[jaxwired]

I currently have the BP6 and it's awesome.  Sound is pristine.  However, it's the wrong color and does not match my amp so I'm on the look out for a used silver one OR a used silver BP16.  I cannot afford to step up to the BP26 right now.

But I have a theory about the BP6 versus the BP16.  I suspect that the BP6 is superior because it's simpler.  Less going on inside to degrade the signal.  I do like the way the BP16 looks over the BP6, but I don't need anything it offers over the BP6, I'm only interested in sound quality.  So I'm thinking I should probably stick with the BP6 over a BP16.  Thoughts?

[Stu Pitt]

I'm paraphrasing, so please bear with me here -

James has said the differences between the two aren't performance based.  They're connectivity based.  I think the main reason why people go from the BP6 to the BP16 is connectivity - more inputs and outputs, ablilty to have an internal DAC and phono stage together, and so on.

What you're saying about sonics makes sense on paper.  If everything is shielded and powered correctly, there shouldn't be a difference though.  Bryston takes their time and does their homework when designing stuff, so I doubt the sound quality suffers with more stuff in the same chassis.

[ian.ameline]

I agree with Stu...

The BP6 is a B60 without the power amps. A BP16 is a B100 without the power amps.

They use virtualy identical class A discreet op-amps. The only difference is that in the BP16, the volume control is not just a simple variable resistor, it is a resistor network controlled by a microprocesor (on a separate chip -- wm8816 http://www.wolfsonmicro.com/products/WM8816). No moving parts in the signal path.

[vegasdave]

I currently have the BP6 and it's awesome.  Sound is pristine.  However, it's the wrong color and does not match my amp so I'm on the look out for a used silver one OR a used silver BP16.  I cannot afford to step up to the BP26 right now.

But I have a theory about the BP6 versus the BP16.  I suspect that the BP6 is superior because it's simpler.  Less going on inside to degrade the signal.  I do like the way the BP16 looks over the BP6, but I don't need anything it offers over the BP6, I'm only interested in sound quality.  So I'm thinking I should probably stick with the BP6 over a BP16.  Thoughts?

I have the BP6 too. Great preamp. Stick with the BP6 then. The sound quality is excellent and comes very close to the BP26.

[Stu Pitt]

Have you asked Bryston if they have a silver face plate available?

[jaxwired]

Have you asked Bryston if they have a silver face plate available?

Yes, $275 plus shipping.  I might be able to do the switch on audiogon and save most of that money.  Of course I have to find one with a valid warranty like mine before I'd consider it.  I also would have to find one that is a steal.  I might just let Bryston do the switch for me.  I'm still on the fence about it. 

[vegasdave]

Yes, $275 plus shipping.  I might be able to do the switch on audiogon and save most of that money.  Of course I have to find one with a valid warranty like mine before I'd consider it.  I also would have to find one that is a steal.  I might just let Bryston do the switch for me.  I'm still on the fence about it. 

I would send it in rather than risk on a used unit. However, if the used unit fails, then Bryston will fix it. Providing the warranty is valid.

But to me, sending it in is less headaches than buying a used unit.

[1ZIP]

...makes far more sense to send it in to Bryston than to go through the hassle of buying and selling.  Especially since the price is reasonable.

[vegasdave]

Exactly.