AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Bryston Limited => Topic started by: techguy0192 on 9 Jan 2019, 07:46 pm
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Curious to learn when we might see the Cubed circuits used in a revised version of the BP6 and BP26.
Thanks!
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Hi
It would be a new preamp rather than a change to the current preamps
James
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Hi
It would be a new preamp rather than a change to the current preamps
James
Any chance we might see something in 2019? The next question everyone is likely to ask - will factory upgrades of current units be a possibility?
Thanks!
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Any chance we might see something in 2019? The next question everyone is likely to ask - will factory upgrades of current units be a possibility?
Thanks!
Hi
I would say we should have a new preamp in 2019. I do not think an upgrade option will be available though as there are too many changes over the years to make it cost effective for the customer. Features, circuits and digital sources are totally different than what they were back when the BP26 and the BP6 were designed as pure analog preamplifiers.
james
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Hi
I would say we should have a new preamp in 2019.
:hyper: :drool:
Thanks James!
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...maybe this new preamp will have a usb dac for dsd???
al.
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...maybe this new preamp will have a usb dac for dsd???
al.
Yes it will be the same as the BDA-3 from a digital perspective.
james
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Reading into the comments from James seems it is going to be a digital device with preamp controls? Rather than 'just' a preamp?
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Reading into the comments from James seems it is going to be a digital device with preamp controls? Rather than 'just' a preamp?
Yes, I believe you are correct. I asked a similar question a couple of moths ago - would we see a digital preamp.
Two SPDIF inputs (RCA & BNC), toslink, and USB would cover most users. Adding in two analog inputs (RCA & XLR) would make it very well rounded and capable. Because DAC technology is evolving, it would be great to see that section in the form of an upgradable module that could be end user replaced as upgrades are release. Just slide it out like you would a channel on a 2B-LP.
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Yes, I believe you are correct. I asked a similar question a couple of moths ago - would we see a digital preamp.
Two SPDIF inputs (RCA & BNC), toslink, and USB would cover most users. Adding in two analog inputs (RCA & XLR) would make it very well rounded and capable. Because DAC technology is evolving, it would be great to see that section in the form of an upgradable module that could be end user replaced as upgrades are release. Just slide it out like you would a channel on a 2B-LP.
Sounds a lot like what we are working on !
james
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Two SPDIF inputs (RCA & BNC), toslink, and USB would cover most users. Because DAC technology is evolving, it would be great to see that section in the form of an upgradable module that could be end user replaced as upgrades are release. Just slide it out like you would a channel on a 2B-LP.
...if this is doable with this new preamp why shouldn't it be possible to have an upgradable dac module for the BP17³ and the 135? that way the customer can choose what kind of digital input he prefers for his setup. i might be wrong but i think that a more compact solution is a nice option for those who doesn't want another box for another box, etc. the BDA-3 surely is a cool performer but maybe some people don't need 10 digital inputs. what i'm trying to say is that if Bryston would offer digital cards with different inputs for the 17³ and 135³ it would make them more versatile for different needs.
al.
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Two SPDIF inputs (RCA & BNC), toslink, and USB would cover most users. Because DAC technology is evolving, it would be great to see that section in the form of an upgradable module that could be end user replaced as upgrades are release. Just slide it out like you would a channel on a 2B-LP.
...if this is doable with this new preamp why shouldn't it be possible to have an upgradable dac module for the BP17³ and the 135? that way the customer can choose what kind of digital input he prefers for his setup. i might be wrong but i think that a more compact solution is a nice option for those who doesn't want another box for another box, etc. the BDA-3 surely is a cool performer but maybe some people don't need 10 digital inputs. what i'm trying to say is that if Bryston would offer digital cards with different inputs for the 17³ and 135³ it would make them more versatile for different needs.
al.
I had the exact same thoughts. User configurable digital input options. Then I considered economies of scale and how many options are feasible; there will always be a person that feels none of them are an exact fit.
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I wonder whether this will affect the production of B60 integrated since it's preamp stage is basically the same as that of BP6 preamp.
I think this means the days of "through-hole" components are numbered and the new designs will be purely SMT. I don't know how to feel about that.
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Hi!
Will there be a new version of the BHA-1 headphone amplifier as well?
I don't think much can be done in terms of improvements in audio quality but there are a few things that could be improved upon:
1. input selection could be done via relays to eliminate bleed between different inputs. Even better, it could be done via high-quality rotary selector like on the B60 integrated and BP26/6 preamps.
