Preamp recommendation for Bryston 3BST

Adcom GFP-750 is a great unit if you want something "almost new." If you consider something a little older, several Audio Research units can be had around $1K.

There was no mention of the related equipment, so this is an unqualified suggestion. Having spent a fair amount of time auditioning Bryston amps with a variety of speakers and pre-amps I'd suggest looking at a tube pre-. A used Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 or SFL-1 Signature would set you back $800 at the most. As a general rule either would be a good compliment to the Bryston.

As for SS - a Bryston BP20 (non-remote & within your budget) would be a great match. Extremely low noise floor and they work well with other Bryston amps. I have the BP25 matched with a 4B-ST and it works well. Matching a Bryston pre with your 3B will provide you with a very "neutral" set-up so it depend heavily on the rest of your system including your cables. As a side note I have found that copper cables work better between the pre & amp. I have also heard that a good tube preamp is a nice match as it will add its own sonic signature to the neutral Bryston amp. I have yet to try one out but would look to a Sonic Frontiers unit for trial.

I have owned the 3BST and 4BST.Tried BP25 and found it was wonderful on some music but seemed to lack some dynamics.I felt like I wanted to turn volume up.Tried PS Audio, Spectral.I finally settled on a Threshold T3.You may want to look at a hybrid preamp.(Audio Research) Good Luck

I totally agree with Fpeel on the SFL-1 Signature( good used price for a mint unit $650-$700.and is even worth up to $800.),as I had it with my 3BST and they sounded great together.I also tried a used Bryston BP-25MC with the 3BST and 2 of us agreed that in comparison ,the SFL-1 Sig. sounded warmer and more life like with just about the same amount of detail,a week later the BP-25MC was gone.I now have the latest version of an Audible Illusions M3A which has a little extra detail and a few other minor improvements,but unless I was comparing the 2 side by side I would possibly be just as happy with my prior SFL-1 Sig.The SFL-1 Sig. is a great bang for the buck in exceptional sound and the only solid state units that may sound as good are considerably more even in the used market.A used Anthem 2L tube preamp with remote offers a nice sound and has convieniance of a remote.I had a pre1L that I compared to the SFL-1 Sig. that replaced it and the SF did not make it sound lacking , other than it did everything a little bit better.If I had to have a remote an Anthem Pre 2L would be in contention.Many prefer s/s amps with tube pre amps.Happy hunting.

Thanks for your advise. I have B&W CDM1 SE and using a couple of pairs of Kimber 8TC (biwire). I currently have a Newcastle CDP but planning on upgrade. Kimber KCAG as a interconnector. Thanks again. Danny