whats the best pre amp to pair with Bryston 4b cubed? A

Decided to purchase the 4B3 and will likely go with VTL...although may ask to try the BP26 that’s in the store before making the final call.

@pacoinmass Be aware that VTL’s customer service has an awful reputation, and there are a lot of other great tube preamps out there — Atmasphere, Backert, VAC, Audio Research, LTA, etc. FWIW, and best of luck.

Noting people arent convinced a Brtyston is markedly better than current arcama49  a vacuum tube preamp is on the list -I can put the arcam into bypass mode in that case.

No.  Just..,no.  Nobody said the preamp section of your Arcam is better than a Bryston preamp.  Get a Bryston BP26 and enjoy your system.  

The cubed series seems to have thickened the house sound of the Bryston line to add more tone and heft to the sound versus earlier versions.  I will just say this — I bought a Bryston BP6 because it was supremely transparent and provided the most unvarnished and clear, 3D soundstage I’d ever heard in my system, by far.  If you’re looking for no coloration and an expansive 3D soundstage, go for a used BP26 and you’ll be thrilled.  If you’re looking for more flesh on the bones, go for a VAC or deHavilland kinda thing with tubes if you’re not opposed to that.  Just depends what sound characteristics you’re after.  But, if soundstage and transparency are your primary goals, get a BP26 and you’ll be thrilled.