PREAMPLIFIER UPGRADE QUESTION


My system consists of the following:

1. Martin Logan Impressions 11A

2. Rogue RP-1 preamplifier

3. Lumin U@ mini streamer with Chord Qutest DAC.

4. Bryston 4B3 Cubed power amplifier

I just purchased the Bryston amplifier and it has brought my speakers to life. From dull and listless to vibrant and alive.

I would like to upgrade my preamp and my three choices are as follows:

1. Rogue Audio RP-9-tubes

2. Bryston BR-19 which is fully balanced.

3. Conrad Johnson ET6 or ET6SE

My cables are Cardas Clear Cygnus

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

kjl1065

Showing 4 responses by kjl1065

Looking for a preamp that in short is truer to the recording than the preamp that I currently own. In short, seeking transparent, quiet and a preamp that works well with the Bryston 4B3 cubed which I recently purchased. I like the fact that the Bryston BP-19 is a fully balanced preamp which should improve the sound and deliver more headroom.  My budget is up to $7500.00, which is the retail of the Rogue RP-9. But I am leaning to the Bryston BP-19. Has anybody heard the BP-19?   Thanks. 

Thank you all for your kind and instructive responses. My choice is between preamplifiers as follows: Conrad Johnson:ET6 SE, Rogue Audio RP-9 and Bryston BP-19. Just purchased the Bryston 4B3 cubed power amplifier. The reason that I am limiting my future purchase to the three listed is because my dealer is a representative of the three above listed. He represents others as well, but they are not within my budget. In any case the dealer's knowledge and service is excellent and would like to continue working with him. The problem with the Conrad Johnson is that it does not have a balance control which I require. My current Rogue Audio RP-1 has one and I find it essential. 

The only problem with the Conrad Johnson ET-6SE is the fact that there is not balance controls where I can control left and right speaker volume. This is made necessary due to my seating arrangement.

Thank you for al your responses. I have narrowed down my preamp choices to the Bryston BP-19 and the Rogue RP-9. My dealer sells both and I am looking hear them together. The rest of my system consists of a Bryston 4b-3 cubed power amp, Chord q test dac, Lumen U2-mini streamer and a pair of Martin Logan Impression 9 loudspeakers. My preamp is the Rogue RP-1 (entry level)  Will either of the 2 preamps that I am considering be a substantial improvement over the Rogue RP-1. I am seeking a substantial improvement due to the high cost of the remaining 2 preamps. I am sure that there may be better preamps out there that my dealer does not carry, but I wish to continue working with him because his advice, service and integrity is a tough combination to find.