2. amps-preamps
  3. 189541-175138

Preamp for Bryston 4b3 & Tannoy Cheviots

I recently upgraded my amplifier from a Parasound A23+ to a Bryston 4B3 and upgraded my speaker cables to my Tannoy Cheviots to good effect. Before this upgrade, the other upgrade I’d been considering was to upgrade my Parasound Holo P6 preamp. Now that I have done the amp upgrade, I am starting to wonder what paired with the Bryston might make an additional increase in sound quality. I listen to a wide variety of rock music, a lot of roots music, Jazz and singer songwriters. I see a lot of music live, and having real instruments sound as real as possible and breadth and three dimensionality of soundstage are the goals I would like to maximize. I primarily stream music and have a separate DAC and digital reclocker so I am primarily looking for a pre where I am not paying for an on board DAC. A phonostage is also of no current value to me.  Though I have 1000 LPs in the garage, I haven’t had a turntable in years, and am reluctant to add an analog element to my system whose quality would be proportional to the other elements of my system. I have a large number of cds, but rarely play them. Similarly, I have no use for a bunch of home theater features and connections as my system is only for music.

I note the relatively new Bryston BP-19 is analog only and I assume would be a good mate to their amp. However, I haven’t found any in-depth reviews of it. I was also pondering the Primaluna Evo 300 or 400, but one of my dealers has been cautioning me against the long term expense and hassle of tubes. I’m thinking I might be able to spend around $6000 if it made a significant improvement in sound quality.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

The details of my system are as follows:

Amp: Bryston 4B3 300 w x 2

Pre:   Parasound Halo P6

Speakers: Tannoy Cheviots, Analysis Plus Black Mesh Oval 9 gauge biwired cables (21’ run)

Digital Streamer/Source: Heavily modified BlueSound NODE 130 (added Fidelity Audio clock board & LPSU)/ Innuos Phoenix USB/ Gustard X26 Pro DAC (connected by Shunyata Alpha USB cables.

All other interconnects: Synergistics Research Foundation or better

Power: Power conditioner: Synergistics Research Powercell 10 SE Mk 3 w SR Atmosphere level 3 cord; All power cords SR Foundation
 

My listening room is also known as my wife’s living room. Please no suggestions as to room

corection as I have no control over the room. The speakers are on the 14 foot wall at the front of the house, and although the living room is 16 foot deep, it flows into a dining room space where the ceiling lowers. There are also a couch and windows on the left side, and interior wall on the right (where the TV and stereo system components are).

 

lloyd1969
yyzsantabarbara
4,487 posts
 

I do not think I have used the Benchmark LA4 with the older ST and SST series. I used to own the ST and SST amps. Those amps were hot on top. The 4B3 does not seem that way.

If the 4B3 is similar to the CODA #8, #16, Sanders Magtech, or the KRELL Duo175XD then I would use the LA4 as my first choice. I used it with all 4 amps, and it was the best preamp I had on it. I tried about 7 different preamps from $800 to $8000. I owned the old Bryston BP-25 and that was not good in comparison to the LA4.

I will be selling my LA4 next week. I traded my Benchmark AHB2 amp today for the Benchmark HPA4 preamp. It is identical to the LA4, but it has an additional headphone amp.

If you want more warmth, I am fan of the new Schitt Mjolnir v3 (own it). A class A preamp, but not as good to me as the LA4. Though no remote.

Another preamp that is great (and I own) is the Holo Audio Serene. It is almost identical to the LA4, just a bit warmer.

I think all the preamps I listed would be good with the 4B3. Infact, I was thinking of getting the 4B3 from my Magnepan LRS+ and use with the Serene or LA4. I decided to use the CODA #16 instead.

BTW - do not get fooled by the lower prices of the preamps I am suggesting. They are really good, if you do not want the preamp to add too much to the sound, except the Mjolnir v3 which adds a lot.

 

 

 

cbrez
37 posts
 

Take a look at the Linear Tube Audio Microzotl line stage. Not your typical tube preamp. Tube life is very good and it is very dynamic. Not the lush sound of older tube preamps like vintage CJ, but good bass and a very natural sound in the right system. Fits right in with your budget as well.

soix
8,681 posts
 

I see a lot of music live, and having real instruments sound as real as possible and breadth and three dimensionality of soundstage are the goals I would like to maximize.

Given your stated objectives I’d skew toward a tube preamp.  The aforementioned LTA pre is an excellent recommendation, and I’d add the Aric Motherload XL, Atmasphere MP3 Mk3.3, and if you can stretch a bit or buy used the Backert Rhumba Extreme 1.3 is very worth considering.  Of course ARC and VAC should be on the radar as well.  One consideration may be if you want balanced connections.  I think your DAC is fully balanced and think your Bryston is too but not 100% sure on that.  Best of luck.

lloyd1969 OP
27 posts
 

Thanks yyzsantabarbara for the detailed responses/suggestions. The LA4 does sound very good, and Cbrez I was up late reading about the LTA pre with great interest. And Soix I have added your suggestions to my research list and more importantly your reasoning from my primary goals in SQ improvement that tubes are likely to be the way to go. I had already been thinking about the balanced / straight issue, as I noted the LTA M has straight outputs only. Obviously I should be able to figure this out on my own, but if any of you are already aware as to whether any of the suggested preamps are fully balanced that would be helpful info.

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