Bryston BP17 Cubed preamplifier

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David Cutler

To avoid repetition, all these observations and thoughts are subjective.  I have had a Bryston BP26 for a number of years and have recently traded it in for a new Bryston BP17 Cubed.  Unfortunately, I did not have both at the same time so these observations and thoughts are based on my recollection of the BP26 against the “live” experience of the Bryston BP17 Cubed.
  • Less slam, but is this a colouration with the BP26 (a mid-bass hump in the 100Hz-125Hz range?).  To be honest, one of the criticisms I had of the BP26 was that there was too much slam; It was initially impressive with the BP26, but during extended listening sessions this became irksome – one of the reasons for the change.
  • The BP17 Cubed presents a more detailed representation.  With some tracks, I can discriminate multiple instruments with the BP17 cubed, rather than the previous “thicker” sound from the BP26.
  • The BP17 Cubed’s soundstage is not as far forward as that of the BP26 and extends outside the speakers, not just between them.  The soundstage might extend further back.
  • Compared to the BP26, the BP17 Cubed sounds less gritty, overall smoother – another reason for the change, the grittiness was becoming tiring with long listening sessions.  Interestingly, the BP17 Cubed presents brass instruments more raspier.
  • More focus around the instruments and performers, “darker” elsewhere.  This gives the impression of a quieter presentation, but, if anything, the dynamic range might be bigger.
  • Subtle, less “Hi-Fi”.

In summary, not a subtle difference.  It’s “a grower”, the more I listen, the more I prefer it.  The BP26 is a great pre-amp to start with and the BP17 Cubed improves upon it.


David

SoundGame

David, after doing much back and forth comparison between the BP26 and the BP173 I have to say that your interpretations are almost identical to my own.  To add, I noticed that though the BP17 is clearer with a purer treble it is also smoother in the treble most noticeable on female voice sibilants.  Also, there is clearer interpretation of the furthest details at the extremes of the soundstage.  Bass detail and articulation is also greater with the BP17, and apparently it has more control and reach at the lowest frequencies, yet the BP26 is thicker and seemingly fuller in the bass.  The bass on the BP26 sounds somewhat sluggish and vague against the BP17 Cubed.  All in all I’m very impressed with this Cube version of the BP17.


To avoid repetition, all these observations and thoughts are subjective.  I have had a Bryston BP26 for a number of years and have recently traded it in for a new Bryston BP17 Cubed.  Unfortunately, I did not have both at the same time so these observations and thoughts are based on my recollection of the BP26 against the “live” experience of the Bryston BP17 Cubed.
  • Less slam, but is this a colouration with the BP26 (a mid-bass hump in the 100Hz-125Hz range?).  To be honest, one of the criticisms I had of the BP26 was that there was too much slam; It was initially impressive with the BP26, but during extended listening sessions this became irksome – one of the reasons for the change.
  • The BP17 Cubed presents a more detailed representation.  With some tracks, I can discriminate multiple instruments with the BP17 cubed, rather than the previous “thicker” sound from the BP26.
  • The BP17 Cubed’s soundstage is not as far forward as that of the BP26 and extends outside the speakers, not just between them.  The soundstage might extend further back.
  • Compared to the BP26, the BP17 Cubed sounds less gritty, overall smoother – another reason for the change, the grittiness was becoming tiring with long listening sessions.  Interestingly, the BP17 Cubed presents brass instruments more raspier.
  • More focus around the instruments and performers, “darker” elsewhere.  This gives the impression of a quieter presentation, but, if anything, the dynamic range might be bigger.
  • Subtle, less “Hi-Fi”.

In summary, not a subtle difference.  It’s “a grower”, the more I listen, the more I prefer it.  The BP26 is a great pre-amp to start with and the BP17 Cubed improves upon it.


David

James Tanner

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Re: Bryston BP17 Cubed preamplifier
« Reply #142 on: 28 Jan 2018, 02:52 am »
HI Folks,

Got a copy of a review to be released shortly where the reviewer compares the BP26 with the BP17 Cubed in detail.

james


Elizabeth

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Re: Bryston BP17 Cubed preamplifier
« Reply #143 on: 28 Jan 2018, 05:10 am »
Then the question is.. When is the BP-26 going to get the 'cubed' treatment?
----------------------------------------  :D  ----------------------------------------

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Re: Bryston BP17 Cubed preamplifier
« Reply #144 on: 28 Jan 2018, 11:50 am »
Then the question is.. When is the BP-26 going to get the 'cubed' treatment?
----------------------------------------  :D  ----------------------------------------

Hi Liz

The BP26 would need a complete rework so it would be a different preamp at that point and the BP26 would be discontinued.

james

ngamountains

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Re: Bryston BP17 Cubed preamplifier
« Reply #145 on: 2 Apr 2018, 12:32 am »
Big thanks for David Cutler and SoundGame above for posting their thoughts on this comparison with the BP26. I have a BP26, as well, and just purchased a BP17 Cubed myself today. I expect it will take a week or so to arrive, and I will post my thoughts here once I’ve had a fair chance to compare the two units.

