While I haven't heard any of the recent (mid '90's or newer---I'm so out of touch) Bryston amps, I will say the ones I have heard were gritty and strident. They were a great "First amp" as Rollo said. Bryston, indeed, was a step above your Japanese receivers that touted "Discrete Technology" as a high-end feature.
Bryston amps were cool looking, too. Shiny and muscular, with chunky handles and ample heat sinks. They got freaking loud and impressed your friends, (whose hifis consisted of those Jap receivers or, perish the thought, a boom box or walkman). They had a similar effect on teenage boys as Camaros or GTO's. A "wow" factor for the uninitiated.
Pass designs, on the other hand, are spectacular. Dating back to his days as the founder of Threshold Electronics, his amps are fast and fluid. They make hifi sound like music.
Bryston has its fans, certainly, otherwise they wouldn't have stayed afloat in a competitive industry for so long. Still, their products just don't cut it when given serious, mature consideration.