| Reprint
from
HiFi Test TV-Video
5/03
BRYSTON 60 BRI S POWER AMPLIFIER
THIEL CS 1.6 LOUDSPEAKERS
 ".
. . hear music satisfactorily and for a long time."
Olaf Sturm
Harmonics
Bryston 60 BRI S Integrated Amplifier and Thiel CS 1.6
Loudspeakers Music releases emotions, whether in an actual concert
or via electronic reproduction, only plays a subservient role. Interestingly
though, well-engineered components provide substantially simpler
access, as is demonstrated by the team of Bryston amplifiers and
Thiel loudspeakers.
Technological standstill is easily recognizable when no new product
development takes place, when part and cabinet dimensions merely
become larger. Non-critical listeners globally attest that monster
constructions provide better reproduction, but upon what kind of
criteria are such judgements based? In light of the compact Bryston
BRI S integrated power amplifier and the Thiel CS 1.6 loudspeakers,
certainly a legitimate question, since both of these demonstrate
that properly implemented know-how leads to "living-room friendly"
products.
 Bryston
60 BRI S Power Amplifier
Approximately six years ago HIFI TEST (Issue 3/97) tested
Bryston's first 60 BRI power amplifier. The result read "Reference",
and in the conclusion it said that "one simply cannot make
some things better." Six years later there is a new Bryston
60 BRI power amplifier, in many details further developed, in house,
whose type designation has been expanded with an "S".
Optically it is hardly distinguishable from its predecessor, whose
main distinctive mark for a power amplifier is its impudent scant
height of about five centimeters (1.75 inches). In the interior
several changes have been made, i.e. both transformers are now shielded,
the formerly used metal housed output transistors have given way
to highly modern plastic units from Motorola. Although the capacity
of the filter capacitors in the power supply of the earlier version
was already 4,700 Microfarads, they now store 6,800 Microfarads
(50 Volt type), and that at the same cabinet height. The symmetrical
circuit construction remained, as well as the Alps volume control
potentiometer known for its excellent sound quality, and the balance
control from Noble. The caliber of the design hidden behind the
front panel becomes clear through a very unique circumstance, customers
receive a 20 year warranty.
Thiel CS 1.6 Loudspeaker
Understatement is not normally on the agenda in America.
In view of this awareness one must really be pleased with Jim Thiel's
newest creation, the just 90 cm. (35.5 inches) high CS 1.6 loudspeaker.
Two drivers are mounted into the approximately five cm. (2 inch)
thick baffle board, which is framed by two and a half cm. (one inch)
thick sidewalls. For the reproduction of bass and middle notes a
17 cm. (6.5 inch) woofer is used, whose cone is made out of metal.
The neodymmagnet of the cage is clever, because it is not located
as usual outside of the voice coil but inside of it, and distortion
of video pictures by the magnet is therefore prevented.
The 7.5 cm. (3 inch) diameter voice coil is surprisingly large,
and from this Thiel expects better power distribution on the cone
surface. For impeccable reproduction of the high frequencies there
is an aluminum dome tweeter whose relatively short voice coil is
immersed in a long air gap, which has a lowering effect upon the
distortion spectrum. Jim Thiel places special emphasis upon time
and phase linearity. Therefore in connection with wide band drivers
he uses first order electrical crossovers (6 dB). In order for sound
energy of different frequencies to reach the listening position
at the same time, the baffle is provided with a specific slant.
With an efficiency of 90 dB (2.83 V/ 1 meter), the SP 1.6 loudspeakers
can also be successfully used in connection with not so very powerful
amplifiers.
 Setup
and Connections
Because of their tractability the CS 1.6 loudspeakers
are easy to set up. However caution is suggested, he who doesn't
proceed carefully, will experience severe disappointment. At first
it is necessary that the optimum phantom sound source (listening
position) is carefully established. During the following maneuvers
it should remain unchanged. When the little "Americans"
are properly located, the supplied spikes should be fastened to
the massive bottom plates. It is also worthwhile to experiment with
the speaker cables. For the connection between the Bryston 60 BRI
S amplifier and the CS 1.6 speakers we finally used Cardas 300/Microtwin
cables. Excellent cables are available for connecting the Thorens
TD 800 record player (in connection with the Black Cube phono preamplifier
from Lehmann Audio). Optimal prerequisites for harmonic sounds!
 Sound
To snap one's fingers in a race with Marla Glenn? This
synchronization with the listener already becomes evident with the
first selection. The interplay between the thumb and the middle
finger sounds realistic, but at the beginning the voice is somewhat
too low in the loudspeakers. A few turns of the front spikes, and
this deficiency is remedied. The tonal colors of the accompanying
instruments, which are really superbly reproduced by the combination,
are very striking. However the real fascination comes from the freedom
of the sound, which seems to free itself completely from the speakers.
A circumstance which comes especially to the fore with jazz and
classical music recordings. "Spider and the Fly" by Myra
Taylor (see record tip) convinces with clear wind instruments, wonderful
saxophones, and the mature voice of the artist - That is high class
sound reproduction, this is high end.
Conclusion
Harmonics for sophisticated listeners, that is the clear
result of this test. Even demanding listeners will be able to hear
music satisfactorily and for a long time with the combination of
Thiel CS 1.6 loudspeakers and the Bryston 60 BRI S power amplifier.
Olaf Sturm
Translated from the German by Peter Ullman
We invite you to experience the Bryston SST2 Series amplifiers
20 Year Warranty - A Generation of Music
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