NHSkier

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Re: Bryston BP17 Cubed preamplifier
« Reply #146 on: 2 Apr 2018, 10:03 am »
Does anyone have observations about the sound of the BP-17 (non-cubed) versus the BP-17 cubed?

BrianoftheSouth.

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Re: Bryston BP17 Cubed preamplifier
« Reply #147 on: 26 Apr 2018, 07:39 pm »
Hi James,
I just ordered a BP 17 Cubed with the optional internal DAC. This unit will be replacing a Simaudio P 5.3 with a Nuprime DAC 10. I am trying to eliminate the digital glare. Any input on the wisdom of my choice? I was always happy with the P 5.3 and the NuPrime was really better than my Oppo. My amps are all Bryston. If there are any other amps around here they are hiding or slated for replacement with Bryston.

James Tanner

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Re: Bryston BP17 Cubed preamplifier
« Reply #148 on: 26 Apr 2018, 09:13 pm »
Hi James,
I just ordered a BP 17 Cubed with the optional internal DAC. This unit will be replacing a Simaudio P 5.3 with a Nuprime DAC 10. I am trying to eliminate the digital glare. Any input on the wisdom of my choice? I was always happy with the P 5.3 and the NuPrime was really better than my Oppo. My amps are all Bryston. If there are any other amps around here they are hiding or slated for replacement with Bryston.

Hi BrianoftheSouth

Well I will anxiously wait for your assessment sir  :thumb:

JamesoftheNorth

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Re: Bryston BP17 Cubed preamplifier
« Reply #149 on: 1 May 2018, 10:40 am »
Hi Folks,

Got this today from our South Africa Distributor.

james



Hi James

Please find the link to local review of the Bryston BP 17 Cuber preamplifier - http://www.avsa.co.za/bryston-b17b3-honesty-is-the-best-sonic-policy/

CanadianMaestro

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Re: Bryston BP17 Cubed preamplifier
« Reply #150 on: 2 May 2018, 09:37 pm »
Hi Folks,

Got this today from our South Africa Distributor.

james


JamesOfTheJungle now, eh?   :lol:

James Tanner

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Re: Bryston BP17 Cubed preamplifier
« Reply #151 on: 5 May 2018, 06:02 pm »
Hi Folks,

The June Issue of Stereophile has a review of the Bryston BP-17 Cubed.





James Tanner

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Re: Bryston BP17 Cubed preamplifier
« Reply #152 on: 15 May 2018, 10:53 am »



taww

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Re: Bryston BP17 Cubed preamplifier
« Reply #153 on: 19 May 2018, 06:58 pm »
My review unit (along with a 4B3) is arriving Monday! Super excited to give them a listen. :)

TJ-Sully

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Re: Bryston BP17 Cubed preamplifier
« Reply #154 on: 20 May 2018, 02:36 am »
hey folks....here's Gary Dayton talking about the BP17 cubed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRDo1BDDZ2A

TJ

James Tanner

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Re: Bryston BP17 Cubed preamplifier
« Reply #155 on: 20 May 2018, 09:52 am »
My review unit (along with a 4B3) is arriving Monday! Super excited to give them a listen. :)

Hi

Looking forward to your thoughts.  Please say hello to Martin for me.

James

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Re: Bryston BP17 Cubed preamplifier
« Reply #156 on: 22 May 2018, 06:56 pm »


Hi Folks,

I have the PDF of the full review - email me if you want a copy.
jamestanner@bryston.com

james

zoom25

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Re: Bryston BP17 Cubed preamplifier
« Reply #157 on: 22 May 2018, 07:38 pm »
How does the preamp section of the BHA-1 compare to the BP-17 cubed sound wise? Thanks.

James Tanner

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Re: Bryston BP17 Cubed preamplifier
« Reply #158 on: 22 May 2018, 07:50 pm »
James,

Excellent review. This product should win product of the year. The price performance ratio is outstanding.

Congratulations to your team this is product competes with the finest and most expensive pre Amos in the world at a fraction of the price.

Outstanding!!!

Best regards,
Steohen
« Last Edit: 22 May 2018, 09:24 pm by James Tanner »

CanadianMaestro

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Re: Bryston BP17 Cubed preamplifier
« Reply #159 on: 22 May 2018, 09:31 pm »
How does the preamp section of the BHA-1 compare to the BP-17 cubed sound wise? Thanks.

I used a BP17 v1 for a year. Tested my BHA preamp against it.
No contest. The 17 was much better, despite being SE inputs only.
Bal out on both to 14B2.

I would expect the 17-3 to sound even better.....

Cheers