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Preamp for Bryston 4B SST2


I have the following system

Squeezebox Touch >> Metrum Octave DAC >> Benchmark DAC 2 Pre (analog inputs) >> Bryston 4B SST2 >> Dynaudio x12 (soon to be Revel f208)

The benchmark is out of my main system and simply sounds stunning in the system. The resolution, clarity and musical tonality it produces is amazing. I have a song by Avalon called El'Shaddai simply puts the vocalist and acoustic guitar right in the room and I use it as my number one reference song. This system needs a preamp with more that the two analog inputs of the Benchmark and must have a remote to control both source and volume.

Swapping out the benchmark with a the highly regarded Classe CP50 creates a beautiful tube like sound that sounds ok on some songs but totally ruins my reference song. It simply adds way too much warmth into a system that does not need warming up. The Metrum DAC provides all the richness and analog like tonality that the system needs.

Replacing the Benchmark with the Bryston B100 SST in preamp mode is much better then the Classe but still does not achieve the stunning clarity of the benchmark preamp. Even b100 preamp adds a bit of warmth to the sound that is simply not needed in this system.

The only Bryston pre that has a full function remote is the BP-17. Will this sound better then the pre in the B100? (Less warmth, more resolving and more clarity) It is based on the B135 so it is newer.,,

Other then that I don't know what my options are for a pre that will match the clarity of the Benchmark and have remote that controls sources and volume? Would the Rotel 1570 come close or is it not even in the same ball park?

Any ideas???

Thank you

Earl
earlxtr
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
I have had a Bryston BP-17 preamp in my system for about 15 months and have been very pleased with it. Bryston products have typically gotten positive reviews, but I think the BP-17 has gotten rather short shrift from the high-end audio press. Given the BP-17's excellent performance in my system (paired with the 4B-SST2 amp), its range of features, the 20 year warranty, and a very competitive price, I have no reservations telling someone to put this preamp on their "short list". I can't compare its sound to the BP-26 (don't have one, and too long ago to trust audio memory), but as James Tanner has commented, the BP-17 has much more current technology.
earlxtr OP
50 posts
 
ZD542 - I meant "I" did some reading, not you!! :)))

Anyway, thank you all for your answers. Isn't the BP6 based on the preamp in the B60 SST - which is the same as the pre in the B100 SST? As I stated in my initial post, the B100 pre does not match the clarity of my Benchmark DAC2 PRE. It's close, but adds some warmth that viles the music ever so slightly compared to the Benchmark. My reference song that sounds fantastic throught the Benchmark still sounds good through the Bryston B100 pre, but not as good. Where I really notice the difference is the attack and bite of the steel guitar strings. The Benchmarks transparency is amazing.

For some, the benchmark might be too revealing but because of the rich, analog sounding DAC I am using (Metrum HEX and Octave) the sound is anything but dry and analytical. (However, the built in DAC in the benchmark does suck in my system for purely music...to flat, dry and analytical)

I guess I really didn't know how good I had it. I'm now thinking that maybe I should just get another Benchmark and work around the limited analog input problem. I'm wondering if anything can really match the Benchmark DAC2 Pre???
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,733 posts
 
Earl-

if tubes re of interest- look no further than an ARC Ref5 SE. This will be your last pre-amp and is a sonic match for the Bryston power amp. Keep me posted & Happy Listening!
soix
9,567 posts
 
James Tanner told me the circuit in the BP6 is very similar to the BP26 with the main differences being the latter's outboard power supply and balanced connections, which would concur with Jaxwired's findings above. I have the BP6 also and agree with others that it is above all neutral, detailed, and transparent. Adding warmth is not in its DNA. I've not heard it, but I'm thinking the Benchmark may possibly be a little on the lean side, which is a combo that might just be working for your tastes and in the context of your system.

You don't mention what cable/interconnects you're using, but that could also be a part of the equation depending on what you have. Anyway, best of luck.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
Isn't the BP6 based on the preamp in the B60 SST - which is the same as the pre in the B100 SST?

I believe so. I'm not 100 perecent sure, however. You might wanna double check with Bryston on that one.
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