Looking good, Hoops!
Could you perhaps tell me in which sonic way you prefer the Bryston to the Brio-r ?
I really did not get on with the Apollo-R, just sounded bright/splashy in the treble and boomy/odd in the bass, especially compare to the Sony S9000ES. Not heard so much of a change between CDPs before and it only lasted a weekend. I much preferred the Sony, much smoother all round.
The Brio-R did better than I expected though, sounded good but not brilliant. Bit rough round the edges but a lot more drive/balls than the Brio3 I had when I owned the SCM10s previously.
I can see where the Rega electronics get their lively/get-up-and-go sound from but I find it a little tiresome, I much prefer their speakers based on my experiences (R1, R3, R7, Alya and Jura)
The B60 sounds a lot better IMO and that's just on one evenings listening. Initially I thought it sounded a bit loose/soft in the bass until I went out the room and realised how loud I was listening, much higher than I usually did but it just sounded so un-strained in the mid-treble, its just the bass dynamics with the little 80dB SCM10s and 60wpc B60 has its obvious limits. As mentioned though, its louder than I would usually listen I just did not realise how loud it was!
At more normal volumes it sounds great, bass is great, tight and punchy with good depth, not the lowest but then that's the limitation of the ATCs again. There was no hint of grain/harshness in the treble I have had from the Brio-R and other SS amps, the B60 really is a gem of an amp if you dont NEED massive power. Runs quite cool as well which is nice, even after the hammering with some John Grant or Orbital at high volumes it was barely warm to the touch!
I would certainly urge you to give that Bryston a better placement than on top of a tuner dvd
Could you describe what you think the Brsyton does better than Brio except power
Any particular reason it would make a difference?