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Bryston 4B Cubed Dual-Mono Amplifier
A rarified few components in audiophile lore have become so ubiquitous that nearly every music lover once had, lusted after, or if they're really lucky, currently owns one. One such legend is the Bryston 4B. This product has been manufactured continuously (though often refined) since 1978. Currently this venerated amplifier is on its 6th generation, and it's never been better. Now rated at 300 watts per channel into 8 ohms, (and upwards of 500 into 4 ohms), this true dual-mono amplifier is powerful enough for practically any speaker, yet it's priced to remain within reach. The degree of clarity, power, nuance, and outright truthfulness of this amp is stunning. If you've always wanted one, maybe now is just the right time.
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
- Legendary Bryston 10 Year Warranty
Options
- 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)
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Bryston 4B Cubed Dual-Mono Amplifier
The Bryston 4B Cubed Dual-Mono Amplifier is a high-current, high-headroom power amp prized for its neutral transparency and muscular dynamics. Reviewers such as Doug Schneider and Andrew Dewhirst highlight its ability to deliver tight, controlled bass, extended top end, and clean midrange even at very loud levels. Its dual-mono topology and conservative rated output (300W/8Ω, 500W/4Ω) translate to measured outputs that exceed specs, yielding exceptional transient authority and imaging. Build quality is robust and supported by Bryston’s industry-leading 20-year warranty, while practical design suits rack installations. Ideal for listeners who want revealing, uncolored amplification for dynamic modern speakers, the 4B Cubed pairs especially well with high-demand loudspeakers and reference systems — a compelling value for long-term ownership.
Pros
- Exceptional headroom and dynamics — delivers massive reserves of power and doesn’t flinch at high volume, with measured outputs exceeding conservative specs.
- Ultra-transparent, neutral presentation with very low noise and strong imaging — lets recordings sound uncolored and places instruments cleanly in the soundstage.
- Robust construction and industry-leading aftercare — solid dual-mono design, rack-friendly layout and the reassurance of Bryston’s 20-year warranty.
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Cons
- RCA inputs are mounted to a PCB rather than the chassis, which reviewers flagged as a potential mechanical weak point with repeated cable insertion.
- Industrial styling and omission of a conventional 3.5-mm trigger jack may not suit users wanting a more polished aesthetic or simpler remote power integration.
Sound Quality
94/100
Dynamics
95/100
Reviewers repeatedly praise the 4B³'s headroom and authority: 'didn't flinch, even at high volumes' and 'massive reserves of power'. Measured outputs exceeded the conservative specs (measured ~354W/552W into 8/4Ω), and commentators call it a benchmark for control and slam — evidence of reference-class transient and current delivery for a Class AB high-power design.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
Reviews cite excellent imaging and instrument placement ('provided each instrument room to breathe', 'kept the track very in its lane'), with stable channel separation even under load. The amp's neutrality and low noise floor contribute to a wide, well-layered soundstage.
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Build Quality
93/100
Bryston's long-standing build pedigree is noted along with an industry-leading 20-year warranty; reviewers praise measured performance and quiet thermal/operational behavior ('no noticeable heat or any audible operational noise'). The 4B Cubed is a dual-mono stereo design with robust supply and noise-reduction stages, supporting its high construction and reliability marks.
Value for Money
96/100
Reviewers use superlative language about value ('pretty much beyond reproach — for $6795 or for any price,' 'I’d pony up another grand for a 4B³ any day of the week'), and cite exceptional measured performance, low noise, and a 20-year warranty. At the listed price (~$7.5k) and given its power (300W/8Ω; 500W/4Ω nominal, with higher measured outputs), the amp is judged as an exceptional buy in its class — a premium product that strongly justifies its cost.
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