Bryston 28B³ Cubed 2.0 Reference Mono Power Amplifier

The Bryston 28B³ Cubed 2.0 is what happens when Bryston takes its amplifier philosophy to the extreme.

Delivering an enormous 1,000 watts into 8 ohms and up to 1,800 watts into 4 ohms, each 28B³ is a dedicated monoblock designed to take complete control of virtually any loudspeaker.

But the numbers only tell part of the story.

Bryston's philosophy with the 28B³ is simple: an amplifier should sound just as good at its first watt as it does approaching full output. The massive power reserve isn't there simply to make a system play louder. It's there to provide effortless dynamics, control and headroom while allowing the amplifier to remain composed even with extremely demanding loudspeakers.

For a reference-level two-channel system, the 28B³ represents the top end of Bryston's Cubed Series amplification.

1,000 Watts Into 8 Ohms

Each 28B³ is a dedicated mono amplifier producing:

• 1,000 watts into 8Ω
• 1,800 watts into 4Ω

That is serious power.

A stereo system requires a pair of 28B³ amplifiers, giving each loudspeaker its own completely independent amplifier chassis and power supply.

The result is enormous available headroom and the ability to maintain control over large, difficult or low-sensitivity loudspeakers even during demanding musical passages.

Power Is Only Part of the Equation

The 28B³ isn't interesting simply because it produces 1,000 watts.

The real objective is what all of that available power allows the amplifier to do when you're only using a fraction of it.

Large dynamic swings can arrive without pushing the amplifier near its limits. Difficult impedance loads can be handled with greater authority. Bass drivers can be controlled with tremendous confidence while delicate musical information remains intact.

That's the difference between simply having a powerful amplifier and having power in reserve.

Bryston's First-to-Last-Watt Philosophy

Bryston describes its design approach as a first-to-last-watt philosophy.

The goal is for the amplifier to maintain its sonic character and refinement regardless of how much power is being asked of it.

That's particularly important with an amplifier as powerful as the 28B³.

You may never approach its full 1,000-watt output during normal listening, but the amplifier's enormous reserves are always there when the music demands them.

Bryston Cubed Series Technology

The 28B³ incorporates Bryston's patented Salomie circuit, used throughout the Cubed Series amplifier lineup.

The design is focused on extremely low noise and distortion while maintaining the speed, neutrality and dynamic capability expected from Bryston.

Total harmonic distortion plus noise is rated at less than 0.005% from 20Hz to 20kHz at rated power into 8 ohms.

That's an impressive specification for any amplifier—especially one capable of delivering 1,000 watts.

Balanced XLR & RCA Inputs

The 28B³ provides both:

• Balanced XLR input
• Single-ended RCA input

Switchable 23dB or 29dB gain provides additional flexibility when matching the amplifier with different preamplifiers.

A 12V DC trigger allows automated power control with compatible preamplifiers, processors and control systems.

Passive Cooling — No Fans

Despite its enormous power capability, the 28B³ is fully convection cooled.

There are no cooling fans adding mechanical noise to the listening room.

Bryston also incorporates a microprocessor-controlled SoftStart sequence to manage startup current and reduce the chance of tripping a circuit breaker when powering up an amplifier of this scale.

Standby power consumption is less than 500mW.

Built for Reference Systems

At 93 pounds per amplifier, the 28B³ is a substantial piece of equipment.

The amplifier is housed in Bryston's machined and anodized aluminum enclosure and is built in Canada.

Bryston backs the 28B³ with its renowned 10-year warranty, making it clear that this is an amplifier designed for long-term ownership.

Key Specifications

• Type: Reference Mono Power Amplifier
• Power Output at 8Ω: 1,000W
• Power Output at 4Ω: 1,800W
• Frequency Response: <1Hz–100kHz, -3dB
• THD+N: <0.005% from 20Hz–20kHz at rated power into 8Ω
• Inputs: Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA
• Gain: Switchable 23dB / 29dB
• RCA Noise: < -106dB
• XLR Noise: < -111dB
• Unbalanced Input Impedance: 7.5kΩ
• Balanced Input Impedance: 30kΩ+ / 6kΩ-
• Cooling: Passive convection — no fans
• 12V Trigger: Yes
• SoftStart: Microprocessor controlled
• Standby Consumption: Less than 500mW
• Dimensions: 18" W × 8" H × 16.8" D
• Depth with Front Handles: 18.4"
• Weight: 93 lbs. each
• Warranty: 10 years
• Made in Canada

Available Configurations

The Bryston 28B³ Cubed 2.0 is available with several front-panel configurations:

• Consumer faceplate without handles
• Consumer faceplate with handles
• PRO rackmount faceplate
• PRO rackmount faceplate without handles

When Do You Need a 1,000-Watt Amplifier?

Probably not as often as you think.

And that's actually part of the appeal of the 28B³.

The goal isn't to use 1,000 watts continuously. It's knowing the amplifier has tremendous reserves available when the loudspeaker and music demand them.

For large reference loudspeakers, difficult impedance loads and systems capable of reproducing realistic dynamic swings, that reserve can translate into greater control, scale and effortlessness.

A pair of 28B³ monoblocks gives each loudspeaker its own 1,000-watt amplifier, with absolutely no sharing of amplifier channels or power supplies between the left and right speakers.

That's about as serious as Bryston amplification gets.

Experience Bryston at The Grid HiFi

The Grid HiFi is your Bryston and high-end audio expert in Houston, Texas.

An amplifier like the 28B³ shouldn't be selected from a specification sheet alone.

At this level, the entire system matters.

The Grid can help match the 28B³ with the right reference loudspeakers, preamplifier, DAC, streamer, turntable, phono stage, subwoofers, cabling, power and equipment support to build a properly balanced system around the amplifier.

For demanding reference loudspeakers and listeners who want enormous power reserves without sacrificing refinement, the Bryston 28B³ Cubed 2.0 sits at the top of the Cubed Series.

Contact The Grid HiFi for Bryston 28B³ Cubed 2.0 availability, demonstrations, system matching and professional setup.