Front Panel

3B SST and 4B SST Series Amplifiers

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1. 'SST POWER' switch

The front panel label 'SST POWER', is a touch sensitive membrane switch used to apply or remove a/c line power to the soft start circuitry. Push firmly the center of the switch until the power-up sequence begins. Push again and the amplifier will power-down. ( Note: the rear circuit breaker must be on for the amplifier to power-up)

2. LED Indicators

Each SST channel has a LED indicator to monitor the following conditions:

UNLIT	-	indicates channel has no power.
RED -		indicates channel is muted (power-up)
GREEN	-	indicates channel operation is normal.
FLASHING RED -		indicates channel clipping.
ORANGE -		indicates channel thermal shutdown.

Power up sequence

After pushing the 'SST POWER' switch, each channel LED will turn from unlit to red (mute). When the power supplies have stabilized the channel will come out of mute and the LED will change to green (normal operation).

Unlit LED ( No power )

The SST channel LED when unlit indicates no A/C mains power is present at the channel. If both channel LED indicators are unlit the amplifier probably needs only to be powered on.

Clipping ( flashing red )

Clipping occurs when the channel output level no longer can follow the level increase at the input (Overdriven input con- dition). When an SST channel is driven into clipping the channel LED will change from green to red then back to green when the level is reduced ( Flashing Red ). Momentary clipping can be tolerated, however it indicates that maximum un- distorted power has been surpassed and potential speaker damage may result if overload conditions persist. Any amplifi- er that is constantly operated into clipping indicates a more powerful amplifier is needed for that application.

Thermal Shutdown ( orange )

Each channel has thermal shutdown circuitry to prevent damage due to overheating.

Should thermal shutdown occur, the channel will mute, and the channel LED will turn orange indicating this condition. When the channel has cooled to a safe operating condition the channel will return to normal operation.

Persistent Thermal shutdown indicates steps need to be taken to increase airflow across the channel or channels heat sink. ( Also see installation section on ventilation ).

3B SST, 4B SST specifications

The Bryston 4B SST and 3B SST power amplifiers are renowned in the audio industry for their exceptional performance and reliable build quality. Designed for both audiophile and professional applications, these amplifiers bring out the finest detail in music while delivering high power and low distortion.

One of the main features of the Bryston 4B SST is its power output capability. It can deliver up to 300 watts per channel into 8 ohms, making it an ideal choice for driving demanding speakers with ease. The 3B SST, while smaller, still offers impressive performance with 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms. This versatility means both amplifiers can accommodate a variety of audio setups, whether in a home theater or a high-fidelity stereo system.

The SST series incorporates Bryston’s proprietary amplifier technology known as “Squared” which allows for class A performance with an overall class AB operation. This design minimizes distortion and provides a warm, natural sound. Alongside this, the amplifiers feature a highly efficient, low-noise toroidal power transformer that contributes to their impressive transient response, allowing music to play with precision.

Another standout characteristic is the build quality. Both the 4B SST and 3B SST are constructed using a sturdy 17-inch faceplate made from aluminum, designed to withstand the rigors of both studio and home environments. The amplifiers also feature a uniquely designed heat-sink system that keeps temperatures in check during heavy operations, ensuring optimal performance without overheating.

Bryston amplifiers also boast a long lifespan, backed by a 20-year warranty on their products, which speaks volumes about their reliability and customer confidence. They include fully balanced input circuitry, allowing for low noise pickup and signal integrity over long cable runs.

Furthermore, the 4B SST and 3B SST are equipped with user-friendly features like RCA and XLR connections for flexible integration into a range of audio systems. With their transparent sound reproduction, high power output, and robust construction, the Bryston 4B SST and 3B SST amplifiers continue to be the preferred choice among audio enthusiasts and professionals alike. Their enduring legacy is rooted in their commitment to superior sound quality and long-lasting performance.