FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Laney Amplifier

Question:
I'm looking for a power amplifier for my home studio (for some synths and samplers). I was told that Laney's SP 300 power amplifier will suite. Any opinions on this model ? Any other suggestions for such an amplifier ?

Answer:
I confess that I'm not familiar with the Laney, but you also asked for other suggestions. I do a lot of work with material exhibiting a very wide dynamic range (lucky me!) which occasionally results in some nasty level surprises. I've gone through several power amps in the last few years, some new, some old. I've tried models from BGW, Ashley, Hafler, Bose, Crown, and even an NAD. While some of those were very good, I settled on a Bryston. My trusty ol' Bryston 4B reproduces the soft passages quietly, and responds effortlessly to sudden jumps in level. Even at very high levels I have yet to make the thing clip (or if it _has_ clipped, it's done so very inconspicuously). They are not cheap, but they last forever. This means that you can feel comfortable buying used (though it's more fun to unpack a factory fresh one and inhale the heady scent of silica gel). I would recommend Bryston for your consideration.