Bryston 9B

Bryston 9B³ Five-Channel Amplifier

 

 

What You Need to Know

 

 

Five True Bryston Amplifiers in One Chassis

 

The Bryston 9B³ Five-Channel Amplifier is not a home theater compromise—it’s five fully independent Bryston amplifier modules sharing one chassis, each with its own toroidal transformer and power supply, each delivering 200 watts into 8 ohms and up to 300 watts into 4 ohms. Handcrafted in Canada with the same Cubed Series circuitry as Bryston’s reference stereo amplifiers.

Available in black or silver, with a 17-inch faceplate or a 19-inch faceplate with handles.

 

Truly Modular: Every Channel Stands Alone

 

Unlike multichannel amps that share one power supply across all channels, each 9B³ channel is a complete, self-contained amplifier—its own transformer, its own supply, its own heatsink. One channel’s demands never rob another’s, so a full-scale action scene hits with the same authority as a stereo recording.

The modular design means channels can even be added or removed later as your system grows.

 

The Patented Salomie Input Circuit

 

The 9B³ brought Bryston’s patented Salomie input circuit—developed with the late Dr. Ioan Alexandru Salomie—to a five-channel amplifier for the first time. This super-linear buffer of roughly a dozen active devices provides the first stage of gain while trapping noise and RF grunge before they ever reach the amplifier, with distortion below 0.001%.

 

Quad-Complementary Output Stage

 

Bryston’s proprietary Quad-Complementary topology uses matched output devices arranged to cancel the crossover distortion that plagues conventional Class A/B designs, mimicking the harmonic behavior of pure Class A. Total distortion measures 0.005% or less at full rated output—on every channel.

 

Built for Serious Integration

 

Beyond 5–12V trigger in/out, the 9B³ adds RS-232, USB, and Ethernet control with a built-in web interface that reports per-channel temperature and clipping and even delivers firmware updates. SoftStart circuitry keeps turn-on inrush from tripping breakers, and cooling is fully convection—no fans, no noise.

 

Individually Measured, Proven in Writing

 

Every 9B³ runs a 100-hour factory burn-in, cycling between full power and idle, then goes to the bench. The performance certificate packed with each unit documents your amplifier’s actual measured specifications.

 

Building Your System

 

Feed the 9B³ from your surround processor or preamp using balanced XLR or single-ended RCA—each channel’s input and 23/29dB gain are individually selectable to match any source. Give its heatsinks a few inches of breathing room and it will run for decades.

It’s equally at home powering a reference home theater or anchoring a music system’s front three channels—with the same Cubed Series sound as Bryston’s stereo amplifiers, backed by a 10-year analog warranty.

 

Features & Specifications

 

Five Independent 200-Watt Channels
Each with its own toroidal transformer and power supply.

Patented Salomie Input Circuit
Super-linear input stage with distortion below 0.001%.

Quad-Complementary Output Stage
Class A-like linearity with 0.005% or lower distortion.

Ethernet, RS-232, USB, and Trigger Control
Built-in web interface with per-channel monitoring.

Individual Factory Performance Certificate
100-hour burn-in and bench measurement, documented per unit.

Four Configurations
Black or silver; 17-inch faceplate or 19-inch with handles.

 

Specifications

 

•          Type: Five-Channel Power Amplifier, Class A/B (modular)

•          Power Output: 200W @ 8 ohms; up to 300W @ 4 ohms (per channel)

•          THD+N: 0.005% or less (20Hz–20kHz at rated power)

•          Slew Rate: Greater than 60V/µs

•          Damping Factor: Greater than 300 (20Hz, 8 ohms)

•          Gain: Switchable 23dB / 29dB (per channel)

•          Inputs: Balanced XLR and Single-Ended RCA per Channel (selectable)

•          Outputs: 5-Way Binding Posts per Channel

•          Control: Ethernet (web interface), RS-232, USB, 5–12V Trigger In/Out

•          Startup: Microprocessor-Controlled SoftStart

•          Cooling: Full Convection (no fans)

•          Dimensions: 17" or 19“W x 5.8”H x 17.5"D

•          Weight: 65 lbs

•          Finishes: Black or Silver; 17-Inch or 19-Inch-with-Handles Faceplate

•          Warranty: 10 Years (analog)

•          Made In: Canada

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is it available with fewer channels?
Yes—Bryston builds the 9B³ in 3, 4, and 5 channel versions, and its modular design lets channels be added later. Contact us about configurations beyond the five-channel model.

Is a home theater amp really good enough for music?
This one is. Every 9B³ channel uses the identical Salomie input circuit and Quad-Complementary output stage found in Bryston’s reference stereo amplifiers—it’s five true Bryston amps, not one amp split five ways.

Can I rack-mount this?
The 19-inch faceplate with handles fits standard-width racks but isn’t drilled for rack screws. For true rack mounting with per-channel level trims, ask us about Bryston’s 9B³ PRO version.

Who is the 9B³ designed for?
It’s for the enthusiast building a no-compromise home theater or multichannel music system—anyone who wants every channel to sound like a reference Bryston stereo amplifier.

 

Why Audio Advisor?

 

•          40+ Years of Expertise – Helping music lovers build better systems since 1981.

•          60-Day Money-Back Guarantee – Hear it in your own system with confidence.

•          Real Product Experts – Friendly advice before and after your purchase.

•          Free Shipping – On qualifying orders over $49.

•          Flexible Financing – Convenient payment options available.