Blue Circle BC3 vs BC21.1

thanks. i didn't know about that forum.

You might also email Gilbert himself via his website link.

He is truly one of the good guys in hi end audio manufacture. No one is better informed about the product differences than Gilbert.

Give them time to get back to you also, as the Blue Circle gang is on their first vacation since 1990. I think they'll be back around the 12th? or so.

My opinion, any preamp with its gain of low level signals, esp phono stages, should have external power supplies. For me, I hear a big difference in info, size and focus of soundstage.... I'd at least go for a BC3 (over the 21.1).IMHO.

I think some of the advantages the BC3 might have are dual volume pots and an external power supply. I'm using the older BC21 which uses 6SN7 tubes. Used Galateas sell for under $2000 and Despinas even cheaper.

Owned both, upgraded from 21.1 to Galatea. Improvement across the board, most noticeable of which was refinement. Gilbert will probably tell you the same thing.
Galatea was like buttah; best pre I've owned, and the last one. Gave up the pre habit though, and went integrated.