Keep the Bryston and Add this.
https://www.modwright.com/products/analog-bridge/
description: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0s8_WLu_T4
Seeking a Tube preamplifier
I currently have the following system:
- 1. Martin Logan 11A Impression Loudspeakers (hybrid electrostatic)
- 2. Bryston 4B3 Cubed power amplifier 300 into 8 and 500 into 4
- 3. Bryston Bp-19 preamp recently purchased
- 4. Rogue Audio RP-1 tubed preamp backup for BP-19 preamp
- 5. Weiss Dac 204 with Modwright Linear Power Supply
- 6. Lumin U2 mini streamer with S Booster linear power supply
- 7. SVS Pair of SB-4000 subs.
I like the Bp-19 preamp. The sound is refined, detailed and clear but it is missing some of what a tubed preamp delivers. I switched to my backup preamp which is a tubed Rogue Audio RP-1 entry level and noticed that is wasn't as resolving or crystal clear as the Bryston BP-19, but I noticed that a vocalist projected air, depth and a richness that I did not find on my solid state preamp. On a track with a guitar there was a bloom and decay that I didn't notice on the solid state. Now I was thinking what about a tubed preamp that delivers both the positives of a solid state and tubed preamp? My maximum budget new only is $7500.00. Only need a linestage as phono is not required. In any case, I started looking at the entry level Conrad Johnson ET6SE, but confirmed with manufacturer this morning that there is no way to control the balance on their entry level product. I am disappointed, but my seating requires the ability to control the balance. I was also looking at the Rogue Audio RP-9, but their product uses a 6H30 tube which may be difficult to obtain in the future. Any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you.
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- 65 posts total
I went from an RP-7 to a Cary SLP 05. Everything got better from my perspective. Sound stage expanded, detail stayed about the same but overall midrange (what I hear) became richer. Over all the sound came alive and became more soulful if that makes sense. I’ve up graded to NOS tubes. I could not be happier. On a side note the SLP 98 recommended above does don’t come with balanced outs. Maybe an upgrade but not stock. |
@rmdmoore The MA-1 has a direct coupled output. That same output is used in our preamps, but because its further upstream it makes a much bigger difference since its more transparent. IOW we think that doing this at the preamp level is a bigger deal. |
- 65 posts total