PREAMPLIFIER UPGRADE QUESTION

@soix 

Definitly what are your tastes. I like musical preamps that are detailed. So I own Audio Research, and alternatively would own Conrad Johnson. I would not own Rogue, and Bryston is too focused on precision / transparency for me. But, for you, it might be different.

Looking for a preamp that in short is truer to the recording than the preamp that I currently own. In short, seeking transparent, quiet and a preamp that works well with the Bryston 4B3 cubed which I recently purchased. I like the fact that the Bryston BP-19 is a fully balanced preamp which should improve the sound and deliver more headroom.  My budget is up to $7500.00, which is the retail of the Rogue RP-9. But I am leaning to the Bryston BP-19. Has anybody heard the BP-19?   Thanks. 

As a fourth option, try a Schiit Kara or a Freya+. Way cheaper than the mega buck units. After trying it, you may decide to keep it. The gain options on the Kara are a deal maker. No more turning the volume knob 1/1000 of a turn and the volume is too much. Having a low/high gain preamp is indispensable.  

The new Schitt Mjolnir v3 is a very good preamp. It does not have a remote and is more of a desktop preamp/headphone amp. However, I found it much better than the Freya+. I use this for headphones, but I have used it with a CODA #16 amp.

If you want a preamp that is TRUE TO THE RECORDING then the 2 obvious choices are what I use, the Benchmark LA4 or HPA4 and the Holo Audio Serene. These 2 will not add to the sound of your other gear. That maybe a good thing or terrible based on what you want to achieve.

I owned a Bryston BP-20 preamp long ago and it is not in the same class as the LA4 and Serene and even the Mjolnir v3. I also had the current Bryston headphone amp, and it was somewhat similar to the BP-20, too hard on top.

You might also check out a PS Audio preamp. I just brought their BHK Signature preamp and  so far, I am very happy.