Bryston or Yamaha?

@soix if they aren’t being used then they shouldn’t be creating any noise. Hard to believe anyone would use those 30+ year old coax and optical inputs over a much better modern external DAC.

@travelinjack  If the DAC is in the preamp it’s receiving power, and if it’s receiving power it’s emitting noise and low-level analog preamp signals are very susceptible to noise.  No thanks. 

The Bryston preamps are notoriously quiet and neutral.

I'm a tube guy but also own a BR-20 which I love.

Not until you get into the $22,000+ range in preamps do you hear better (by only a little bit) sound. 

Yamaha has known how to make ultra-quiet and refined electronics for many decades now. Some will argue that their older stuff is even better than current flagships, so I wouldn’t presume the newer Bryston is superior. I’ve pitted the preamp section of a Yamaha A-S1100 integrated against various $3K—$5K tube and SS preamps and it came out on top every time. It shouldn’t really surprise us though considering how long Yamaha has been at this game compared to most companies. 

The preamp section of even a decent integrated amp is usually the weak link due to parts quality, component space and heat issues. To many unknow variables to verify your claims.