Tube Pre amp or Solid Pre Amp

I used to own a BP-25 with my 4B-ST amp and the BP-25 is dead quiet and neutral to the max - what you send in is what comes out. I preferred the sound once I inserted a Rogue 66 linestage with Mullard tubes. If I were to compare the two preamps I would liken the BP-25 to a black & white HDTV - every detail but after a time became sterile. The Rogue is like a great color TV (Non-HD) - less detail but with the "color" can be viewed for longer periods without fatigue. But hey thats just my system and my ears, the BP-25/4B-ST combo has rec'd many great reviews.

If it were me I would look for either a Magnum version 66 or get a cheap 66 (about $650 used) and have Rogue "magnum" it for $250. Conversely you could find a Rogue 99 within your budget and if lucky maybe a used Magnum 99. Good luck!

I am using a Sonic Frontiers Line 3 to drive my Bryston 4B ST. Overall, I am very pleased with the results. From what Tfalls writes it sounds like the Bryston 25 will work fine as well. A check of the ads shows that a used Line 3 can be had for around $2200 plus shipping. The Bryston 25 will probably sell for less. I personally don't think that changing you interconnects out will make a noticeable difference unless the ones you currently using have low grade connectors. Good luck.

I bought an Audible Illusions Mod 3 (not 3A) for $650 to use as a "stopgap" until my turn in the long Supratek line comes around. I am pairing it with solid state monoblocks and must say that it is probably the best bargain I have seen so far in high end. I considered the Rogue as well and think you would most likely be happy going in either direction. I have been delighted with the performance of the M3, which includes a very good phono stage. FWIW, I had the Vienna Beethovens in my system until I upgraded to Piega P10s. I think you will enjoy what tubes will do for the Beethovens, which are great speakers. I think you are putting together a very nice system.

For my listening tastes, mixing tubes and solid state is the way to go.

Good listening,

I started with all tubes from cd player to amp. I called solid state SS amps I was so unenamored with them. When I got some decidedly inefficient speakers, I started looking for a replacement. Powerful tube amps are so expensive. A friend who builds his own class A amps told me not to think twice and buy the Pass Labs X150 and a Pass Labs Aleph P if I couldn't afford their current X pre amps. Being tubular, I went only part way. I decided to keep tubes in the cd player and pre amp and bought a Sonic Frontiers Line 1 to go with the Pass X150. Overall, I was happy with the system, except the mids were a bit chalky. Of course I immediately held the SS amp guilty. My amp builder friend told me not so, it had to be the pre amp and I should get the Aleph P. So I did. He was right on all the way. When I was running all tubes, I loved the liquid mids, and shimmering highs. I also enjoyed the well articulated bass. What I didn't like was the back ground sweetened broth that held the music fast to the speakers. I thought, I just wanted the realness of tubes, but for it to jump out naked at me from darkness. Now with the tubed cd player, and Pass X150 and Pass Aleph P that is exactly what I have.

Moral: If you know someone out there that is a wizened audiophile, listen to him/her, it will save you big bucks.

Thanks for all the input. Can any body tell me the characteristic between Rogue, Bat , Audible illusions and Sonic fontia in general.
Neronian.