Best Pre-amp for Bryston 4BST

For nearly a year I had a Bryston BP-25 mated to a 4bst.Never seemed to gel. Was way too bright despite some expensive and sweet sounding cables ie Cardas Golden Cross.Replaced the Bryston pre with an ancient ARC 2LSB(tube)and voila there was magic in the air. Subsequently replaced the 2LSB with the highly rated ARC SP16. Also replaced the 4BST with a 14BST.I love the tube/SS combo.It gives me much of what I want but ultimately its your ears alone that should be the arbiter of what you buy. Demo some pre amps at home if you can coz INMHO thats the only way to go.
My 2bit worth. Best of luck.
Sunnyboy

A dealer talked me into a Bryston 4B-ST / ARC LS-3 preamp combo, saying that the synergy was particularly good.

Now, ten years and many different (and much more expensive) systems later, I can say that he was right. Particularly when used with good cabling, the 4B-ST / LS-3 combo was ridiculously good for the money. While I sold the Bryston long ago, the LS-3 still anchors my second system.

PS - The LS-3 is solid-state.

I own the 4Bst and have used 4 different preamps. Three were tube based and one SS. Tubes compliment Bryston's power and dynamics by adding that tube charm--liquid midrange and sonic decay . You will be amazed at how tubes can transform your systems overall sound. I currently use a Cary SLP98 and find this combo a great match.

good luck

I have the 4bsst and used the BP-20 with it and loved it. The bass was impactful, and there was a ton of detail. I recently changed to the SAS audio 10-A and am amazed at the synergy and musicality. The 10-a retains the detail but adds a realism that is wonderful. Both pre's are great