[alanford69]

Hello I currently own a BR-20 and previously had a 2-chassis BP-26 both paired with a 4B cubed power amp.
I would like to know, from your experiences, how does the BP-17 compare with the above models which I know very well, in terms of sound.

I am willing to buy an analog only line preamp with a more punchy and live sound signature than the BR-20, I personally liked very much the BP-26 sound and I was wondering if BP-17, or any other model in the recent range, was more in this direction than BR-20 which I find more refined but also too much laid back and relaxed.

I listen mainly to rock music and I don't care much about 0,000000something level of distorsion which I will probably never hear but I found this "engagement" aspect much more relevant to my listening experience.

Thank you very much for any suggestion and feedback!

[veloceleste]

I have no direct comparison experience but the original BP17 Cubed thread has some comparisons between the BP26 and 173.
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=151889.msg1625425#msg1625425
Also, there are some comments in reviews of the BP19 comparing the 17 cubed. From what I could glean from the comparisons is that the new preamps are a little more open and cleaner sounding. I find my BP17 cubed just a bit on the warm side of neutral. It is also very revealing of the quality of the music being played through it. Bad recordings sound bad, good recordings sound good, and great recordings sound great.

[alanford69]

I have no direct comparison experience but the original BP17 Cubed thread has some comparisons between the BP26 and 173.
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=151889.msg1625425#msg1625425

Thank you very much, very interesting reading!

[Blueshound]

My current system is based on the T10 active system, which in general terms is getting better and better as I tweak the ancilliary components, cables etc. My most recent component change is the BP-19. I originally had a BR-20 on order, but realized that since I intended to keep the BDP-3 / BDA-3 combo, I didn't need or really even want the digital sections.

My initial reaction to the BP-19 was good, but perhaps uninspiring. Surprisingly, as the BP-19 acquired use-hours, it just got better and better. (I know, I know . . . is it audiophile mysticism, or a real phenomenon?) Equally surprising, it continued to improve in listening satisfaction even beyond 140-ish hours. The audible improvements are largely in the aspects of perceived warmth, dynamics and resolution of subtle qualities such as ambience in recordings that have such things in the first place. Think more "open sounding".

I have no experience with the older Bryston preamps, except the bypassed direct 2 channel preamp stage of the SP3, which I believe is the the same as the BP-25. (From memory, may be wrong with the model.)

Brian

[Jozsef]

The BP-19 is, in all likelihood, the best preamp ever made. The BR-20 is a tiny bit behind it due to the digital circuitry sharing the same case. The BP-17 cubed which I have is the next best thing and I will happily trade anyone for either of the newer units if they disagree with me.

It's very easy to be underwhelmed by the initial experience of an improved audio device because the decreased distortion can seem like a loss of detail or excitement. On a good system, the superiority will become apparent with more listening as the recording reveals details previously hidden by the grunge that's now gone. I've been there and going back to the older device after a week of listening will be much more painful than you might have imagined.

[MN2CHFAN]

I owned the BP26DA for over 10 years and sold that about 10 years ago. 

I loved the punch of the 26 and was a very special preamp DaC for me. 

Now have the 19 and love the SQ it produces.   No complaints and does get better with use. 

I feel the BR20 will go down as one of Bryston worst preamp.   Way too many issues and bugs in it.  Rushed to market and a jack of all trades / master of non product.