PREAMPLIFIER UPGRADE QUESTION

@ronboco  - is there a Boulder preamp under $7500? Didn't think they had products at that price point...

+1 Backert Labs

Boulder 

I can seriously recommend Backert Lab’s preamps. Their preamp  brought my 300B based system to new heights and it mates well with my solid state Pass XA 30.8. Backert Labs picks up the phone anytime and Andy Tebbe will answer all questions. Great preamps and great people!

I have always stretched the budget a little when choosing a preamp.   Choose the right one and you won't feel the need to upgrade for a while.   

If you want a tube preamp that will elevate your system to next level check out the Zesto Leto Ultra II preamp that TMR has used.   

I had the original Zesto Leto and it was amazing.  I regret selling it.   

If you are interested in the c-j I would recommend getting the SE.   The problem with demoing preamps it that they are the heart of your system so they are tough to A/B compare like a source.  

I like the voicing of cj , you may not.   If possible demo a preamp before selling your Rogue .... or any of your potential choices. 

You might also check out a PS Audio preamp. I just brought their BHK Signature preamp and  so far, I am very happy.

The new Schitt Mjolnir v3 is a very good preamp. It does not have a remote and is more of a desktop preamp/headphone amp. However, I found it much better than the Freya+. I use this for headphones, but I have used it with a CODA #16 amp.

If you want a preamp that is TRUE TO THE RECORDING then the 2 obvious choices are what I use, the Benchmark LA4 or HPA4 and the Holo Audio Serene. These 2 will not add to the sound of your other gear. That maybe a good thing or terrible based on what you want to achieve.

I owned a Bryston BP-20 preamp long ago and it is not in the same class as the LA4 and Serene and even the Mjolnir v3. I also had the current Bryston headphone amp, and it was somewhat similar to the BP-20, too hard on top.

As a fourth option, try a Schiit Kara or a Freya+. Way cheaper than the mega buck units. After trying it, you may decide to keep it. The gain options on the Kara are a deal maker. No more turning the volume knob 1/1000 of a turn and the volume is too much. Having a low/high gain preamp is indispensable.  

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. 

@soix 

Definitly what are your tastes. I like musical preamps that are detailed. So I own Audio Research, and alternatively would own Conrad Johnson. I would not own Rogue, and Bryston is too focused on precision / transparency for me. But, for you, it might be different.

Those are three very different sounding preamps so not really sure what you’re after here.  What specific improvements and sound characteristics are you looking for, what’s your budget, and are you looking for new or used?