Bryston preamps


Bryston is renowned for their amps obviously. I have a BP 25 into a 14b3 but have a chance to upgrade now to a BP 26 or 17. Should I instead invest in a tube preamp (5k budget) or stick with bryston for synergy. Audio Advisor has Parasound and Vincent. A forum post I read about the Para sound said it might sound to lean With the bryston. I'm looking to buy new this time around. Thanks for any input. Huh there is the George Lightspeed to ponder.
128x128blueranger

Showing 4 responses by soix

The primary question would be, what are you trying to improve upon in your system?  If you can elaborate on that along with the rest of your system I think you'll get much better and more helpful recommendations. 

So, what are your source components, speakers, and cables, and are you using any power conditioning?

Wow.  Frankly, you've now got $11,000 amps powering $7000 (or less) speakers.  It's absolutely worth seeing how your system sounds with the new amps after they've had 100+ hours to break in, but at the very least at this point you've got to explore the possibility of upgrading your speakers.  My extensive experience with a Bryston BP6 in my system is that it will neither create, nor mask, a glare in any area.  It's a virtual straight wire with gain, and since the BP6 shares very similar topology with the BP26 (as per James Tanner) I'd have to surmise going that direction will not bandaid your situation in any way.  Once you have your new amps broken in I'd suggest following up here.  I know there was a big change from a 2BSST to a 3BSST2 I had in my system in terms of refinement and more natural sounding treble, so you may well be on the right path.  But still, I can't help thinking those amps could deserve and reward you with better speakers down the road.   Anyway, keep us posted. 
@blueranger -- my apologies.  I've never heard a bad word about Ohm speakers and unfortunately haven't heard them myself.  I'm sure they punch way above their price from everything I've read.  Shame on me.  No way to move up in the Ohm line?

Having owned and greatly admired my Bryston BP6 and had it hooked up to a couple different Bryston amps and others, once you get your new amp burned in I'd still try to audition a good tubed pre just to see what it does.  Definitely keep in mind Al's warning about the 14B3 low input impedance though, and I think the Atmasphere pre would be an awesome pre to audition if you can.  I think a Bryston amp properly mated with a tubed pre could be a sublime combo.  Anyway, I'd be very interested to hear your impressions of the new versus older Bryston amp.