2. amps-preamps
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Bryston's BP-26 vs 17 cubed

I’m curious if anyone has done a serious comparison of Bryston’s BP-26 and the 17 cubed? I have been demoing the 17 cubed for approx. 40 hours now. Previous preamp was Classe’ Sigma SSP. My other gear consists of Joseph Audio Pearl 20/20, Classe’ CAM-600, PS Audio Memory player and Directstream Senior. I like the 17 and will be demoing the 26 towards the end of the month. The 17 has a nice warmth to it without sounding too syrupy. From what I have gathered the 26 will have more punch towards the base mid-range, and perhaps more detail? I have narrowed it down to either of these two units, not interested in other preamp suggestions. If anyone can shed some insight into this it will be greatly appreciated.
jakesnak

Showing 9 responses by jakesnak

jakesnak OP
176 posts
 
Thank You Soix. Your input is very helpful. I can't get my hands (or ears in this case) on a 26 until the end of Jan. It will be very interesting to compare these units. I have a very revealing system, as mentioned my current gear, dedicated circuits, Furutech Power Cables, Cardas Clear Reflection speaker cables. I might overlook the lack of warmth aspect if the detail is such as you explained. Detail is not such a bad thing! As you well know until you hear the piece in your own system one never really knows. Its interesting the Canada folks use the 26 in the audio shows, the American sales guy uses the 17? Thanks Again! If you think of anything else please let me know...
jakesnak OP
176 posts
 
Its a type of circuitry, in this case Salomie. The mans name with the patent was Alexandru Salomie. He since died. The BP-26 is different circuitry than the BP-17 3, which is referred to as cubed. I wish someone could chime in here in regards to a comparison to the 26 vs the 17...
jakesnak OP
176 posts
 
Thanks man, I'm still going to demo the 26 and compare it to the 17 cubed. From the input I have received it sounds as though the 17 is more refined. However until I hear it within my system I really won't be able to know. Kind of a cool experiment! Thanks...John
jakesnak OP
176 posts
 
I spoke with AudioAdviser, not many dealers have the 26 in stock, they have to be made. I'm liking what I hear with this 17 I'm demoing. Just want to make sure, hence, this is why I'm demoing a 26 at the end of the month. Everyone who I have spoke with who knows the 26 say very upfront, and detailed. My system is extremely revealing, so it will be fun to hear both pieces of gear. What speakers are you using? Also what is your power source with the 17? Thanks for your input...John
jakesnak OP
176 posts
 
Thanks Gammonit, I'm looking forward in comparing the 2 units. I don't like an overly warm sound either. It sounds as though the 26 has incredible detail and transparency, which isn't such a bad thing. I won't have the 26 here for another few weeks, its being made at Bryston. I'll chime back when I can share the difference.What amp are you using with your 26? I have about 50 hours of listening so far on the 17 so I'll be able give both units a fair audition...John
jakesnak OP
176 posts
 
The new MPS-2 is a big improvement over the 17. I talked with a few guys who have listened to both...John
jakesnak OP
176 posts
 
I don't understand longer interconnects than speaker cables??? My Cardas Clear Reflections are 3m? My xlr are 2m...John
jakesnak OP
176 posts
 
Thanks Gammonit, For sure I'll post after I audition both units. I'm using Cardas Clear Reflection, and Cardas Jumpers  with my JA  Pearl 20/20. I'm using the Classe' Cam-600's, very good monoblocks. I was using the Classe' Sigma SSP for only 2 channel in Bypass, berfore I got this new preamp virus! I'm using Audioguest xlr for now, trying to spend where I can get the best sonic improvement. After the preamp, I need to get a grip! Talk about OCD! The 17 cubed that I have now has no phono stage, nor will the 26 that is coming. So eventually I will start in the vinyl direction. External phono stage, thinking Planar 8 with Alphetta 3 cartridge. What advice do you have with external phono pre's? John
jakesnak OP
176 posts
 
Thanks for the tip on the polarity invert switch. Have you ever heard the 17 cubed? I think its going to boil down to if the detail and transparency on the 26 is greater than the refinement of the 17cubed? Your 25 is pretty close to the 26... Details can certainly captivate a set of ears. Although listening as I write, 17 sounding pretty damn good! Really looking forward to the experiment, as indicated earlier, I have a good rapport with my dealer here in NC (Goldprint Audio). He's pretty much a straight shooter. (rare in the audio world) Their isn't many 26's available so he ordered one to be made at Bryston so I can do the comparison...Will post the results for sure...John
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