2. more positions for gain switching, the lowest one having zero dB of gain
3. improved passive cooling with aluminium chassis rather than a steel one
4. headphone only / preamp out only selector switch
That would make the BHA-1 even more desirable as both a headphone amplifier and a line-level preamp.
Cheers!
Antun
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Another suggestion would be to use a volume control that could be operated via a remote (universal).
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Another suggestion would be to use a volume control that could be operated via a remote (universal).
Yes, that too!
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Another suggestion would be to use a volume control that could be operated via a remote (universal).
I control my volume with a Harmony universal. It didn’t have the code (or whatever it’s called) in the software. I had to do something and point my B60’s remote at it; the Harmony remote learned the commands. Took all of a few minutes. Worked flawlessly ever since.
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Sounds a lot like what we are working on !
james
Sounds fantastic. I’d only be interested in having a DAC built into the preamp (or integrated) if it was replaceable/upgradable. DAC technology moves quite quickly. A great preamp lasts decades.
Maybe seeing my parents’ all-in-one receivers of yesteryear has me jaded. The built-in 8-track and awful turntable have zero usability, whereas the amplification still works. I was looking into the original Naim Uniti when I bought my B60. Aside from sound quality (both are fantastic IMO), the only I could think of was my father’s Fisher receiver that made its way to my bedroom.
Sources, especially digital formats, come and go. Amplification stays consistent. If I can easily replace the digital section of a preamp, I’ll consider buying it. If not, I don’t want it in there. I don’t want obsolete inputs on a piece that I’m planning on keeping for quite some time.
I’ve always looked at amplification as the anchor of the system. Speakers change depending on the room, sources become obsolete. Good, clean amplification stays. The one piece that’s always been a constant in my system since I bought is my B60. Zero desire and need to change it. Maybe one day when I’ve got a ton of disposable income and I’ve run out of stuff to buy, I’ll get something else. But I’ll cross that imaginary bridge when I get to it.
Just out of curiosity...
The B60/2BLP seems like it’s the longest-running thing in your lineup without an upgrade/update. The B60 was last updated with SST. Any plans on updating it? I’m not in the market for an update; more of a curiosity question than anything else. Even if I did decide to buy an upgraded one, my B60 SST would certainly find a place in my home or passed down to my daughters anyway; it’s way too good to let go of.
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Sounds fantastic. I’d only be interested in having a DAC built into the preamp (or integrated) if it was replaceable/upgradable. DAC technology moves quite quickly. A great preamp lasts decades.
Maybe seeing my parents’ all-in-one receivers of yesteryear has me jaded. The built-in 8-track and awful turntable have zero usability, whereas the amplification still works. I was looking into the original Naim Uniti when I bought my B60. Aside from sound quality (both are fantastic IMO), the only I could think of was my father’s Fisher receiver that made its way to my bedroom.
Sources, especially digital formats, come and go. Amplification stays consistent. If I can easily replace the digital section of a preamp, I’ll consider buying it. If not, I don’t want it in there. I don’t want obsolete inputs on a piece that I’m planning on keeping for quite some time.
I’ve always looked at amplification as the anchor of the system. Speakers change depending on the room, sources become obsolete. Good, clean amplification stays. The one piece that’s always been a constant in my system since I bought is my B60. Zero desire and need to change it. Maybe one day when I’ve got a ton of disposable income and I’ve run out of stuff to buy, I’ll get something else. But I’ll cross that imaginary bridge when I get to it.
Just out of curiosity...
The B60/2BLP seems like it’s the longest-running thing in your lineup without an upgrade/update. The B60 was last updated with SST. Any plans on updating it? I’m not in the market for an update; more of a curiosity question than anything else. Even if I did decide to buy an upgraded one, my B60 SST would certainly find a place in my home or passed down to my daughters anyway; it’s way too good to let go of.
These are very good points. Frankly, I will stay away from any high-end preamp with a built-in digital section. An analogue preamp can easily provide excellent fidelity for 10-20 years. In contrast digital, especially HDMI, changes every 3-4 years. I much prefer to buy a new DAC every 5-6 years if I can hear a difference.
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Hi
It would be a new preamp rather than a change to the current preamps
James
Hi James
any thoughts about adding tubes for the input stage... :scratch:
Sully
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Hi James
any thoughts about adding tubes for the input stage... :scratch:
Sully
Hi Sully
No plans on that front.
james
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When can we expect a preamp which can wash the dishes? Do the laundry? do the dusting... I'm WAITING.....
