[BrysTony]

I have been using an ARC LS27 with 7BSST²s for almost 3 years and am very pleased with the combination.  I have not heard the LS17SE but I suspect that it has a similar circuits and sound.  Both use two 6H30P tubes in the output stage.  The ARC preamps are neutral not exhibiting the tube sound (whatever that is).  The great Bryston amps match well with most all preamps and I don't think you can go wrong with any of the preamps discussed above.

Tony

[redbook]

Would a tube buffer in the tape loop be an idea for when a lusher sound is desired ? Sorry but perhaps I don't really know what a buffer is. Just asking.

[tipatina]

I have the Van Alstine T8+ and it works well with 4BSST. I am very happy with the sound. The AVA reliability and customer service are what we are used to with Bryston.

[amro200]

Thanks for all the responses and good advice guys, this time am looking for the most neutral pre with hifi attributes, I am rather looking for a sweet, fun and engaging sound, I also need the pre to be very reliable unit cause I can't afford the repetitive tubes change or maintenance.
 

[amro200]

Am still in between ARC or BAT, any other suggestions or experiences here would be appreciated.

[werd]

Thanks for all the responses and good advice guys, this time am looking for the most neutral pre with hifi attributes, I am rather looking for a sweet, fun and engaging sound, I also need the pre to be very reliable unit cause I can't afford the repetitive tubes change or maintenance.

Don't worry about tube changes, there is zero maintenance. Line level tubes in preamps don't require biasing, they are plug and play.  You are going to want to tube roll. Every tube pre I've heard works with a 4B.
Your question really is, what tubes do I want?  ...ha.

[klao]

I found my Aesthetix Calypso Signature matched quite well with the 7B-SST/2 previously, and still good with the 28B-SST/2.

The used, normal or signature version can be found in AudioGon with attractive prices

[gtaphile]

Hello
This is my first post here, I hope it's the right section,
 I recently bought Bryston 4B SST2 to improve the sound quality of my system

I heard good things about the synergy between ARC and Bryston, and would like to buy and ARC preamp and currently have a good offer for a new SP17L for 2500$.

I know auditioning is the best way to decide , but can't audition any ARC preamps here,
How do you compare the SP17L to other ARCs and do you have any other ARC suggestions? appreciate your help.

System is as below:
Logitech Squeezebox Touch streamer
Cyrus 6 CD
Perreaux DP32 (DAC/Pre)
PMC FB1i


I am a longtime owner of Bryston and borrowed a demo ARC LS27 to try alongside my BP-26. It was a really nice preamp but I was thinking that it just wasn't a large enough jump for me. I then came across a used LS27 and picked it up....I wasn't sure how that would go and ended up really disappointed and had to return it. The used one did not compare to the demo nor the BP-26 even after I swapped out the tubes. I then bought a new REF 5Se and I still can't get over just how good it is...   

I would certainly caution that buying used without trying it may not work out.         

[drummermitchell]

I did my tube pre search and audition whether with  the Arc ref 3 OR 5,ended with the Vac Sig MKII-A  preamp.
Have compared all three and,well the Vac is to my ears,more to what I like to hear even though new,without PH stage is 18,000.
Picked mine outta the US for 7000 and she is a 2011.
All amps are Bryston 28's and I won't be changing the front end anytime soon.
Quite comfy here .

[sturgus]

I know this is not even on the radar but you should at least give these guys a call. You will be able to match it to any system you have. It's not very pretty but it sounds wonderful. You just have to decide which board you like the best.
Sturgus
http://www.musicalconcepts.com/MC_Cham.html