Floorstanding loudspeakers — Bryston Middle T

The Middle T belongs to the original Model T series of Bryston, a range the Canadian company launched in 2012, and it is a three-way tower. The project was led by Andrew Welker, in cooperation with Axiom Audio, and the Middle T sits below the full-size Model T. It was priced at USD 5,400 per pair in 2015, and an active version of the speaker was also produced.

Key specs that matter

Four drivers are used - a 1-inch titanium dome tweeter, a midrange of about 5.25 to 5.5 inches, and two 8-inch aluminium-cone woofers with half-roll surrounds. Crossover points are 160 Hz and 2.3 kHz. Frequency response is 33 Hz to 22 kHz within ±3 dB, sensitivity is 88 dB at 2.83 V and 1 m anechoic, and impedance is 4 ohms. Recommended amplifier power is 10 to 250 W, and maximum output is 112 dB at 1 m. The cabinet measures 1,000 x 267 x 419 mm and weighs 37 kg.

Engineering and use context

The MDF cabinet uses 19 mm side panels and a 38 mm baffle, several braces inside, and a shape that narrows toward the rear. Two fluted ports near the top of the rear panel vent the woofer section. Setting the lower crossover this low leaves the midrange free of most bass, and the two woofers share the lowest range. Dual terminal pairs on the back support bi-wiring and bi-amping. The grilles are segmented black fabric panels, and optional outrigger feet cost USD 400 per pair and widen the footprint. Finishes are Black Ash, Natural Cherry and Boston Cherry. Like Bryston's electronics, the speakers are built in Canada. The later T10 generation moved the crossovers to 250 Hz and 2 kHz and introduced exchangeable amplification modules.

Pairing

The Middle T works best with amplifiers that deliver solid current into low impedances. The rear ports need some room behind the cabinet. For music a subwoofer is rarely needed, while home cinema may still benefit from one. Its maximum output equals the figure Bryston gives for the later Mini T10, and the narrow cabinet takes little floor space for a tower with two 8-inch woofers.

Alternatives

The Bryston Model T is the original larger tower of the same series, with the same width as the Middle T and a cabinet about 330 mm taller.