Overview

The Bryston 3B Cubed is a high-performance dual-channel amplifier that delivers exceptional musicality and detail in a more compact chassis than its larger siblings. It solves the need for audiophile-grade amplification in systems where space is a consideration, providing 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms. By utilizing Bryston’s patented Salomie input circuitry, it effectively eliminates noise and distortion to provide a transparent, lifelike soundstage. This convection-cooled amplifier is built to provide reliable, high-current power, making it an ideal choice for high-end stereo setups or as a premium multi-channel companion in a home theater.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

The 3B Cubed is often the "unsung hero" of the Bryston lineup. In our experience, it offers the exact same sonic refinement and "black" background as the larger 4B, but in a form factor that is easier to integrate into smaller equipment racks or furniture. It has more than enough power to drive almost any high-quality bookshelf speaker or mid-sized floorstander to its full potential. For many of our clients, this is the perfect balance of legendary Bryston performance and practical footprint.

Pro Tip: Best for driving high-quality monitors or medium-sized towers. Like the 4B, the 3B Cubed can also be bridged into a monoblock configuration, delivering 400 watts into 8 ohms, giving you a powerful upgrade path if you decide to move to more demanding speakers in the future.

More Details

Why It Wins

• Efficient Power Delivery: Provides a robust 200W per channel into 8 ohms and 300W into 4 ohms, ensuring plenty of headroom for dynamic musical peaks.
• Salomie Circuitry: Employs Bryston’s unique, patented input stage to significantly reduce distortion and provide a neutral, uncolored audio signal.
• Silent Convection Cooling: Designed with large external heat sinks to dissipate heat naturally, ensuring the amplifier remains silent and reliable without the need for noisy fans.

What Makes It Different

The 3B Cubed distinguishes itself by offering a reference-level amplification experience in a design that prioritizes thermal efficiency and low-noise operation. While many compact amplifiers compromise on power supply quality, the 3B Cubed features independent power stages for each channel to prevent crosstalk and maintain a focused stereo image. It also utilizes Bryston’s sophisticated SoftStart technology, which manages the power-up sequence to prevent household breakers from tripping—a essential feature for high-current audiophile equipment.

Technical Highlights

• Ultra-Low Distortion: Maintains a THD+N figure of less than 0.005%, ensuring that the amplifier never adds artificial "warmth" or "grit" to the original recording.
• Flexible Gain Settings: Includes switchable 23dB or 29dB gain options, allowing for precise level matching with a wide range of preamplifiers and sources.
• Rugged Build Quality: Hand-assembled with premium components and housed in a vibration-resistant aluminum chassis, designed to last a lifetime.

Buyers Guide

Who This Is For

• The Space-Conscious Audiophile: Ideal for those who want flagship-level amplification but have limited space in their media console or equipment rack.
• The Critical Near-Field Listener: Perfect for high-end desktop or studio monitoring setups where total silence and absolute transparency are required.

What To Pair It With

• Bryston BP-17 Cubed Preamplifier: Matches the amplifier's transparency and provides a clean, high-resolution signal path for a complete Bryston stack.
• DALI SONIK 3 Bookshelf Speakers: The 3B Cubed’s 200W of clean power provides incredible control over the 7-inch drivers, resulting in a deep and articulate soundstage.

Alternative Options

If you have larger floorstanding speakers that require even more current, the Bryston 4B Cubed provides 300W per channel in a larger chassis. For those building a multi-channel theater system, the Bryston 9B Cubed offers a modular approach with up to five channels. If you are looking for an all-in-one solution that includes streaming and amplification, the Bluesound POWERNODE is a high-value alternative for smaller rooms.