[dB Cooper]

That depends on what you want. In my experience, no SS preamp has reproduced massed strings (i.e. orchestra) and piano bass as naturally as some tubed preamps.
Also, the tubed pre that I use (LS27) manages to fill out the far corners of the soundstage better than the SS amps I have heard/owned (B100, BP17). And that's with tubes on the input stage only.

cheers

I think what redbook meant was, if a given listener does want tubes, there is no shortage of options already out there, and maybe no compelling reason for Bryston to pile on. They have a philosophy and approach that has worked well for them for years and seems they will 'dance with who brung 'em.'

[CanadianMaestro]

I think what redbook meant was, if a given listener does want tubes, there is no shortage of options already out there, and maybe no compelling reason for Bryston to pile on. They have a philosophy and approach that has worked well for them for years and seems they will 'dance with who brung 'em.'

Understood.

Although I am in no position to speak for others.

cheers

[gene9p]

some interesting replies..thanks to all. I wasn't looking to start any diasagreements amongst members here but was curious about whether Bryston was planning to or ever planned to develop tube gear. For those of us who love tubes and and have the highest regard for Bryston , tube gear form Bryston would be so exciting. I respect James response as to why not I was just hoping that maybe something might be in the works with the introduction of the TT and how tubes and TT's sound so good together.

[gbaby]

some interesting replies..thanks to all. I wasn't looking to start any diasagreements amongst members here but was curious about whether Bryston was planning to or ever planned to develop tube gear. For those of us who love tubes and and have the highest regard for Bryston , tube gear form Bryston would be so exciting. I respect James response as to why not I was just hoping that maybe something might be in the works with the introduction of the TT and how tubes and TT's sound so good together.

While a tube amp may be exciting to you, excitement does not mean profit. Perhaps your expectations are too high and unrealistic. I, for one, would never give a 20 years warranty for tube gear. It does not make sense.

[gene9p]

well not all Bryston gear has a 20 year Warranty and that is where you are missing the point. I am not looking for a highly warrantied piece of equipment but a high quality piece of equipment from a very reputable  builder.. It's ok for Bryston not to want to venture into tubes, they have a lot of company. It was just a question for James. It had nothing to do with profits, always the bottom line, just a thought. I have excellent  McIntosh and Manley tube gear in my setup but wouldn't hesitate to add something from Bryston .  Since it's not happening and the question has been answered I'll keep my eyes and ears open for a used LIO from Vinnie Rossi that has a 10 year warranty..happy now bud.

[Elizabeth]

Tubes are the problem with tubed stereo equipment.
Tubes are just too unreliable. No two tubes are identical anyway.
They all have to be 'matched'
I own a few tubed preamps, and have to say they can sound decent.

But IMO all the hoopla about tube amplifiers is nostalgia*.
* this being a preference for a type of appearance, and a particular type of distortion

You are free to believe otherwise. LOL

[gene9p]

Tubes and TT's are Nostalgic for sure. So if you have a turntable________ fill in the blank..

as far as tubes being unreliable that's way off base. Sure you can buy NOS tubes that are 40-50 years old and have issues if they are in poor condition and the seller misleads the buyer. The New  GOLD LIONS by Genalex are fantastic and inexpensive. 

[CanadianMaestro]

Tubes and TT's are Nostalgic for sure. So if you have a turntable________ fill in the blank..

as far as tubes being unreliable that's way off base. Sure you can buy NOS tubes that are 40-50 years old and have issues if they are in poor condition and the seller misleads the buyer. The New  GOLD LIONS by Genalex are fantastic and inexpensive. 

The Sovtek 6H30s are also excellent.   

[PierreB]

My old pre-amp Sonic Frontiers Line-1 was excellent. Never had a problem with it. But my amp a Sonic Frontiers SFS-80 eat KT-88 like 2 set of 4 by year. That’s why I sold them 12 years ago and I bought my Bryston. I will never buy a tube amp but a tube pre-amp built by Bryston, that will be great for me.
Why some peoples prefer the sound of Bryston and others the sound of Krell or Cary or Naim or any others. Same thing for speakers. Focal, paradigm, magnepan, proac, etc.... seal boxes, OB, port.....
I listen to my system because it brings me pleasure. And also when I look at it I consider myself lucky to have it. Distortion???, they all distort at some point since they all sound different, no?? 
I think if someone prefer tubes over ss, good for him(here). Same thing for speakers, turntables, cables, etc...

[CanadianMaestro]

Why some peoples prefer the sound of Bryston and others the sound of Krell or Cary or Naim or any others. Same thing for speakers. Focal, paradigm, magnepan, proac, etc.... seal boxes, OB, port.....
Distortion???, they all distort at some point since they all sound different, no?? 

I guess each brand brings something different to the sound buffet.

For me "distortion" is noise or a misrepresentation of some sonic phenotype. For example, I had an awful interconnect that made violins sound like cellos (too much warmth), or trumpets sound like horns (the worst is having a soprano sound like an alto!!  jk). So I listen for the most natural-sounding gear, even if they all "distort" to some small extent.

cheers

[PierreB]

So I listen for the most natural-sounding gear, even if they all "distort" to some small extent.

cheers

Yep that’s exactly what I think. When your find  « your sound », it’s great. 

[gene9p]

I use a Mac SS amp with my Mac and Manley tube gear. I never owned a tube amp, that's always been SS.