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So, is there any chance of wireless or some sort of network player built in? As Mr. J.T. indicated there could be a DAC loaded in the unit. I have a BP26 that is about 10 years plus and it is a very nice build and sound quality, it has a phono with MM/MC built in. I like the remote power supply, gives it class and a sense of elegance. I've been waiting for Mr. Bryston to build a new high end pre.
Barry M
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Three XLR inputs, please. :P
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Built in BAX-1. :D
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Elizabeth,
I'm waiting for one that will fill out TurboTax and file the return.
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All right!
We all want a full AI preamp, which besides sounding really great, and which can manage our retirement portfolio, Arrange weddings, anniversaries, quote all the great authors with pity statement was needed, wash the dishes, win big time all sports gambling wagers, clean the house, do the laundry, take the kids to school and back AND go to any and all meetings.. Buy groceries, sort the trash for recycling, do our taxes, Decode all forms of communication including all alien transmissions from outer space, Have a least a gazillion connections, and only cost $14.95 with a hundred year warranty.
We are waiting.
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All right!
We all want a full AI preamp, which besides sounding really great, and which can manage our retirement portfolio, Arrange weddings, anniversaries, quote all the great authors with pity statement was needed, wash the dishes, win big time all sports gambling wagers, clean the house, do the laundry, take the kids to school and back AND go to any and all meetings.. Buy groceries, sort the trash for recycling, do our taxes, Decode all forms of communication including all alien transmissions from outer space, Have a least a gazillion connections, and only cost $14.95 with a hundred year warranty.
We are waiting.
Reminds me of Tom Waits-"Step Right Up"
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Reminds me of HAL, the 2001 computer.
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These are very good points. Frankly, I will stay away from any high-end preamp with a built-in digital section. An analogue preamp can easily provide excellent fidelity for 10-20 years. In contrast digital, especially HDMI, changes every 3-4 years. I much prefer to buy a new DAC every 5-6 years if I can hear a difference.
I’d definitely stay away too. Unless I can easily swap out the digital section of it. I’d still be a bit weary though; what if I didn’t like it, but liked the analog section? What if the digital section upgrades weren’t as good as other sources? What about price? Too many what ifs.
I accept some things will be obsolete far quicker than others, just the inherent nature of things. Sources are at the top of that list, minus turntables.
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All I really want for Christmas from Santa (Bryston) is a nice EQ box. With five knobs, Bass, midbass, lower mids, upper mids, treble. with five more knobs giving the 'Q' of each tone control knob. and a 'Q' defeat switch for each, for those confused by 'Q'.
A switch with three positions for 'low level' listening. off, moderate, full.
And a master volume.
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I’d definitely stay away too. Unless I can easily swap out the digital section of it. I’d still be a bit weary though; what if I didn’t like it, but liked the analog section? What if the digital section upgrades weren’t as good as other sources? What about price? Too many what ifs.
I accept some things will be obsolete far quicker than others, just the inherent nature of things. Sources are at the top of that list, minus turntables.
Hopefully, and based off what I'm hearing in the thread, the DAC section would be a replaceable module. If that's the case, it would be absolutely ideal and provide a preamp that isn't out dated 10 or more years down the read.
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All I really want for Christmas from Santa (Bryston) is a nice EQ box. With five knobs, Bass, midbass, lower mids, upper mids, treble. with five more knobs giving the 'Q' of each tone control knob. and a 'Q' defeat switch for each, for those confused by 'Q'.
A switch with three positions for 'low level' listening. off, moderate, full.
And a master volume.
A Bryston with tone controls would be like a McIntosh without them. :rotflmao:
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A Bryston with tone controls would be like a McIntosh without them. :rotflmao:
I think they would be great alongside the built in dishwasher/pizza oven. 8)
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Hopefully, and based off what I'm hearing in the thread, the DAC section would be a replaceable module.
It's good that you're able to hear that above all the silly non-productive noise. ;)
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I'd be happy with a separate, decent, 5-channel EQ. (Not a built-in, but a separate, with own power supply, with both RCA and XLR inputs and outputs.)
The ones I've tried are somewhat shoddy.
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All I really want for Christmas from Santa (Bryston) is a nice EQ box. With five knobs, Bass, midbass, lower mids, upper mids, treble. with five more knobs giving the 'Q' of each tone control knob. and a 'Q' defeat switch for each, for those confused by 'Q'.
