Preamp suggestions for Thiel 3.6 & Bryston 4B-sst


I've got a bright sounding system due to the wide dispersion of my Thiel 3.6 speakers and a 'live' room.

I'm using a solid state Bryston BP25 preamp now but am considering other options (up to $2500 used) to warm/sweeten things up and soften the top end. Rock can be harsh. Ideally I'd like:
1. Balanced and single ended ins and outs
2. Phono stage (MM at least, MC a bonus) plus tuner and balanced CD input
3. Remote (Yes I'm lazy I know)
4. Headphone output would be nice but not essential

I like what I've read about Audio Research preamps. Seems like they are detailed while still having that tube warmth and sweetness.

Suggestion welcome. Thanks!
dbdog
Great input so far folks. Many thanks. A couple of comments:
Rgd: great suggestion on the 6922 tubes. Thanks.

Markwatkiss: The LS15 sounds nice. I'd need to invest in a seperate phono stage and headphone amp but that may be necessary anyway

Samzx12: I added MIT cables and was blown away with the difference. Much warmer but still not as lush and soft as I'm looking for.

Bifwynne: Unfortunately my speakers are terribly demanding and really do need solid state power and control. I'll look at the SP-17. Thanks

Mclsound: Yup that's the hole I have dug for myself.

Timlub: very interesting idea. I've heard CJ before and really liked their sound.

Tom_hankins: Wow, BAT preamp look awesome. I'll see what I can learn about them. Thanks

Thanks again everyone. Other comments welcomed as well.

I'm wrestling with the knowledge that while I'm at work my wife if very likely to turn the system on to listen to a 10 minute newscast and walk away leaving the preamp on all day. Ugh, I wish tubes like to be left on 24/7. *groan* lol

Cheers
Dave



Dave, if I read you right and you don't want to do tubes, i certainly understand. In my feable opinion. As close as you'll come on a reasonable budget in solids state would be an old Classe. DR5 or DR6. The Classe 5 or 6 can be had with remotes and they are an off shoot of the DR's but not as warm. The CP's are similar to the 5 or 6, but a tad more refined. Classe is probably your best bet.
I don't find the Audio Research solid state particularly warm, but in their solid state, I'd probably look at a LS-9. Good luck, Tim
Timlub, is right on. Many Thiel owners like cj pres. One caveat; you'll lose the advantages of balanced inputs on your Bryston.
I have very similar setup and went from Bryston BP-25 to BAT VK-42SE (solid state) paired with Bryston amps (either PP300's or 7B-SST's). I am currently using Thiel SCS4 but have also had Revel Salons with the above combo. I like the BAT more than the BP-25. It sounds a little more smooth and better on the highs than the BP-25.

Mind you the cost difference between the 2 is quite large. MSRP BAT - $7000 and Bryston $2000 (back in the day). I paid $3500 for a 1 month old used BAT. I wouldn't have replaced the Bryston for something that costs much more than that due to diminishing returns.