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

agree w @soix

dunno if op has covered what his source is up-stream (analog, cd, streaming)... if it is a single source, and if the source is not a turntable... there are very nice dacs now with remote volume control, can run straight into power amp... don’t need no linestage...

soix 4 notion of putting arcam into bypass was temp measure to assess preamps effect -whether tube or the bp26.

Never suggested preamp section of arcam might be better than the bryston indeed I expect not.

I can acquire here from a local dealer with a reasonable return policy a bp 26 which I can mate with the arcam.

If that pairing woks -keep the bp 26 and get a 4b cubed from same source on same terms.and see where we are.

If better than the bp26 +arcam keep it if not send back.

Was noting that contrary to expectations the music in my room sounds much better when Im standing up.

Thought it odd because most recommendations are to have tweeters at ear height sitting down.

Ques pasa?

Well I reasoned might be the fact that a tv (55 in) perched on my bdi stand between the speakers was the reflection point.

Removed it and Bingo.

Will try covering tv with a quilt during listening sessions but if that doesnt work it has to go.

The room im in has a window (its the back room of the house) so it cant be wall mounted.

I could replace the window curtains with heavier sound absorbing materials.

So as it sits things wd be improved if tv wasnt there .

AS a temp step thats the thing to do and then the question wd be wd a bryston 4b cubed and bryston bp 26 be a even bigger step up than that?

Well I will test that out after the dedicated line goes in -I can get the Bryston equipment from a local dealer with a 30 day return policy.

will report back mid summer Im hoping

Thanks again with advice from all

I would try the Schitt Freya+ ($1000) with the 4B3 if I wanted a warmer sound. Or someone other tube preamp. I know that a BAT VK-42SE that I had in the past worked well with Bryston 7B-SST. Though the cube line is warmer than the SST line. I currently use the Freya+ with a Benchmark AHB2 amp that is very neutral, and it is an excellent combo.

If you do not need the extra warmth and want a preamp that adds nothing to the sound, I would get a Benchmark LA4 ($2600). In a few months I will sell my Freya+ to get a second LA4 or HPA4.

Will try covering tv with a quilt during listening sessions but if that doesnt work it has to go.

I started a thread about covering up my TV with sound absorption cloth or panels. I did a lot of research and bought a good panel. However, the sound still was worse than having no TV in the middle, so I got rid of the TV. I use the panel now to cover my CD rack which is a nice improvement.

RE the tv fact is Ive moved

speakers around per Jim smiths book and nver even thought of reflections off TV.

Experience with sound absorption panel useful.

Looks like tv has to go to another room-so be it.

Well next move dedicated 20amp line and upgraded outlets.

Will stay with that and Arcam for a couple months then btrng in the Bryston gear

If its an observable step up keep them -failing that back to Arcam. a49- thanks to all for comments