Bryston 9B3 Amplifier Owner's Manual

Important Safety Instructions

⚡ The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of un-insulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

❗ The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Caution: unit weighs in excess of 65 lbs / 29.5 kgs. Please always use two persons to lift and carry the device.
13. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
14. Any terminals marked with the preceding symbol [hazardous live symbol] are HAZARDOUS LIVE and any wiring connected to these terminals must be installed by an INSTRUCTED PERSON or with ready-made leads or cords.
15. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
16. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING AND ENSURE THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, ARE PLACED ON THE EQUIPMENT. TO COMPLETELY DISCONNECT THIS EQUIPMENT FROM THE AC MAINS, DISCONNECT THE POWER SUPPLY CORD PLUG FROM THE AC RECEPTACLE. THE MAINS PLUG OF THE POWER SUPPLY CORD SHALL REMAIN READILY OPERABLE.

Bryston Limited Warranty

Bryston analog audio products are warranted to be free from manufacturing defects for twenty (20) years from the original date of manufacture. The warranty includes parts and labour.

Bryston digital products and cables are warranted for five years from the original date of manufacture. The warranty includes parts and labour.

Bryston products having motorized moving parts, excluding motorized volume controls, are warranted for three years from the original date of manufacture. The warranty includes parts and labour.

Bryston will remedy the problem by repair or replacement, as Bryston deems necessary, to restore the product to full performance. Bryston will pay return shipping only for the full length of the specific product's warranty.

In the event of a defect or malfunction, contact Bryston's repair centers for return authorization. Products must be returned using original packaging material only. Packing material may be purchased from Bryston if necessary. This warranty is considered void if the defect, malfunction or failure of the product or any component part was caused by damage (not resulting from a defect or malfunction) or abuse while in the possession of the customer. Tampering by persons other than factory authorized service personnel or failure to fully comply with Bryston operating instructions voids the warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which may vary from province to province and country to country.

As of 2006-02-22 Bryston will only warranty Bryston products purchased through authorized Bryston dealers. Bryston products with a date code of 0608 or higher (date code format is "yyww", where "yy" is the two least significant digits of the year and "ww" is the week of the year) must be accompanied by a copy of the bill-of-sale from a Bryston authorized dealer to qualify for warranty service. The warranty is transferable from the original owner to a subsequent owner as long as a copy of the bill-of-sale from the original authorized Bryston dealer accompanies the re-sale. The copy of the bill of sale to any subsequent owner need ONLY include the Name of the Bryston Authorized Dealer and the Model and Serial number of the Bryston product. The warranty will only be honored in the country of the original purchase unless otherwise pre-authorized by Bryston.

Bryston Service Contact Information

Bryston Service in Canada

Postal address: P.O. BOX 2170, Stn. Main, PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO CANADA K9J 7Y4

Courier address: 677 NEAL DRIVE, PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO CANADA K9J 6X7

Phone: 705-742-5325

Fax: 705-742-0882

Email: cdnser@bryston.com

Bryston Service in the USA

Address: 79 COVENTRY ST., Suite 5, NEWPORT, VERMONT U.S.A. 05855-2100

Phone: 802-334-1201

Fax: 802-334-6658

Email: usaser@bryston.com

Bryston Service outside Canada and the USA

Contact your local distributor or check the Bryston website.

Website: www.bryston.com

Email Bryston Directly: cdnser@bryston.com

Fax Bryston Directly: 01-705-742-0882

Phone Bryston Directly: 01-705-742-5325

General

Welcome

Thank you for your purchase of a Bryston 9B3 (Cubed) amplifier! Decades of ongoing research and development have produced Bryston's highest performing amplifiers yet. Customers are a tremendous resource, and Bryston welcomes feedback and suggestions.

Description

The 9B³ is a modular multi-channel audio power amplifier available in 3, 4, or 5 channel versions, with each channel capable of 200 watts. Robust, beautifully machined aluminum enclosures house proprietary, industry-leading circuit designs, resulting in exemplary performance observed in both listening spaces and laboratories.

C-Series variants are available with 17-inch or 19-inch wide non-rack mountable aluminum dress panels, anodized in clear (silver toned) or black. 19-inch wide C-Series amplifiers include front handles. PRO amplifiers feature 19-inch wide rack mountable dress panels with handles in a black anodized front finish and also include individual channel trims on the rear panel. All versions include rear panel handles.

