#middlet

[bryston-ltd]

Bryston, long known for their massive power amplifiers, has branched into marketing speakers. One of their first models is the Middle T, reviewed here, which is a three-way floor-stander. It is a surprising performer. Read on.

[bryston-ltd]

Norm's Incremental Upgrades

Norm from California wrote me a really kind letter walking through the evolution of his system including lots of Bryston equipment. I've included it below.

I wanted to share my overall impression of the recent “growth” of my new system. 

  As I have expressed before, I am extremely happy with the combination of Bryston components and the addition of Stillpoints Ultra-5’s and the Analysis + cabling, power cords and interconnects.  I started this adventure with the purchase of the Bryston Middle T speakers and reference Analysis + products.  I appreciated the marked improvement with the new speakers, even while using my 90s vintage amp and pre-amp.  In my opinion, the Middle Ts represent great value for the money and perform significantly better than the speakers I was using (also 90s vintage) or anything else I had heard in that price range.  I did use the new Analysis + cabling with my old speakers and heard obvious performance improvements in them before hooking up my new Middle Ts. Between the new speakers and the improved cabling/interconnects/power cords, I was surprised at the improved sound quality I was getting out of my old equipment. 

  The improvement took a significant jump once I added 8 Stillpoints Ultra-5’s to replace the spike feet I was using to support the Bryston Middle Ts.  I immediately noticed a much tighter and accurate bottom end, better separation of the bass, mid’s and hi’s and a more defined and dimensional sound stage.  Again, this is while still using my old equipment.  I would add that the adapters you provided allowed me to securely attach the Ultra-5’s to the Bryston speakers' outriggers, and I can now reposition the speakers much more easily than before.

  I subsequently received the Bryston B-135 Integrated amp, and quickly enjoyed improved sound stage, separation, and a much better handling of the bottom end. Bass passages that had previously dropped off or were indiscernible mush suddenly had presence and definition; the hi’s and mid’s are very clean. 

  Not long after, I added the Bryston Bit 15 power conditioner and was surprised yet again to almost immediately hear even better separation, tighter bass and expanded sound stage.

  Finally, after getting used to listening to my new system with the incremental additions noted, I used 3 more Stillpoints Ultra-5’s to support the Bryston B-135 and again immediate improvements were noted; primarily a further expansion of sound stage dimension and yet more distinction between the instruments and vocals being presented. 

  I have been attending quite a few live performances of late, and am consequently very impressed with how accurate and natural this new system is. I enjoy closing my eyes while listening and “seeing” where the musicians seem to be positioned; I hear so much more from these recordings than ever before.  I  I look forward to the day when I have replaced my current system sound source, while decent, is not of the same caliber as this new equipment.  I am sure I will be surprised once again by the enhanced listening experience.

Norm

[bryston-ltd]

Last, but certainly not the least, I was treated to some truly potent two-channel music in the Bryston salon, as James Tanner revved up his Midi T floorstanders, powered by 28B SST2 monoblocs, and, if Robbie Robertson’s Somewhere Down The Crazy River with its heart-stopping drumbeats is any example of what to expect, then be prepared for something special that does not require a second mortgage to own.

Lawrence D. Devoe, MD / blu-ray definition.com