Blue Circle BC3 Galatea - thoughts

I have one who runs with a Plinius SA 100 MK III and it is a fantastic match. You have nearly everthing of the single-ended tube sound a n d the solid state power if you need. Because of the simplicity of the design it is a very transparent sound, but a sound you'll never get tired of. Replace the tubes with NOS ones and it will be your preamp for a long long time.

I've only read a review, but from it I know that this preamp has the best volume control I've learned of, FAR better than the series stepped attenuator used in both CAT SL-1 and CAT Ultimate. When the rest of your system gets good, a stepped ladder attenuator with top resistors will make an easily audible difference. Nor would I worry about its "matching" a Classe too much. I don't think any negatives in that combo are likely to be attributable to the Blue Circle preamp. (I've owned Classe power amps.) I don't happen to believe in active preamps at all, but if I did, I haven't heard of one that sounds better than the Blue Circle BC3 Galatea. Are you able to get it on a trial basis?

I have the Despina hooked to the Plinus mk 3 and Merlin VSM/se's...relaxing.