A switch with three positions for 'low level' listening. off, moderate, full.
And a master volume.
Elizabeth,
....should this EQ box be able to do the laundry, too??
al.
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Elizabeth,
....should this EQ box be able to do the laundry, too??
al.
EXCELLENT QUESTION!!! :lol:
Short answer is YES. Maybe it could also cook dinner and dust please...
If folks are asking for the Moon, ask for the MOON!
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...i knew you would vote for it :lol:
al :green:
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Hi James
Do you sell a longer power cable that connects the BP-26 and the MPS-2 so the MPS-2 can be placed further away or on a different shelf?
I'm getting a BP-26 for my son, and he asked me.
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Hi James
Do you sell a longer power cable that connects the BP-26 and the MPS-2 so the MPS-2 can be placed further away or on a different shelf?
I'm getting a BP-26 for my son, and he asked me.
We do the cords in house so ask Mike Pickett and I think he could do a custom length for you.
mpickett@bryston.com
james
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Thanks, James.
George
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Hi James!
What products will this new preamp be replacing? Both the BP-6 and BP-26? Are there going to be two versions - a single-ended and a balanced one or just one balanced version?
Cheers!
Antun
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Hi James!
What products will this new preamp be replacing? Both the BP-6 and BP-26? Are there going to be two versions - a single-ended and a balanced one or just one balanced version?
Cheers!
Antun
Hi Antun
I do not think it will replace the others as it is really a combination of the BP-26 analog capabilities with the BDA-3 DAC capabilities.
It will have both analog balanced and single ended inputs and outputs as well as many digital inputs.
james
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Hi Antun
I do not think it will replace the others as it is really a combination of the BP-26 analog capabilities withe the BDA-3 DAC capabilities.
It will have both analog balanced and single ended inputs and outputs as well as many digital inputs.
james
Excellent! Thank you James!
Cheers!
Antun
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So do you think this newer pre will have an analog front end, and will it be in a 2 component or a single component concept?
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So do you think this newer pre will have an analog front end, and will it be in a 2 component or a single component concept?
Analog inputs and outputs as well as digital. Single component.
james
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So it really will be nothing like the device it is replacing ....................................... ....................................... . ....................................... ....................................... .
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"you don't know what you've got till it's gone..."
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Sounds as if the BP-26 days are numbered.
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Three XLR inputs, please. :P
If one of the 3 XLR inputs can be setup for HT/bypass, it would be great too.
Also, 2 sets of XLR outputs would fit my use in running the Maggies full range + one pair of stereo subs at below 40Hz.
Now, I should wait for this new Bryston analog preamp/DAC for upgrading my Aesthetix Calypso tube preamp & Bryston BDA-1 DAC.
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Sounds as if the BP-26 days are numbered.
...the 26 has been around for many, many years - around 12 in the meantime i guess??!!
al.
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Before the 26 was the same device called 25.. and before that was (i believe) the 20...
Like the amp 4B then 4B -st sst sst² then cubed.There may have been at least one more in that line..
Totally new is like jumping off a plane.. hoping whomever packed your chute did GREAT job.
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elizabeth
Ho long did it take for your BP-26 and 4BSST2 combination to settle in?
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elizabeth
Ho long did it take for your BP-26 and 4BSST2 combination to settle in?
You're asking me to remember something almost nine years ago/ Settle in? It was fine from day one. I remember no problems except trying to get the amp to turn on! Some mix up with the remote on/off and not having it connected. Anyway, after a dozen attempts flipping switches the amplifier came on. Now I know not to change 'remote' setting with it off. Since then both have worked perfectly.
In other news as I upgraded stuff both the BP-26 and amp have always let the better sound be heard. Particularly this last year with a lot of new upgrades. Magnepan speakers from 3.6 to 20.7 New DAC.SACD, lots of AC upgrades.
I can say I leave the amp and preamp on 24/7/365. The amplifier does take at least a few hours to sound really good. and for best sound, a whole day. (like most solid state equipment)
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Thanks, Elizabeth
I've had my 4BSST2 since getting Thiel 3.5 speakers (now Thiel 2.7s). I got a BP-6 early on, and, for years, the 6 and 4B were it. I bought a 17cubed last October, and am really happy with it, although it took about two months to settle in with the 4B. (wonderful mids and highs)
Now, I'm putting together a system for my son, using a 4BSST2 I picked up on eBay and a new BP-26. I'm using my speakers and an old pair of AR3a speakers while I look for a pair of Thiels for him. Switching between my old BP-6 and the new 26, I can certainly tell the difference, as the 26 sounds more dense and with a pronounced lower mid range. (Strange, as the 6 and 26 have the same basic amplification circuitry.)
