[eril]

I have a B100.
I'd like to try running a Valve pre-amp into it and by-passing the internal pre-amp.
Has anyone done this?
Any feedback or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

Eril

[Levi]

I don't have a B100 Eril but that should sound good.  Which tube preamp are you thing of using?

[eril]

I'm not sure yet.
I was hoping this circle would identify what has already worked well.
Other readers that have used valve pre-amps with Bryston SST amps might also have useful advice.
I live in New Zealand.
We do not have much valve gear here so I'll have to import it. So I can not do a home audition.
My budget is about US$3000 - according to my reading the Modwright 9.0 SLE would give me the liquidity I am hoping for, or the Shindo Aurieges-L would give me a rounder more textured sound.
I listen only to acoustic music, and 90% female vocal - sometimes I feel the B100 is a little lean and mechanical. I acknowledge that is mostly my very bright room - all glass and shiny, varished timber.
My speakers are Jean-Marie Reynaud Evolution 3's. I love them.
So any thoughts are most welcome.

[Levi]

I like to listen to female vocals as well!!

I have not heard of the Shindo Aurieges-L.  I would suggest you try a Balanced Audio Technology tube preamp starting from the VK30 and higher.  It worked well with Bryston amps giving it life and warmth.  I preferred the sound of the BAT vs Modwright.   Specially you live in New Zealand, you want a highly reliable piece of instrument.  I am sure there are other tube preamp that will work. 

Good Luck!

[johna]

Hi.

I have been testing some valve pre-amps in my system over the last three years.
And ended up with Cary slp2002. 

My Bryston poweramp is 4b sst.
Together with ATC scm35 this gives me a transparent and powerful presentation.

How Cary slp2002 would sound together with B100 and the rest of your gear......if you have the possibility to test it at home, try it.
Or what about Cary slp98?


And please escuse my very bad english   

[Sasha]

5 days ago I heard Arien Audio T1 – see link – I listened to this very unit, with 4BST and SST.
Both sounded good, preferred with 4BST.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=31720.0
But since you are in New Zealand… tough one.
If you want to get more on my impressions, let me know.

[eril]

Thank Sasha.
However the link you gave was back to this same posting.
Please give me the correct link.

Many Thanks
Eril

[Sasha]

Ups...
Who knows what I was doing.
Here is the link.
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/38179-valve_preamplifier_tube_preamplifier__ecc88/