeaker System. Comprising the essence of both a 7B³ and a 4B³ amplifier, the 21B³ provides ample power for a single active loudspeaker. Deploying two of these amplifiers effortlessly drives your active system with unparalleled clarity and ease.
Bryston's Active Loudspeaker System eliminates traditional passive crossovers found in conventional speakers by integrating crossovers before the amplifier stage. This innovative approach offers several advantages: enhanced flexibility in filter design, precise adjustments for improved on- and off-axis response (typically challenging in passive setups), direct amplifier-to-driver coupling (bypassing losses inherent in passive crossovers), and increased sound pressure levels with reduced distortion. Drawing on decades of research in acoustics, electronics, amplification, and cutting-edge components, the Bryston Active Loudspeaker System faithfully reproduces your recordings with astonishing realism.
First to Last Watt Philosophy
A key focus in designing the new Cubed series was to create amplifiers that maintain an optimal power curve from the very first watt to the last. Unlike many amplifiers that typically reach their best noise floor, drive capability, and lowest distortion levels from around one-third power and upwards, the new Bryston Cubed series ensures peak performance right from the outset, starting at the first watt.
Achieving this starts with a number of design approaches:
- Complete freedom from low-level crossover, zero-crossing, artifacts: Typically, class-AB amplifiers feature ample bias to mitigate primary crossover distortion. However, secondary crossover distortion can arise from slower driver transistors. In the Cubed Series, Bryston addresses this issue with exceptionally swift drivers and proprietary technology. Their Quad Complementary Output design significantly reduces the capacitance experienced by the driver transistors, effectively eliminating storage delay in the output stage. This innovation minimizes nonlinearities in the zero-crossing region, ensuring cleaner and more accurate audio reproduction.
- Continuing efforts to reduce low-level noise. The clarity of level noise: Bryston's designs achieve enhanced clarity at low listening levels by lowering the noise floor well below the signal level. This improvement heightens the silence between musical notes and enhances the overall clarity of the music, particularly at low power levels.
- Concentration on reducing distortion at all levels, especially high frequencies: Bryston amplifiers uniquely prioritize minimizing high-frequency distortion artifacts, resulting in exceptionally flat THD-vs-frequency curves. These curves demonstrate minimal tendency for distortion to increase with rising frequency. This meticulous approach reduces overall haze, effectively bringing out the subtlest passages from the background.
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.
What's in the Box?
- Bryston 21B Cubed Amplifier
- Power Cable
- Manual and Warranty
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 (just pair your favorite source - CD players, turntables, and more!).
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.
FAQ
What is the power output of the Bryston 21B³?
The 21B³ delivers 3 x 400 watts into 8 ohms, or 3 x 600 watts into 4 ohms.
What makes the 21B³ different from previous Bryston amplifiers?
The Cubed series features Bryston's patented input stage, which reduces noise and distortion while improving linearity.
Can the 21B³ be used in both home theater and stereo setups?
Yes, it's a versatile three-channel amplifier suitable for high-end stereo systems (bi-amping) or as part of a multi-channel home theater setup.
What's the warranty on the Bryston 21B³?
Bryston offers an industry-leading 20-year warranty on their amplifiers.
Does the 21B³ run hot?
While it generates heat, Bryston designs their amplifiers for efficient heat dissipation and reliable operation.
Can the 21B³ handle difficult speaker loads?
Yes, it's designed to drive a wide range of speakers, even those with challenging impedance curves.
What kind of inputs does the 21B³ have?
It features both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) inputs for each channel.
How does the 21B³ compare to other high-end amplifiers in its class?
The 21B³ is known for its neutral sound, high power output, and exceptional build quality, often competing favorably with more expensive amplifiers.
Is the 21B³ suitable for professional audio applications?
Yes, Bryston amplifiers are used in both high-end home audio and professional studio environments.
Specifications
- Inputs
- 3x Balanced Inputs (XLR or TRS)
3x Single Ended Inputs (RCA) - Power Capabilities:
- 1x 600W into 8Ω
2x 300W into 8Ω
1x 900W into 4Ω
2x 500W into 4Ω - Harmonic Distortion (1st Channel)
- ≤.005% from 20Hz to 20kHz at 600W
- Noise below full output (1st Channel)
- -113dB single ended, -116dB balanced
- Harmonic Distortion (2nd and 3rd Channel)
- ≤.005% from 20Hz to 20kHz at 300W
- Noise below full output (2nd and 3rd Channel)
- -110dB single ended, -113dB balanced
- Slew Rate
- >60V/µS
- Power Bandwidth
- 100kHz
- Damping Factor
- >300 at 20Hz (8Ω)
Overview
- Designed to meet the power requirements of a single active loudspeaker
- Balanced and Single Ended audio inputs
- Selectable gain at 23 or 29dB
- No fans or other moving parts
- Regulated power supplies to all voltage gain stages
- Convection cooled and housed in a fully aluminum chassis
- Independent power supplies for each channel
- Energy storage power transformers maximize dynamic range
Physical
- Dimensions
- 8.1" H x 18.4" D x 17" W (or 19")
- Weight
- 55 lbs (25 kg)
Options
- Available with silver or black faceplate
- 17” (without handles) or 19” (with handles) faceplate available (non-rack mountable)
Package Includes
- Amplifier
- 20-Year Limited Warranty*
*Only Bryston products purchased from an authorized dealer, like Moon Audio, are covered under warranty.
Bryston analog audio products and loudspeakers are warranted to be free from manufacturing defects for twenty (20) years from the original date of manufacture. The warranty includes parts and labor. Speaker warranty is limited to the first time buyer and is non-transferable.
Bryston will remedy the problem by repair or replacement, as they deem necessary, to restore the product to full performance. Bryston will pay return shipping costs for the full length of the specific product’s warranty.
For further details, visit Bryston's website.