As you, I leave my preamp, amplifier and CD-3 spinner on, 24/7.
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Didn't James Tanner say this new preamp will be an additional product, not a replacement for the existing ones?
The "older" BP-6 and -26 preamps cost more to make as they require a lot more human labor since the components are "through-hole" type and require soldering. The newer BP-17 on the other hand employs more SMT components so it is more efficient to make and it's likely the new preamp will be based on the BP-17 chassis. While I perfectly understand the reasons to move to SMT, the "classic" designs are getting harder and harder to find. In fact, I'd be hard-pressed to ame 5 companies that still make their preamps the old-fashioned way.
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Didn't James Tanner say this new preamp will be an additional product, not a replacement for the existing ones?
The "older" BP-6 and -26 preamps cost more to make as they require a lot more human labor since the components are "through-hole" type and require soldering. The newer BP-17 on the other hand employs more SMT components so it is more efficient to make and it's likely the new preamp will be based on the BP-17 chassis. While I perfectly understand the reasons to move to SMT, the "classic" designs are getting harder and harder to find. In fact, I'd be hard-pressed to ame 5 companies that still make their preamps the old-fashioned way.
Hi
Yes the new BP-18 preamp will be an addition to the current line-up.
james
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Hi
Yes the new BP-18 preamp will be an addition to the current line-up.
james
...pics, James...we need pics :drool: :drool:
al.
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Hi
Yes the new BP-18 preamp will be an addition to the current line-up.
james
Hi James,
Long time - hope you're well. So how will the BP-18 differ from the BP26 & BP17?
I will be making a purchase this year, require only an analogue pre-amp, and wonder whether I'm best served by the BP17.
Kyri
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...pics, James...we need pics :drool: :drool:
al.
Hi Al,
Sorry at this point it is still in a 'breadboard' layout so nothing resembling a preamp.
james
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Hi James,
Long time - hope you're well. So how will the BP-18 differ from the BP26 & BP17?
I will be making a purchase this year, require only an analogue pre-amp, and wonder whether I'm best served by the BP17.
Kyri
Hi Kyri
Nice to hear from you - hope you too are well.
The BP-18 is really the BDA-3 DAC combined with the BP-26 preamp in one unit.
So I see the breakdown this way:
BP-26 - pure analog preamp with remote volume control only.
BP-17 - Analog and some digital inputs and full remote control combination.
BP-18 - More a digital preamp with lost of different kinds of digital inputs and 2 analog inputs.
james
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Hi Kyri
Nice to hear from you - hope you too are well.
The BP-18 is really the BDA-3 DAC combined with the BP-26 preamp in one unit.
So I see the breakdown this way:
BP-26 - pure analog preamp with remote volume control only.
BP-17 - Analog and some digital inputs and full remote control combination.
BP-18 - More a digital preamp with lost of different kinds of digital inputs and 2 analog inputs.
james
Hi James,
Thank you very much for the clarification. You've made my decision much easier; BP17 it is then! The only question now is whether it will partner a pair of 7B or 28B amps.
Kyri
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I hope the BP6 will hang around. It's a fantastic preamp and a great value.
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I hope the BP6 will hang around. It's a fantastic preamp and a great value.
Like the BP25. A great preamp even today :thumb:
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tech guy and pierre
Really agree with both of you.
I used a BP6 for years before getting a BP17c.
You'll have to pry it from my dead hands.
george
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So will this pre also have streaming capabilities as many other manufactures have done, and is there still much of a demand for the BP-26?
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So will this pre also have streaming capabilities as many other manufactures have done, and is there still much of a demand for the BP-26?
Hi
No streaming capabilities internal.
The 26 still sells very well - some every week :thumb:
I think a lot of our customers still like the simplicity of a straight ahead analog preamp and just add digital functions and streaming functions using our BDP-3 Digital/Streamer/Player and our BDA-3 DAC.
James
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That's good to hear that the BP-26 is still a good seller, it means that there are still a lot of people still interested in a very good analogue front end and 2 channel is not dead.