Bryston SST C User Manual

SST C–SERIES

TAKING POWER TO THE NEXT LE VEL

INTRODUCING THE NEW C–SERIES

OUR GOAL

For over 30 years, Bryston has had a continuing commitment

to design and manufacture the most accurate and reliable

audio electronics. The performance, value, and reliability

of our amplifiers, and our unrivaled warranty, have brought

us recognition in the world of pro audio, as well as with

reviewers and home users. But there is no product that

cannot be made better. To this end, we maintain an

extensive research and development program, constantly

investigating techniques, technologies, and devices that

promise improvements to all aspects of our amplifiers. The

Bryston SST C–Series is the direct result of this on-going

quest, and represents a significant step forward in the art

and science of audio amplification.

PERFORMANCE

WITHOUT COMPROMISE

WHAT WE’VE DONE

Among the advances included in the SST C–Series are: faster,

more linear and more reliable output transistors for better high

frequency accuracy; doubled filter capacitance for even deeper

and better-controlled bass; a new proprietary grounding protocol

which eliminates the need for ground-lift switches and reduces

system noise; and a new computer-modeled heatsink profile for

cooler operation and longer component life. Modular design

and separate power supplies for each channel ensure cross-talk

is essentially nonexistent, and provide precise and focused

soundstaging. Components mount directly into glass-epoxy

circuit boards, eliminating variations in signal travel and wire

interaction. Reviewers agree: sound quality is improved to a

stunning degree, realizing a higher, and far more consistent

standard of musical accuracy across a line of amplifiers than

ever before possible.

With today ’s increased clar ity and dynamic range in

recordings and movie soundtracks, you need equipment

that not only equals, but surpasses, the parameters of the

most demanding material available. The SST C–Series is

without peer in meeting this performance challenge.

Modular design with independent power

supplies each with its own transformer for

precise sound-staging.

Above Bryston model 6B SST 3-channel amplifier

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SONIC SUPERIORITY BY DESIGN

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

ENSURES SONIC SUPERIORITY

From input to output, all the circuitry in the C–Series of

amps has been optimized for the most accurate performance

possible. All analog signal circuitry is fully discrete to avoid

the compromises, phase shift, and non-linearities inherent

in IC’s. The Bryston C–Series amplifiers incorporate an

innovative gain stage topology, which yields a substantially

lower noise floor through the use of low-impedance

pathways within the amplifier, and has strong advantages

in reducing overall distortion. Bryston’s computer controlled

distortion analyzers confirm that IM distortion of less than

10 parts per million (below 0.0009%) are typical for this

new circuitry. All SST amplifiers use Bryston’s proprietary

output stage, which we call “Quad-Complementary.” The

Quad-Complementary topology improves linearity to a new

standard of accuracy, while virtually eliminating aggressive

higher harmonic distortion products. The overall harmonic

distribution of Bryston’s Quad-Complementary output stage

closely approaches an ideal Class-A output, except that the

overall distortion is actually much lower. (True class-A output

stages suffer from relatively high current-induced distortion

levels, consisting of mostly lower-order harmonics). The

listening characteristics display a high degree of transparency

without harshness or grain. The annoyances previously ascribed

to ‘transistor sound’ are absent, and the amplifier seems to

combine the seductive lushness of tube equipment with the

focus and accuracy of solid-state.

Quick-connect 12 Volt trigger

input allow remote on/off
triggering of your amplifier(s).

Above Bryston SP 1.7 Processor can provide on/off trigger
signal for all Bryston SST amplifiers.

Power LEDs on the front panel indicate each

channel’s functional status — green for power-on,
red for overdrive.

Above LED indicators on Bryston 9B SST C-Series 5-channel amplifier.

MODULAR DESIGN/INDEPENDENT

POWER SUPPLIES

No matter how good an amplifier’s signal path may be,

it’s meaningless if it’s starved in the power supply, an all

too common way of cutting costs. One of the things that

makes the Bryston SST Series unusual is our insistence that

every amplifier in the line have a completely separate and

independent power supply for each channel, including its

own toroidal transformer.

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SOLID CONSTRUCTION

Bryston’s research has shown that separate power supplies

provide the best imaging, clarity, and dynamic range — all

attributes that are especially crucial given the emerging

and demanding high resolution digital sources. The power

supplies employ multiple filter capacitors per channel, rather

than single pairs of larger filter cans, allowing improved high

frequency response, and reducing overall losses in the supply.

In the 9B SST, and 6B SST models we carry the modular

concept further, making the channels removable.

SUPERIOR INGREDIENTS

We use only the finest components — such as 0.1% metal-

film resistors, polypropylene capacitors, custom-wound

toroidal transformers, and hand-matched transistors — to

reduce noise and distortion to the absolute minimum. Gold-

plated balanced or single-ended (RCA) input connectors are

standard as well as gold-plated 5-way loudspeaker binding

posts, to eliminate possible causes of distortion from

corrosion. As befits products intended for use on stage as

well as in the home, the SST chassis are extremely robust.

FLEXIBILITY & FEATURES

SST amplifiers offer feature flexibility. For example, all allow

a choice of input connection — balanced XLR-F, balanced

1/4” phone, or single-ended RCA jack — together with a

switch to select gain settings. A trigger input allows system-

wide on/off control. Overall, the SST Series itself facilitates

flexibility in putting together the total system through a

variety of channel and power output options.

THE RESULT

Although the description of circuit innovations can indicate

the research and commitment we bring to the design and

manufacturing of our products, it’s not the whole story. The

purpose of all this technology is to place you within the scene

of the movie, or to transport you to the actual musical event.

Whether you can experience all the drama, movement, and

emotions intended is the one truly meaningful measure of

any audio/video system. Take the time to visit your Bryston

dealer and audition our SST Amplifiers. We think that you’ll

rediscover how exciting audio can be.

5.1 CHANNEL

Typical 5.1 Surround hook-up using

Bryston 9B SST C–Series Amplifier.

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