Bryston Unveils Flagship Active Loudspeaker Systems
January 12th, 2018
Bryston has announced the introduction of its Active Loudspeaker line-up, featuring three speaker models of different sizes: the Model T Active, Middle T Active, and Mini T Active) mated to a DSP-enabled active crossover (BAX-1) and Cubed Series Bryston amplifiers.
Two new amplifier models, the three-channel 21B3 and six-channel 24B3, have been created especially for the Bryston Active systems.
Why Active?
Active loudspeakers differ from passive loudspeakers in that the component that determines which drivers (Tweeter, Midrange and Woofer) get which audio frequencies is an electronic crossover placed directly between the preamp and the power amplifiers. This is contrary to passive loudspeakers where the crossover is typically built directly into the loudspeaker. In an active loudspeaker, each driver is powered by an independent amplifier channel, as opposed to a passive crossover where only one amplifier channel powers all of the drivers in the speaker.
A key advantage to placing an electronic crossover (Bryston BAX-1 Active crossover) between the preamplifier and the power amplifier is signal level. In an active system all speaker control (crossover slopes, crossover points, gain etc.) is performed at low signal levels, whereas passive crossovers operate at high signal levels. Manipulating and adjusting signals at low levels using the Bryston BAX-1 Digital crossover is far more accurate than attempting the same with high signal levels. Examining the frequency response, the crossover slopes, and the required volume levels per driver, reveals that the digital active crossover provides much more accuracy than the passive option.
One important aspect of the Bryston Active System that is critical to its performance is that each loudspeaker model and BAX-1 Digital Crossover combination is optimized using the factory anechoic chamber, utilizing over 300 measurements. This ensures that the software controlling the active digital crossover maintains the optimal ‘Sound Power Response’ for each Bryston Active Speaker Model.
The overall benefits of an active system include increased flexibility of filter shapes, the ability to make fine-grained adjustments resulting in improved on and off axis response (these are often competing objectives in passive loudspeakers), direct coupling of the amplifier to the driver (avoiding losses inherent in passive crossovers), and higher SPL with lower distortion.
The Bryston Active Loudspeaker System combines decades of research into acoustics, electronics, amplification, and state of the art components to recreate your recordings with stunning realism. A superbly designed active loudspeaker system can bring higher resolution and dynamic control to your audio system. The differences are far from subtle and the Bryston Active Loudspeaker System takes the performance to the next level.
Details
The Bryston 21B³ three-channel amplifier was crafted to provide ideal amplification for any of the three Active systems. Two 21B3 amplifiers are required to drive a pair of Bryston Active Loudspeakers. The Bryston 24B3 is a single chassis solution offering six channels of amplification. Delivering less total system power than two 21B3s but ample power for many listeners, the 24B3 is ideally suited for the Middle T Active and Mini T Active systems. Both amplifiers are easily connected using color-coded wiring, and both models are available with silver or black faceplate, 17-inch (without handles) or 19-inch (with handles). In addition to the 21B3 and 24B3, Bryston Active systems can be built around any combination of amplifiers from the Bryston lineup. All Bryston amplifiers are backed by a 20-year warranty.
All Bryston Active Loudspeakers are available in Black Ash, Natural Cherry, and Boston Cherry. Custom veneers are available with an upcharge. The Model T Active is a 52.5-inch tall floor-standing three-way loudspeaker featuring three high-excursion 8-inch woofers, two 5.25-inch midranges and two 1-inch tweeters. The Middle T Active is a 39.5-inch floor-standing three-way loudspeaker featuring two high-excursion 8-inch woofers, a 5.25-inch midrange and a 1-inch tweeter. The Mini T Active is a large 22.5-inch bookshelf speaker that also works wonderfully on a speaker stand. The Mini T Active features a high-excursion 8-inch woofer, a 5.25-inch midrange and a 1-inch tweeter. All Bryston loudspeakers are backed by a 20-year warranty.
The Bryston Model T Active system, comprised of the BAX-1, a pair of 21B3 amplifiers and a pair of Model T Active loudspeakers has an MSRP of US$33,770 and will be available Q1 2018. The Bryston Middle T Active system, including the BAX-1, a 24B3 amplifier and a pair of Middle T Active loudspeakers, has an MSRP of US$20,230 US and will be available Q2 2018. The Bryston Mini T Active system, featuring the BAX-1, a 24B3 amplifier and a pair of Mini T Active loudspeakers, has an MSRP of US$17,690 and will also be available Q2 2018.
