Bryston Bi-200 Integrated Amplifier

‘Half a Century’ of Bryston!

The Canadian Audio Brand Bryston, renowned for their State of the Art amplifiers/ audio electronics designs and manufacture for both professional and consumer marketplace/ industry for more than fifty [50] years, that came with an unprecedented twenty [20] years warranty,…decided to make a ‘no compromise‘ integrated amplifier.

With half a century of know how and experience in the industry, they could have easily did one fresh from the ground(?).

Bryston Bi-200 Integrated Amplifier.

Instead, the said ‘no compromise’ integrated amplifier, the Bi-200 (retail at US$8,495) was an incorporation of their famed preamplifier BP-19 (retail at US$5,195.00 to US$6,945.00), and their long standing stereo amplifier 3B which was originally designed by Chris Russell since 1973 (retail at US$5,995),…understandably they ‘knew the marketplace‘.

Bryston BP-19 Preamplifier.

Both BP-19 and 3B have been well received by both audio journalists/ publications and consumers throughout the years. Based upon their individual component retail price, the asking retail price of the Bi-200 could be considered a bargain(?),…and more so if taken into consideration the ‘minus‘ of a pair of interconnect (between the preamplifier to the amplifier) and a power cord.

Bryston 3B Stereo Amplifier.

“The Bryston Bi-200 was promised NOT to be a compromised integrated amplifier?!”

I found that above statement in the Bi-200 manual and therefore used it as the main heading for the review. Throughout the review of the Bi-200, I used the HiFi Rose RS150B Streamer (mainly with Tidal) as the main source, and the main transducers were the Genesis S7 Foxtrot loudspeakers.

Upon first listening with the Bryston Bi-200, I realised two [2] main attributes, (a) it could throw out a huge soundstage and (b) present music with (the right) speed. I found it presented the main title soundtrack of Iron Man 3, ‘Can You Dig It‘ by Brian Tyler with the speed that entailed excitement, and the huge soundstage that represented the size of a ‘mega movie‘. That sensation made me felt that…

the Bi-200 was designed by the STARK INDUSTRIES!

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Next I played Hedegaard‘s ‘Ratchet‘ (Electronic Dance Music) that impressed me with its presentation of the track’s fast pace mid bass and low bass that could ‘erupt‘ the entire listening den,…without any hint of faltering throughout the track. That Bi-200 was telling that track (and me),…

Is that all you need…I still have plenty!

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I also found the Bi-200 could easily carried and brought…

the ‘feel and sensation of an orchestra‘…

to the listening den. The musical energies of more than hundred musicians with their respective instrument swept through the listening den unhindered and unrestrained. That was what I felt when I played, ‘Orff: Carmina Burana/ Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi: I. O Fortuna‘ (track 1).

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In addition, the Bi-200 did not lose sight of the singers in the choir,…where I could enjoy the individual voice of the singers at the choir even when the track went into loud complication. To me, it has proven to me that not only it has the power delivery but also…

the high resolution and transparency of modern amplification (/audio component).

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Playing the grand piano track by Ms.Khatia BuniatishviliPictures At An Exhibition: I, Gnomus‘, I found the Bi-200 easily scaled the grand piano to an overwhelming and encompassing stage. In addition, each note was presented with clarity, weight, energy and power that…

easily justified the ‘GRAND(ness) of thePIANO

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Here, the Bi-200’s high resolution and transparency was more than able to present the minute detail and intimacy of the voiceation of Ms.Freya Ridings at ‘Lost Without You‘. However, what…

amazed me further was the revelation of the ‘hall effect‘ in the recording,

…that brought about an ‘echoey effect‘ upon the voice of the artist and the ‘dimensions‘ of the recording venue. Therefore for me, there was the sensation of being in the recording venue with the artist.

No Compromise Integrated Amplifier!

Without reservation, I concurred that the Bryston Bi-200 Integrated Amplifier was a No Compromise in terms of design, manufacture and performance,…and could be considered a Bargain,…that also came with an unprecedented twenty [20] years warranty!

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SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Response:20Hz – 20kHz: ± 0.05dB
Signal To Noise:Weighted Filter: 22Hz-22kHz, decibels below rated output
IMD:≤0.0005%
THD+N:20Hz-20kHz @ 200W, 8Ω
Weight37 lbs | 16.8 kg
DimensionsInches: 17 or 19 W x 4.6 H x 13 D | Cm: 43 or 48.3 W x 11.6 H x 33 D
Power Consumption (120V/60Hz):Standby <0.5w idle ≤60w
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Features

  • Full Balanced Discrete Circuit Path
  • Analog Volume … Digitally Controlled
  • Connect up to 6 analog sources
  • Optional low distortion MM/MC Phono module
  • Dual-mono amplifier produces 200 watts into 8 ohms
  • 300 watts per channel into 4 ohms.
  • Channel balance control
  • Fully convection cooled means no noisy fans
  • Independent buffered headphone output
  • Machined aluminum enclosure and dress panel
  • 2-way RS232 for automation systems
  • Compatible with BR-4 remote control
  • Soft-Start microprocessor won’t trip circuit breakers
  • DC trigger out
  • Legendary Bryston 20 Year Warranty on Analog
  • Ethernet/USB/RS232 status control

Options

  • Standard Silver or Black Faceplates Available in 17 or 19 Inch
  • Pro 19 Inch Rackmount
  • Colour Faceplates Available
  • Phono Bi-200P & Bi-200MC
  • Moving Coil Transformer Phono
  • Module (20 or 26 dB)