Bryston Preamps - What do they sound like?

I still own my Bryston 1B and now the BP 17 Qubed. Both transparent and truthful, if you have a bad recording you will hear it. Bullet proof and like any other good component leaves no sonic signature.

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.

Greg 7:

I think the Acurus LS11 is a very good value. Acurus was a great company back then. It has a balanced sound and is a great example of a good sounding solid state Pre and an even better value. Acurus stuff is well made and lasts. I think the Pre is better than their amps - the amps are a bit bright. I actually like the Acurus LS11 better than an older Aragon Pre (model 28 K) I recently bought used altho the Aragon was far more expensive back in the day (Acurus and Aragon were sister companies - Aragon was the more expensive stuff). They actually still are sister brands (Indy Audio Labs)

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.

I have a BP25 with MPS2, it's actually a warmer sounding preamp. My newest preamp is a STP.SE.STG2 and by comparison the Bryston is colored, not in a bad way its very musical. I enjoy both preamps, I think some people mischaracterize some of the bryston preamp based on older Bryston amps being somewhat sterile. If I had to summarize the BP25 I would say slightly warm and musical. No deal breaker, it's a nice preamp.