Bryston BP-17 cubed or Benchmrk LA4 Preamp


My old Levinson No. 38s preamp is getting a bit long in the tooth. Oh, it is working fine; I've got the itch.

I have recently used a Cary CAD-120s in my system and found it less musical than my Bryston 2.5b cubed power amp, so tube preamps are out. Seems I just can't "appreciate" the tube sound.

I've been researching preamps. The Benchmark and the Bryston BP-17cubed (or other Bryston preamps) are the two that seem to meet my price and feature desires. But sound....don't know how these units differ. How different is the sound compared to my old Levinson? Which one(s) would you recommend?

My speakers are Usher V-604, a 2-way MTM floorstander, and a HSU sub.

 

Thanks for your help.

kevemaher

Showing 1 response by toolbox149

Keven,

I had the same experience with a Pass XP-12.  I was so happy that I didn’t sell my Bryston BP-26.  That’s the second time I’ve replaced a Bryston piece with another highly regarded replacement, only to put the Bryston back in my system.  Thankfully I’m done upgrading now.

Toolbox149