2. amps-preamps
  3. 1297366963

Preamp suggestions for Thiel 3.6 & Bryston 4B-sst

I've got a bright sounding system due to the wide dispersion of my Thiel 3.6 speakers and a 'live' room.

I'm using a solid state Bryston BP25 preamp now but am considering other options (up to $2500 used) to warm/sweeten things up and soften the top end. Rock can be harsh. Ideally I'd like:
1. Balanced and single ended ins and outs
2. Phono stage (MM at least, MC a bonus) plus tuner and balanced CD input
3. Remote (Yes I'm lazy I know)
4. Headphone output would be nice but not essential

I like what I've read about Audio Research preamps. Seems like they are detailed while still having that tube warmth and sweetness.

Suggestion welcome. Thanks!
dbdog

Showing 2 responses by dbdog

dbdog OP
2 posts
 
Great input so far folks. Many thanks. A couple of comments:
Rgd: great suggestion on the 6922 tubes. Thanks.

Markwatkiss: The LS15 sounds nice. I'd need to invest in a seperate phono stage and headphone amp but that may be necessary anyway

Samzx12: I added MIT cables and was blown away with the difference. Much warmer but still not as lush and soft as I'm looking for.

Bifwynne: Unfortunately my speakers are terribly demanding and really do need solid state power and control. I'll look at the SP-17. Thanks

Mclsound: Yup that's the hole I have dug for myself.

Timlub: very interesting idea. I've heard CJ before and really liked their sound.

Tom_hankins: Wow, BAT preamp look awesome. I'll see what I can learn about them. Thanks

Thanks again everyone. Other comments welcomed as well.

I'm wrestling with the knowledge that while I'm at work my wife if very likely to turn the system on to listen to a 10 minute newscast and walk away leaving the preamp on all day. Ugh, I wish tubes like to be left on 24/7. *groan* lol

Cheers
Dave



dbdog OP
2 posts
 
Yyz, when you say better on the highs, can you elaborate please.

Timlub, I'd rather have the ease and convenience of SS but I kinda think I'm not going to get the sonic result I'm looking for without tubes somewhere in my chain, based on what I read. With my speakers I think I need the muscle and control of a beefy SS amp such as Bryston or Krell that doubles down under low impedance loads (my Thiel spend a fair amount of time under 4 ohms and dip to 2). That leaves the preamp to add the tube warmth and 3D imaging. That's my thinking to date anyway.

My Bryston BP25 has a very clear and transparent sound but it's on the dry and cold side.

I'll check out the classe ones you suggested, thanks.
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