Bryston at 50: Made in Canada, Built to Last, and Looking Ahead

As Bryston marks its 50th anniversary, host Jorden Guth sits down with CEO James Tanner for a wide-ranging conversation about where the company came from—and where it’s going next.

Bryston’s roots trace back to medical electronics before the company transitioned into high-performance audio in the 1970s, when Chris Russell began designing amplifiers that would define the brand’s reputation. In this discussion, Tanner reflects on Bryston’s history, its long-standing commitment to manufacturing in Canada, how and why aspects of the famous warranty have evolved, and what the next 50 years could look like for one of high-end audio’s most enduring companies.

Along the way, the conversation touches on manufacturing realities, brand recognition, and—inevitably—some Canadian hockey talk.

Sources:

“The History of Bryston According to CEO James Tanner” on the SoundStage! Audiophile Podcast: https://www.soundstage.life/e/the-history-of-bryston-according-to-ceo-james-tanner/

“Canadian Hi-Fi Trilogy: Axiom Audio, Bryston, and Magnum Dynalab—All Under One Expanding Roof” by Doug Schneider: https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/opinion/1785-canadian-hi-fi-trilogy-axiom-audio-bryston-and-magnum-dynalab-all-under-one-expanding-roof

Chapters:
00:00:00 Announcement
00:00:31 Introductions
00:07:40 When’s our anniversary?
00:11:39 Making more, not less
00:14:20 Where does the factory end?
00:15:17 Brand recognition matters
00:18:38 Warranty changes
00:21:49 The next 50 years of Bryston
00:24:40 Two Canadians talking about hockey
00:26:21 Outro music: “Blues for Leo” by Amos Ever Hadani