I totally disagree with the previous comments regarding Bryston BP-25. I've owned one for two years, and I'm just now selling it because I went to a BAT VK-30. The tubes are just slightly warmer with more air than the BP-25, which in itself is definitely on the warm side, far from "brutally honest." The Bryston is a superb product, very solidly constructed, and sounds quite musical. It does not possess the sweet openness of better tube equipment, but it is probably the equal of lesser tube gear, and far sweeter than most SS. It will never need to be fussed with. It is quiet as electronics can get. It mates very well with SS amps.
Tube Pre-amps for audition list
Plan to mate a tube preamp with a McCormack DNA-225 and PSB Stratus Goldi speakers. Also, am into vinyl and have a Lehmann Black cube, but am open to replacing it with a pre/phono combo if that seems best. Figure I'd like a tube pre to tame the very slight brightness of the McCormack. I find that I prefer a pre with remote but am, again, open. Have considered AI Modulus 3A, Blue Circle BC3, and Rouge 99. What would any of you suggest to make the short list for audition? Can spend about $1500 USED. Thanks.