Features

• Switchable gain: 23dB or 29dB
• Balanced XLR input (Pin 2 positive).
• Single-ended (RCA) input.
• SoftStart circuitry for managing inrush current upon initial power-up.
• Wired remote control AC/DC trigger input and passthrough with supplied connector.
• Network connected control and information.

Shipping Box and Packing Material

Please keep the original shipping box and all packing material to ensure the amplifier is protected during future transport. In the unlikely event of a return for service, the amplifier must be shipped in its original packing material, as units are not insurable by carriers otherwise. Replacement packing materials are available from Bryston for a small fee.

Installation and Usage

Ventilation

Bryston amplifiers use passive heat sinks, omitting fans to minimize noise. For optimal performance, ensure air can pass freely through heat sink fins and around the amplifier. Maintain a minimum of 3.5 inches (approx. 9 cm) of space on each side, top, and back of the amplifier. Avoid stacking amplifiers immediately on top of one another in enclosed cabinets without additional cooling. If channels repeatedly shut down due to heat, increase surrounding free space or employ an active cooling solution. Never operate the amplifier in a vertical position.

Connecting to A/C Power

Verify the power requirements on the Data Plate on the rear of the amplifier match your location. Ensure the Master Circuit Breaker is switched to the 'ON' position before plugging in the power cord. Plug the IEC-320 C14 end of the power cord into the amplifier, then into an approved and grounded A/C receptacle. The STATUS LED should flash green, then turn red, indicating A/C power is present and the unit is ready for power-up.

Connecting to Loudspeakers

Connect high-quality speaker cable to the Output Binding Posts. The RED binding post connects to the positive (+) terminal of the loudspeaker. The BLACK or BLUE binding post connects to the negative (-) terminal. Never connect either binding post to ground.

The output binding posts support banana plugs, spade lugs, and bare wire. Cables should be kept as short as practical and dressed away from input and power cables. Use only Class 2 rated loudspeaker wire, properly terminated and securely connected.

Connecting Audio Inputs

The Bryston Cubed amplifier accepts analog audio from preamps or surround processors with volume-controlled line-level outputs. Both Balanced XLR and Single-Ended RCA inputs are available and selectable via the rear panel Input Select switch.

Balanced vs. Single Ended Input

The balanced input requires a balanced pre-amp source and offers noise rejection for long cable runs (50 meters or more). The single-ended input is for pre-amps without balanced outputs. Single-ended cables should be kept to 20 feet (6 meters) or less. Always use the shortest practical cable length, avoid coiling excess cable, and keep signal wires away from AC power or speaker cables.

Power Conditioners

Bryston advises caution when selecting power conditioners. Large amplifiers draw significant current. Some conditioners can impede current flow. However, conditioners that reduce RF and 'hash' from the AC supply, often using large toroidal transformers for energy storage, can improve current delivery. These can reduce AC output resistance and voltage drop during high current surges, enhancing audio and video performance.

External Control Voltage

To power up the amplifier using an external control voltage, supply 5V to 12V (AC or DC) to the 'IN' terminals of the remote power-up connector using 22 to 18 gauge paired wire. The mating connector is a 1/8" tip-sleeve plug (tip=signal, sleeve=ground). Set the External Turn-On switch to "External". The front panel switch must remain in the 'ON' position. The amplifier powers up when the control voltage is present and outputs the control voltage at the 'OUT' terminals for other equipment. Removing the control voltage turns the amplifier off.

In the "Local" setting, the amplifier ignores the control voltage and powers up via the front panel switch. The control voltage at the 'IN' terminals will still be available at the 'OUT' terminals after power-up.

Note: The 'OUT' terminals are connected to the 'IN' terminals once the amplifier has powered up. The control current is determined by the source equipment. The carrying current of the 'OUT' relay is 2 amps. The amplifier's control circuitry draws less than 2 mA.

Front Panel

The front panel features controls and indicators for the 9B3 amplifier.

1. Power/Standby Switch

This is a push-on/push-off latching power switch. It applies or removes AC line power to the SoftStart circuitry. The rear circuit breaker must be on for the amplifier to power up. The front panel button must also be on to enable network control.

