Tube Preamp to go with Bryston SST2 amp and Magnepan 1.7i speakers

rogue audio rp 5. warm, smooth, burnished and dynamic.
sounds great with stock low cost tubes.  deals are to be had.

mesch

I never owned anything using 6sn7. I had to replace 6sn7 in my Cayin amp, It was surprising how much difference in sound the replacements were. My first choice: bad. The Cayin went from wonderful to lifeless. Brent Jesse let me exchange them for ones I much prefer.

Just saying, it’s a tube to research, find reliable descriptions of differences, buy from a source that will allow return, if a new amp, ask OEM about options if any. ...

I imagine they would be very good in a preamp, especially with your preferred 6sn7

Would I be crazy to decide to go with a Bryston Preamp, rather than a tube preamp (I know, I suggested I only wanted to go with a tube preamp in the title.  Sorry to be waffling)?  It looks like a couple of people here, and some other places suggest that you will get better synergy that way. What are peoples thoughts, pros and cons?  

Not crazy. While shopping for speakers years ago, I had an extended audition of the Arial 7t using an all -Bryston system with a 4BSST2. It was one hell of a good sounding setup. One of the best I’ve heard.

Have owned several iterations of Bryston amps over the years and I can tell you in no uncertain terms that pairing with a tube pre amp is essential.A tube pre will add that touch of romance and naturalness and still retain the articulate bass slam that Bryston provides.Audio Research and Cary come to mind.