[musicology]

I am keen to improve the 2 ch sound quality of my system which consists of the following:
Resolution Audio Opus 21 cd player
Bryston SP1.7
Bryston 9BSST
PMC OB1

The SP1.7 does an admirable job as a pre amp but is by no means the last word in transparency.
I dont know if the proposed forthcoming (dont know when) upgrades will make any difference in the 2 ch area or if they are all geared towards home cinema as I suspect.
If this is the case then how do I improve this area and keep the SP1.7?

A dedicated pre amp would be the route to take for serious 2 ch listening and to this end I am considering a demo of the BP26.
If this turns out to be what Im looking for in terms of sound quality where does this leave the SP1.7?

Is there a way to run the two in the same system?

Hope Im making some sort of sense.

Thanks

[Yogus]

Rather than use a preamp, why not run the balanced outputs on the Opus21 straight to the power amp and use the volume control on the CDP.

[musicology]

Yogus,
I have thought of running direct to the amp but it means that I have to switch between balanced and s/e and change the gain switch when I want to go from straight 2 ch back to multi ch.

I also believe that the DIN output on the Opus 21 gives a slightly more open sound.

[Levi]

I am keen to improve the 2 ch sound quality of my system which consists of the following:
Resolution Audio Opus 21 cd player
Bryston SP1.7
Bryston 9BSST
PMC OB1

The SP1.7 does an admirable job as a pre amp but is by no means the last word in transparency.
I dont know if the proposed forthcoming (dont know when) upgrades will make any difference in the 2 ch area or if they are all geared towards home cinema as I suspect.
If this is the case then how do I improve this area and keep the SP1.7?

A de ...

I have tried this with my SP1.7 and I heard immediate improvement:

Lift the SP1.7 and slide a new 2ch preamp underneath!  The same applies to the 9BSST amp.  

[musicology]

I dont think sliding a pre amp under a 9BSST would do the pre amp any good!

Now, any sensible suggestions?  

[Levi]

I dont think sliding a pre amp under a 9BSST would do the pre amp any good!

Now, any sensible suggestions?  

Try Neuance platform if you have not tried similar product.  You probably already knew, It is ordered directly and takes 3-4weeks to make one.  This tweak works!

If you are planning to use a separate preamp BP26, you can connect the output to the xlr input of the 9BSST.  SP1.7 will be using the SE output or viceversa.  Whenever you are ready to listen to 2ch via BP26, change the XLR input switch on the amp.

Regards,
Levi

[John Casler]

I'm frankly surprised that you feel that the Pre section is less that transparent.

I would check the rest of the system and the cabling.

Since the SP1.7 for all intents and purposes is the BP25 you should be quite good in that department.

Not sure, but the MPS-2 Power Supply might help, but I think it any "lack of transparency" must be from something else in the system. (or even your rooms reflective properties)

What comparison led you to this conclusion?

[jethro]

musicology,

Just to double-check and no offence intended..  Have you selected the 2 channel bypass as opposed to using the analog inputs which get digitized ?

[musicology]

jethro,
I am using bypass as opposed to any other setting.

John,
Its not that I don't think the pre on the SP1.7 isnt good, I know it is. Thats one of the reasons I chose it over Lexicon or Arcam etc.
Its just that I guess I have the upgrade bug again and want to improve the 2 ch side of things where possible.
Isnt the BP26 better than the BP25?

[ScottMayo]

Its just that I guess I have the upgrade bug again and want to improve the 2 ch side of things where possible.

Is your room treated? That's the best upgrade I ever made. (Moving up to better speakers was a close second.) A cleaner preamp than the SP1.7 in bypass, is going to be a pretty minor improvement in comparison.

[John Casler]

jethro,
I am using bypass as opposed to any other setting.

John,
Its not that I don't think the pre on the SP1.7 isnt good, I know it is. Thats one of the reasons I chose it over Lexicon or Arcam etc.
Its just that I guess I have the upgrade bug again and want to improve the 2 ch side of things where possible.
Isnt the BP26 better than the BP25?

Yes, the BP26 is better, with the greatest improvement being in the LF.

I have depth, and transparency to die for and also have the DAC installed.

Although I think the SP1.7 DAC is the same one (which makes it an incredible bargain)

The improved power supply likely is responsible for the bass. and slightly richer, fuller, mids.

[musicology]

ScottMayo,
No my room isnt treated as it really is the only living space for the whole family apart from the study. I want it to look like a living room not a studio! Anyway, Im sure the wife would have something to say!
I have however made every effort to minimise reflections within reason.

John,
The benefits you describe are what Im looking for.
Did you ever listen to the SP1.7?
I understand that it is the power supply that has made the big difference with the BP26.

I wonder if there are any plans to do this with the SP1.7? James?
Good exernal power supplies always seem to make a difference.

[John Casler]

I certainly have heard the SP1.7 but have not A/B'd it with the 25 or 26.

It should sound almost exactly like the BP25 in 2 channel.

[Thunder]

I'm frankly surprised that you feel that the Pre section is less that transparent.

I would check the rest of the system and the cabling.

Since the SP1.7 for all intents and purposes is the BP25 you should be quite good in that department.

Not sure, but the MPS-2 Power Supply might help, but I think it any "lack of transparency" must be from something else in the system. (or even your rooms reflective properties)

What comparison led you to this conclusion?

There is definitely a difference between using the pre-amp in the Sp1.7 versus the BP26. I did a direct comparison between these two and the SP1.7 sounds pinched and less musical than a dedicated pre amp like the BP26.

[nicolasb]

The BP26 is supposedly significantly better than the BP25 - one would expect the BP25 to be better than the SP1.7, but by a smaller margin.