Bryston Preamps - What do they sound like?

Just had to comment on what someone said about the BP17 and the Topping pre90. These 2 are just not in the same ballpark, the Topping pre is for a nice computer setup in the office. Also maybe the system he listens to them sounds "thin" to begin with because that particular Bryston pre is transparent.

I am talking about Bryston BP20 preamp + MPS2 power supply that I had for about 5 years. I also have owned Bryston 3B-ST, 4B-ST, 4B-SST, PowerPac 300, 7B-SST. So I know a little bit about Bryston. I have heard the new cubed line (with Vandersteen Treo CT) and it still has a bit of the old sound. I also recently bought the Bryston headphone amp and sold it after a month since it was not better (fatiguing) than the much cheaper Topping A90 (I gave this one away later).

The stereophile reviewer Kalman Robinson (sp?) copied me :) and sold his Benchmark LA4 preamp to use the Topping pre90 with his Benchmark AHB2 amps. I sold my Benchmark HPA4 (made a profit) and got the Topping pre90 to use with my Benchmark AHB2 monos. They sounded great, identical to the the HPA4. However, I ended up getting the Benchmark LA4 (same as HPA4 minus headphone) because the Benchmark preamps are more robust (work with all amps) and better features. I use the LA4 with CODA #8 amp.

If you want "wire with gain" preamp I do not know of any better choices than the pre90 and LA4 (or HPA4). At least from a measurements perpective. I just remembered the Mola Mola Makua peamp for about $14K is similar to the pre90 and LA4 but with even more features.

Greg 7:

I think the Acurus LS11 is a very good value. Acurus was a great company back then. It has a balanced sound and is a great example of a good sounding solid state Pre and an even better value. Acurus stuff is well made and lasts. I think the Pre is better than their amps - the amps are a bit bright. I actually like the Acurus LS11 better than an older Aragon Pre (model 28 K) I recently bought used altho the Aragon was far more expensive back in the day (Acurus and Aragon were sister companies - Aragon was the more expensive stuff). They actually still are sister brands (Indy Audio Labs)

I was just reading the review of a new speaker line on Stereophile. Check out the preamp used used here. 

Perlisten S7t loudspeaker Associated Equipment | Stereophile.com

The Topping pre90.

I have a BP25 with MPS2, it's actually a warmer sounding preamp. My newest preamp is a STP.SE.STG2 and by comparison the Bryston is colored, not in a bad way its very musical. I enjoy both preamps, I think some people mischaracterize some of the bryston preamp based on older Bryston amps being somewhat sterile. If I had to summarize the BP25 I would say slightly warm and musical. No deal breaker, it's a nice preamp.

I just got a later model BP-20 with the BP-PSR power supply. I would agree that it is a warm pre, tilted to the low mids, but in a very smooth and even handed way. I quite like the presentation. I did not expect to like it as much as my EAR 864. In fact, I found it more satisfying for long listens. The longer I listened the more I liked it. The EAR could be characterized in contrast as having a stronger upper mid response. It’s a little clearer as a result.

The Bryston was the most noise free preamp I have ever heard. Not a hint of noise. Deep black backgrounds. Bass was very deep, clear and nimble. High frequencies sparkled and soared. Quite beautiful and reminiscent of early Mark Levinson.

I suspect that the recessed high mids were designed into the pre to offset the aggressive highs of the matching Bryston amplifiers of the time. The 4B, 4BSST and 4BST.

I got this pre for very little. It had some of the labeling worn off, so I got it for a song. I plan to recap it. Perhaps relabel it for fun, get a little creative. It’s got me thinking a lot more about Bryston and what I have been missing all these years.

My current question is, should I buy an amp that is it’s contemporary. I could get one of those pretty cheap. Maybe a 4B SST. Or should I get the new 4B3? For a lot more money. Hmmmmm.

Either way, consider me very impressed with this old $385 bargain. And inspired.