2. LED Indicator

Each amplifier channel has a front panel LED indicator to monitor status:

• Unlit: Amplifier not powered on (OFF MODE).
• Red: Channel is muted during power up or when muted via software.
• Green: Channel operation is normal.
• Flashing Red: Channel is clipping. Reduce input level.
• Orange: Thermal protection mode.

Power Up Sequence

After pressing the power switch, each channel LED turns from unlit to red (mute). Once power supplies stabilize, the channel exits mute, and the LED turns green (normal operation).

LED State Explanations:

• UNLIT LED (No power): Indicates no AC mains power is present at the channel power transformer. The amplifier likely needs to be powered on.
• CLIPPING (flashing red): Occurs when the channel output level cannot follow the input level increase (over-driven input). The LED changes from green to red and back to green when the level is reduced. Momentary clipping is tolerable, but indicates maximum undistorted power has been surpassed. Persistent clipping may damage speakers and suggests a more powerful amplifier is needed.
• THERMAL SHUTDOWN (orange): Each channel has thermal shutdown circuitry to prevent overheating. If thermal shutdown occurs, the channel mutes, and its LED turns orange. When cooled, the channel returns to normal operation. Persistent thermal shutdown indicates a need to improve airflow across the heat sink. See "Ventilation" on page 4.

Rear Panel

The rear panel provides all input, output, and control connections:

1. Input Select Switch: Selects between Balanced or Single-Ended audio input.
2. Balanced Audio Input: Standard XLR connector (pin 1=Ground, pin 2=Positive, pin 3=Negative) for balanced audio. Use quality, 100% shielded cables with gold-plated connectors.
3. Single Ended Audio Input: Standard RCA or 'Phono' connector for single-ended audio. Use quality, 100% shielded cables with gold-plated connectors.
4. Gain Select Switch: Sets the optimum gain.
   • 29dB: Used for single-ended sources or transformer-coupled balanced sources. Provides maximum gain (100W @ 8 ohms for 1V input, noise -115 dB).
   • 23dB: Used for actively balanced sources or when less gain is required. Provides 100W @ 8 ohms for 2V input. Noise is referenced in dB below rated output; actual readings may be better.
5. Channel Level Attenuator (PRO ONLY): Attenuates the input signal level from 0dB through -14dB.
6. Output Binding Posts: Connect loudspeakers here. The RED post is for the positive (+) amplifier output, and the BLUE or BLACK post is for the negative (-) output. Never connect to electrical ground. Supports banana plugs, spade lugs, and bare wire. Use only Class 2 Rated Wiring.
7. Master Circuit Breaker: A magnetic-trip circuit breaker for amplifier protection. Must be in the 'ON' position for operation. Use the front panel switch or external control voltage for power-up/down. If tripped, lower input signals, disconnect AC power for 20 seconds, switch breaker ON, reconnect power, and power up normally.
8. A/C Power Input: IEC-320 C14 power inlet for the power cord. Check the voltage rating on the data plate.
9. Remote Power Up: When set to "External", power is controlled by voltage applied to the 'IN' terminals of the connector. The front panel power switch must remain 'ON'. See "External Control Voltage" on page 6.
10. Power Status Indicator: Indicates power status. Initially flashes green (software revision), then turns red (standby). Turns orange (60Hz) or red (50Hz) during soft start, then green upon completion, and turns off 10 seconds later.
11. RS232 / USB / Ethernet: Port for connecting to control systems for status viewing and control. See "Network Connection" on page 10.
12. Data Plate: Contains unit-specific information: model number (e.g., 9B3-17-SIL-120), operating voltage (~120V), frequency (60Hz), wattage (1770W), Serial No., and Date.

Network Connection

Connect the 9B³ to your local area network using CAT5 or better cable for access to the web-based user interface and automation system control. Access the interface by entering the hostname (e.g., http://9B-000000, where 000000 is the serial number) in a web browser. If NetBIOS names are ignored, use the unit's numerical IP address, which can be found via your network router or network information apps (like Fing).

The web interface displays channel information (name, temperature, status, clipping/thermal warnings). You can mute individual channels or all channels, and place the unit in standby via icons on the interface.

Firmware Update

Bryston products may receive firmware updates for reliability and new features. Check the 9B³ web user interface MENU for installed version and available updates. An internet connection is required.

