[djEmpire]

I'm looking for a preamp that will allow my amp and speakers to 'breathe' and sound wide and dynamic with zero colouration in music. My current gear is a Bryston 4B3 Amp and Bryston Model T speakers, and OPPO BDP-105. My previous preamp was an excellent Sunfire Theater Grand III.  (Now for sale - http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649283266-sunfire-theater-grand-iii-surround-sound-processor-carver/)
I have, on loan, a Simaudio MOON Neo 350P. To my pleasure it sounds extremely dynamic and raised the musical floor in comparison to the STG. But I wonder if there is a more to be achieved as far as clarity and openness.
I understand we are trekking into diminishing reward territory; spending a small fortune with negligible gains is not something I want to do. Am I wrong?

[Armaegis]

Why not get yourself a Bryston pre to match with the rest of your gear?

[djEmpire]

A great responce....I'm sure I sounded like a fanboy when asking the retailer the same question, the answer was Bryston may sound a bit 'clinical' for you while the Moon 350P is a bit more faithful to the recording.
Nothing wrong with sounding clinical. I favour neutrality with a lot of headroom.

[mresseguie]

Hello, djE.

Are you looking for solid state or tube?

What is your budget?

What is the input impedance of your amplifier?

Are you willing to consider used equipment?

Michael

[I.Greyhound Fan]

You may also want to consider upgrading from the Oppo to a good DAC like a PS Audio DSD or an Exogal Comet, both of which have great transparency, detail, clarity and very wide sound stages.

Without knowing your budget I would consider a used ARC LS27 or a BAT VK-51se.  I own the BAT. There is one on Audiogon for $3300.  It sold for about $9500 new.

Others to consider are the BAT VK-32se, the Pass XP-10 and XP-20

[Armaegis]

A stepped attenuator (or other passive) might be nice from a simplicity/purity standpoint. Do you actually need the input switching capability of a typical preamp?

Or if you don't need all that power, then an integrated like the B135 might work too.

[orientalexpress]

or Get this http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=143320.0

 

[djEmpire]

Hello, djE.

Are you looking for solid state or tube?

What is your budget?

What is the input impedance of your amplifier?

Are you willing to consider used equipment?

Michael

Hi Mike

Looking for ss preamp although won't rule out vacuum
Budget would be under 6k
Input Impedance, Bridged Mode: Single Ended ≈10k ohm; Balanced + ≈10k ohm; Balanced - ≈10k ohm
Used gear is always welcomed since it's already worked in out the bugs are ironed out.

Serf

[djEmpire]

You may also want to consider upgrading from the Oppo to a good DAC like a PS Audio DSD or an Exogal Comet, both of which have great transparency, detail, clarity and very wide sound stages.

Without knowing your budget I would consider a used ARC LS27 or a BAT VK-51se.  I own the BAT. There is one on Audiogon for $3300.  It sold for about $9500 new.

Others to consider are the BAT VK-32se, the Pass XP-10 and XP-20

The Oppo is a very capable DAC and rivals many others at three times the price including the ps audio. It's the Swiss Army knife of the DAC realm. I haven't heard the BAT however.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

The Oppo is a very capable DAC and rivals many others at three times the price including the ps audio. It's the Swiss Army knife of the DAC realm. I haven't heard the BAT however.

Here is a review on the BAT from Stereophile.  It sounds exactly as the review-

http://www.stereophile.com/tubepreamps/1103bat/#oIyOCQt4JHA7WCXg.97

I won't argue about the Oppo as different gear sounds different in each system and what we hear is so subjective.

[djEmpire]

Here is a review on the BAT from Stereophile.  It sounds exactly as the review-

http://www.stereophile.com/tubepreamps/1103bat/#oIyOCQt4JHA7WCXg.97

I won't argue about the Oppo as different gear sounds different in each system and what we hear is so subjective.

Wow! That review has intrigued me. It's currently over my budget but it's definitely on my audition shortlist. Unless there's a used one floating around. 

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Wow! That review has intrigued me. It's currently over my budget but it's definitely on my audition shortlist. Unless there's a used one floating around. 

There was one on Audiogon earlier in the day for $3300 but it looks like it was sold or taken off the market.  There is one for sale on us audio mart.  They come up for sale every now and then on audiogon.  The VK-32se is a newer model and very similar but it sits below the 51se.  I talked with BAT directly when I bought the 51se and they said that the 2 preamps are very close in sound.

[poseidonsvoice]

or Get this http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=143320.0

 

Indeed, I ended my search after getting a TAPX. Need to have a good source though. And this unit is really for the fella who wants neutrality, razor sharp imaging within a very broad soundstage, PRAT and transparency. Regardless of how much better your source gets, the TAPX will not be the impediment. It will be the anchor 

Best,
Anand.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

If you are still interested in BAT.  There a a couple of BAT pre's for sale on Audiogon.

The VK-33 and an older VK-31se.

Here is a review on the 33-

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/0115/Balanced_Audio_Technology_VK_33_Vacuum_Tube_Preamplifier_Review.htm


https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-balanced-audio-technology-vk-33-tube-line-stage-preamplifier-2016-08-09-preamplifiers-91770-rosemead-ca

That VK-33 is a steal at that price

and here is another VK-51se-

http://www.audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Preamplifier-Tube/Balanced-Audio-Technology/VK51SE/158859