Bryston Model A Subwoofer Overview

H

HTKamikazee

Audioholics Sheriff
Recently (February 2015), Bryston introduced their new Model A subwoofer. This sub features two opposing long-throw 10" woofers driven by a 400-watt internal amplifier. On the back of the unit you can find its control panel which offers access to the crossover, phase and level adjustments. Its ¾" MDF cabinet with internal bracing features dual rear-facing ports that, according to the company, delivers extended low frequencies without unwanted chuff even under high-output conditions. This sub is available in Boston Cherry, Natural Cherry and Black Ash. Rubberized aluminium leveling feet and a heavy gauge AC line cord are included. Are you a Bryston fan? Let us know what you think about this new addition!

SPECIFICATIONS:
  • Frequency Response (± 3dB): 28Hz - 150Hz
  • Crossover: 80Hz and 150Hz
  • Amplifier power: 400 Watts RMS.
  • Max SPL @1m: 110dB
  • Phase: 0, 180 Drivers: 2 x 10” Aluminum cone.
  • Inputs: RCA, Hi-Level - (Speaker Level).
  • Outputs: RCA
  • Dimensions: 17" (H) x 17.75" (W) x 15.25" (D).
  • Weight: 48 lbs.
Price: $2,000.00
PicsArt_1428436833494.jpg
 
3db

3db

Audioholic Slumlord
Too much money for the lack of extension that it offers. My Rythmik bests it in extension and most likely, in articulation based on its servo design.
 
rojo

rojo

Audioholic Samurai
Agreed. I'm trying to figure out who the target consumer for this is. It's a similar footprint to the Hsu VTF-1 MK2, whose max SPL is 120dB and low-end extension dips down to 25Hz @-2dB (according to the manufacturer's website, anyway). I'm not sure the prettier finish justifies the $1500 price difference.
 
gene

gene

Audioholics Master Chief
Administrator
Too much money for the lack of extension that it offers. My Rythmik bests it in extension and most likely, in articulation based on its servo design.
Agreed, it's spendy for what you get. It's very doubtful this sub would even earn our "Large" Bassaholic rating based on the published specs. Bryston is targeting customers that aren't researching or shopping the ID market to realize you can get higher performance for about 1/2 the price.

If you don't want to go the ID route, a JL Audio E112 will crush this sub for the same price and IMO is more aesthetically pleasing.
 
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Steve81

Steve81

Audioholics Five-0
I'm wondering if the $2k price tag includes a real wood finish, or if like the rest of the line, the base is vinyl wrap and real wood constitutes an additional upcharge.
 
billy p

billy p

Audioholic Ninja
Nice overview...I can't wait for the full AH version down the road...
 
S

shadyJ

Speaker of the House
Staff member
Nice overview...I can't wait for the full AH version down the road...
LOL, after Gene's comments, I doubt very much you will be seeing that happen. It isn't often you see an audio website editor slam a brand new product like this and a potential advertiser, but that is what happened and that is why I like Audioholics!

I was trying not to say this in an attempt to lower my negativity, but yeah, this sub looks bad. It's only meant to be purchased by clueless buyers who only want something to match the finish on their Bryston speakers. And if you have those kind of speakers, money isn't really a concern for you. This is the same story as told by many high end speaker manufacturers whose sub is merely an afterthought and an over-priced, under-performing accessory with a likely huge markup. Companies like B&W, Dynaudio, Dali, etc. There are some exceptions though, including Martin Logan, Paradigm, and RBH, their good subs are expensive, but at least you get an honest-to-god high-performance subwoofer for the money.
 
gene

gene

Audioholics Master Chief
Administrator
LOL, after Gene's comments, I doubt very much you will be seeing that happen. It isn't often you see an audio website editor slam a brand new product like this and a potential advertiser, but that is what happened and that is why I like Audioholics!

I was trying not to say this in an attempt to lower my negativity, but yeah, this sub looks bad. It's only meant to be purchased by clueless buyers who only want something to match the finish on their Bryston speakers. And if you have those kind of speakers, money isn't really a concern for you. This is the same story as told by many high end speaker manufacturers whose sub is merely an afterthought and an over-priced, under-performing accessory with a likely huge markup. Companies like B&W, Dynaudio, Dali, etc. There are some exceptions though, including Martin Logan, Paradigm, and RBH, their good subs are expensive, but at least you get an honest-to-god high-performance subwoofer for the money.
Sorry I didn't mean to slam (no pun intended) but really for $2k is a stretch for a product of this caliber in a vinyl finish and a cabinet that doesn't even have rounded edges. It's pretty easy to tell the output capabilities based on the drivers they are using, box size and amp power.

There are SO many good performers in this price range these days but I suppose if one is building an entirely Bryston system then it makes sense to them.
 
billy p

billy p

Audioholic Ninja
LOL, after Gene's comments, I doubt very much you will be seeing that happen. It isn't often you see an audio website editor slam a brand new product like this and a potential advertiser, but that is what happened and that is why I like Audioholics!

I was trying not to say this in an attempt to lower my negativity, but yeah, this sub looks bad. It's only meant to be purchased by clueless buyers who only want something to match the finish on their Bryston speakers. And if you have those kind of speakers, money isn't really a concern for you. This is the same story as told by many high end speaker manufacturers whose sub is merely an afterthought and an over-priced, under-performing accessory with a likely huge markup. Companies like B&W, Dynaudio, Dali, etc. There are some exceptions though, including Martin Logan, Paradigm, and RBH, their good subs are expensive, but at least you get an honest-to-god high-performance subwoofer for the money.
Yeah...I know...heck, you might even consider PSA over that Bryson offering....;).

As for the remarks by Gene the likelihood of any advertising partnership with Bryson would never bear fruit as long as they(Bryson) continues its partnership with Axiom...just a feeling I get.
 
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