To update firmware:

1. Download the firmware file (e.g., firmware.bin).
2. Click "Browse..." or "Choose File" to locate the downloaded file.
3. Click "Update Firmware" to initiate the process. The amplifier will enter standby, update, and reboot. Do not interrupt the process.

Remote Control

The 9B³ can be controlled and monitored via TCP/IP (network), USB, RS232, and DC trigger.

Serial Protocol

The 9B³ accepts commands and sends responses. It can also broadcast automatic responses to system events. Commands can be sent over RS232, RS485 (with an interface), and TCP/IP (HTTP cmd.cgi).

The RS232 input is a 3.5mm mini-jack configured as: Tip (Transmit), Ring (Receive), Sleeve (Ground).

Command Format

Commands start with a specific character. For RS232, it's '#'; for TCP/IP, it's '%23'. The next two digits are the Device ID (always '8' for 9B³, '0' otherwise). This is followed by C1-C4 (command name) and optional parameters. Commands are terminated with a carriage return ('CR' for RS232, '.' for TCP/IP).

Example: `#80MPWRQS<CR>` queries power status.

Responses are returned in a similar format. Characters before '#' or '%23' and after 'CR' or '.' are ignored. Do not include #, spaces, <LF>, <TAB> within the command string.

Command List

Bryston provides a comprehensive list of commands for controlling the 9B³:

• %2380GETDQS: List all parameter names.
• %2380GETDxxx: Display decimal value of parameter 'xxx'.
• %2380GETHxxx: Display hex value of parameter 'xxx'.
• %2380GETSxxx: Display text value of parameter 'xxx'.
• %2380INFOQS: List system information (Product Name, Serial Number, Manufacture Date, Firmware Version, etc.).
• %2380INITQS: Display locked/unlocked status.
• %2380INIT?: Display list of available options.
• %2380INITnn: Command option selection (e.g., 00 to redefault user configuration, 01 to erase Web GUI files, T1 to calibrate module offsets, fa to clear GUI files and redefault all parameters).
• %2380IPADQS: Returns current IP address.
• %2380LEDSQS: Display channel LEDs status (e.g., 'r' for red, 'g' for green, '0' for off).
• %2380LISTQS: List command options.
• %2380LISTnn: List files in Flash memory or verify files.
• %2380MPWRQS: Display power status (00=standby, 01=ON).
• %2380MPWR00: Power off.
• %2380MPWR01: Power on.
• %2380MMUTQS: Display mute status of channels.
• %2380MMUTnn: Mute (01) or global unmute (00) all channels.
• %2380MMUTxn: Mute (M) or unmute (U) a selected channel 'n'.
• %2380STATQS: Display status and alert flags for each channel module (e.g., '1' for normal, 't' for overheated, 'm' for muted, 'c' for clipping).
• %2380TEMPQS: Display channel temperatures (in C) and system board temperature.
• %2380TRIGQS: Display external trigger signal status (00=no signal, 01=12V signal).
• %2380TRIG00: Disable external trigger output port.
• %2380TRIG01: Enable external trigger output port (default).
• %2380____ aaa: Null command; 'aaa' can be a comment.

Commands Sent Through RS232: Format is the same as above, but '%23' is replaced by '#' and '.' is replaced by carriage return ('\r' = code 13). Example: `#80INFOQS\r`.

Special Diagnostic Commands: No end character needed. Must first unlock with `#80INIT222.` or `%2380INIT222.`. INIT223 locks them. Commands include: `?` (help), `.A` (clear alerts), `.a` (display alerts), `.c` (clear errors), `.C` (clear terminal), `.e` (display errors), `.E` (close terminal), `.r` (reboot), `.s` (dump parameters), `.t` (special test), `.i` (display current IP).

9B3 Specifications

Dimensions

The 9B3 amplifier is available in C-Series (17-inch or 19-inch wide) and PRO amplifier configurations.

17" C Series:

• Width: 17 inches (43.2 cm)
• Depth: 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)
• Height: 3.5 inches (9 cm)

19" C Series (includes front handles):

• Width: 19 inches (48.3 cm)
• Depth: 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)
• Height: 3.5 inches (9 cm)

The PRO amplifier configuration also features 19-inch wide rack-mountable panels with handles.

Minimum recommended clearance for heat dissipation: 3.5 inches (9 cm) on all sides (top, front, back, left, right).