Tube Pre amp or Solid Pre Amp

To curb a bit of the brighness in your system, you might want to try another pair of interconnects. It appears that your interconnects are silver which from what I understand can lead to a bright sound in some systems.

You might try a used pair of Harmonic Technology Pro Silway Mk II interconnects which combine copper and silver in a single crystal technology. They are very detailed but in my system do not appear to be bright.

A used 1meter pair go for about $175 -$225 on audiogon.com.

If this does not cure your problem or perhaps another interconnect, then you should be able to sell the cables pretty much for what you bought them and then investigate the preamp.

Also, you might consider doing some research on room acoustics. Perhaps your room has a very 'live' sound and therefore bright sounds could tend to be overly bright.

-IMO (whose were you expecting?)

That's true of the Rogues, neronian.
Have to use cheater plugs, could not trace hum down.
Also, the power supply make a slight buzz, and the amps pick up so RFI.
You have to be very close to the amps or speakers to notice, and it has to be very quite. But those noises are there.

KP

As mentioned before I certainly like my Brystons..BP-25..4B ST..could it sound better..you betcha,if I spend thousands of $$$$$$$$$ more..which at this point I'm not willing to spend.
I am very happy with the sound of my present system.I updated to the best of my ability and am always tweaking.
Let your ears be your guide..not to mention your pocket book.
There will ALWAYS be better...........

I too like the tube pre/ss amp combo. I also agree with stehno. My suggestion is to audition a aes(cary) AE-3. This pre can come as a kit(if you are so inclined) or from the factory. It has upgrade features and it's a triode design. This as I have written before to me is the best bang for the buck pre out there. In addition it only uses two tubes. Good hunting!

I agree with Stehno, if your trying to take the edge off, the cheapest route would be to change interconnects. You might even try all copper. Cardas would definetely take the edge off, they are sweet. " IMHO "

The Rogue and the BAT are good suggestions for tube pre's. I think bewteen the two you will find BAT sweeter ( in your price range ) The BAT VK3i can be bought between $800-1250 used.

happy listening