Trying out a tube preamp


Hello, all. I'm looking for some ideas. My 2-channel system consists of a Sony SCD777ES front-end, Bryston BP25 preamp, Bryston 4BSST amp, Audioquest Python and Caldera wires, and Totem Mani2 speakers. My listening room measures about 13 by 15 feet and is "dead" in character -- carpeting, sheetrock over concrete walls, bookcases, etc. Musical taste covers the spectrum.

I'm very happy with the system and have been enjoying it for a few years. But... you know how it goes. Lately I've been thinking of trying something different. I'm thinking a tube preamp in place of the BP25. Just a hunch that it might be a worthwhile change. Let's say the budget is up to USD$5000. Used is fine. Any recommendations on what would work well with the rest of my system?
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Showing 2 responses by audioman58

The Lector Zoe is quite the preamplifier ,it has loads of headroom and it is miles better than the good T.A.S review done over 4 years ago now a mk-3 ,and being able to use 6 different tubes types let's you taylor the pre exactly to your ear.
70s 6h-30 Russian tube is a great tube for this excellent preamp.I have found No preamp in the $5k range that truly
betters this preamp in more than one dept,and I have tried several big named preamps ,one of the best buys in all of audio amd this also goes for their great
cd-7-Mk-3 player.
I would like to add that the preamp is still called the Zoe MK-2 even though their have been no less than 3 upgrade revisions since 07 that is why I called it a Mk-3
for the record.