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Bryston Preamps - What do they sound like?

I stumbled across two early 2000 vintage MINT Bryston preamps for good prices. What do Bryston preamps sound like? Are they ruthlessly transparent as would be expected for SS, or are they a warmer, more tube-ish sound? Not many reviews out there on Bryston preamps ...

greg7

Showing 3 responses by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
5,123 posts
 

I had a BP-20 with MPS-2 power supply. My current Topping pre90 ($600) and Benchmark LA4 ($2600) are of similar sonic character. That is a very neutral sound. However, the Topping and Benchmark are much better and newer. They are essential noiseless and fatigue free. I cannot say that about the BP20.

yyzsantabarbara
5,123 posts
 

Just had to comment on what someone said about the BP17 and the Topping pre90. These 2 are just not in the same ballpark, the Topping pre is for a nice computer setup in the office. Also maybe the system he listens to them sounds "thin" to begin with because that particular Bryston pre is transparent.

I am talking about Bryston BP20 preamp + MPS2 power supply that I had for about 5 years. I also have owned Bryston 3B-ST, 4B-ST, 4B-SST, PowerPac 300, 7B-SST. So I know a little bit about Bryston. I have heard the new cubed line (with Vandersteen Treo CT) and it still has a bit of the old sound. I also recently bought the Bryston headphone amp and sold it after a month since it was not better (fatiguing) than the much cheaper Topping A90 (I gave this one away later).

The stereophile reviewer Kalman Robinson (sp?) copied me :) and sold his Benchmark LA4 preamp to use the Topping pre90 with his Benchmark AHB2 amps. I sold my Benchmark HPA4 (made a profit) and got the Topping pre90 to use with my Benchmark AHB2 monos. They sounded great, identical to the the HPA4. However, I ended up getting the Benchmark LA4 (same as HPA4 minus headphone) because the Benchmark preamps are more robust (work with all amps) and better features. I use the LA4 with CODA #8 amp.

If you want "wire with gain" preamp I do not know of any better choices than the pre90 and LA4 (or HPA4). At least from a measurements perpective. I just remembered the Mola Mola Makua peamp for about $14K is similar to the pre90 and LA4 but with even more features.

 

yyzsantabarbara
5,123 posts
 

I was just reading the review of a new speaker line on Stereophile. Check out the preamp used used here. 

Perlisten S7t loudspeaker Associated Equipment | Stereophile.com

The Topping pre90.

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