[vengky]

Hi
Am thinking of using the B60 as a pre amp for my new 4bsst2. I know the BP26 would be infinitely better but still saving for the BP26 (its gonna take a while  ). Thinking of picking up a used B60R as shoe in for now. Anybody has tried this match? How is the pre amp section of the integrated. 
Cheer
vk

[BrysTony]

The B60 would work just fine.  However, it's preamp is the same as the BP6 which you should be able to get for less money.  There is a BP6 for sale on Audiogon now for $1099 and you may be able to find one for less.  If you buy used you will lose little or nothing when you decide to upgrade.
Tony

[vengky]

@Tony
Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately I am over here in Asia and BP6 used is extremely rare. The B60 is a year 2000 make.
vk

The B60 would work just fine.  However, it's preamp is the same as the BP6 which you should be able to get for less money.  There is a BP6 for sale on Audiogon now for $1099 and you may be able to find one for less.  If you buy used you will lose little or nothing when you decide to upgrade.
Tony

[Stu Pitt]

As Tony was saying, the B60 is a BP6 and 2B-LP in one box.  There should be little difference.   If all you have acess to is the B60, then it should work out fine.   

A bonus of using a B60 is that if/when you get a dedicated preamp, you'll have an integrated amp to use in another system.  The B60 may be easier to sell too.

[vegasdave]

Wait a minute, this is a 2000 model, the BP6 didn't come out until when, '06?

So, how could it be the BP6 inside?

[James Tanner]

Wait a minute, this is a 2000 model, the BP6 didn't come out until when, '06?

So, how could it be the BP6 inside?

Hi Dave,

Yes the BP6 and the B60 have existed hand in hand and we simply used the B60 preamp section which is a very cost effect way to go because your using identical parts and designs. The B60 has evolved over the years as well so the SST version of the B60 is like the BP6.


james

[vengky]

Thanks for the input guys. My AD got in touch with me about an offer for a demo unit of the BP6. If its the latest model I might just get it.

James is the current BP6 similar to the B60 SST2 (pre amp section).

TIA
vk

[vegasdave]

Hi Dave,

Yes the BP6 and the B60 have existed hand in hand and we simply used the B60 preamp section which is a very cost effect way to go because your using identical parts and designs. The B60 has evolved over the years as well so the SST version of the B60 is like the BP6.


james

I see. So, the BP6 is not an old design per se, but its roots are based on the B60. Do have that right?

[vegasdave]

Thanks for the input guys. My AD got in touch with me about an offer for a demo unit of the BP6. If its the latest model I might just get it.

James is the current BP6 similar to the B60 SST2 (pre amp section).

TIA
vk

Cool. It's a great preamp. It's pretty close in sound to the BP26, imo.

[James Tanner]

Thanks for the input guys. My AD got in touch with me about an offer for a demo unit of the BP6. If its the latest model I might just get it.

James is the current BP6 similar to the B60 SST2 (pre amp section). 
TIA
vk

Yes the B60 SST (not 2 - no such thing) is the same preamp section as the BP6. We do not build different circuits for different preamps - they are all using the best state of the art circuits we have and the options and applications change as you move from product to product


james

[vengky]

Going to demo the BP6 this weekend. AD will also A/B with the BP26  . Hopefully the sound is not too far apart as suggested by vegasdave  . Will also bring my current passive preamp to do a A/B as well.

[James Tanner]

Going to demo the BP6 this weekend. AD will also A/B with the BP26  . Hopefully the sound is not too far apart as suggested by vegasdave  . Will also bring my current passive preamp to do a A/B as well.

Great! - please let me know your thoughts afterwords.

james

[vegasdave]

Going to demo the BP6 this weekend. AD will also A/B with the BP26  . Hopefully the sound is not too far apart as suggested by vegasdave  . Will also bring my current passive preamp to do a A/B as well.

Yes, I would like to know too.

[vengky]

Great! - please let me know your thoughts afterwords.

james

I am actually a newbie audiophile and still on a learning curve. Anyway I did a demo at the AD place today.

My AD was a gracious host and allowed me to demo & A/B on the following systems.

Demo 1  - Source: BCD + BDA. Amp: BP26 /BP6 + 28Bsst2(pair). Speakers: TAD.

Demo 2 -  Source: BCD + BDA. Amp: BP6 /Current Passive Preamp + 4Bsst2. Speakers: PMC Fact 8


What can I say the BP26 is more resolving than the BP6 as it should be. Its got better bass control and the lower registers were more clearly defined. Overall I found the BP26 to have great control over the music especially rock music played loud  The BP6 didn't have the iron grip exhibited by the bp26. I always thought the power amps were supposed to control the speakers but today's demo showed me that the pre also makes a big difference.

Listening to the BP6 on its own was quite enjoyable. Compared to my current passive pre (transformer based) I found that it had more layering and a wider sound stage (both horizontal and vertical). Whereas the passive sounded more upfront and narrower soundstage. However in terms of details both were pretty much on par. The passive costs only 15% of the retail compared with the BP6 so in my book the passive did pretty well.

I planning a home demo for the BP6 to see if  it would enhance my own system  My AD did say that once I have heard the BP26 its hard to go back.....He may be right 



 

[vegasdave]

Cool review. Thanks for outlying the differences. I dunno though, the BP6 over here sounds great with rock music played loud!

Anyway, good luck on your purchase!

[Stu Pitt]

Too many peopl overlook preamps IMO.  This is proof that they do more than just source selection and volume control. 

Anything made by Bryston sounds great with loud rock! 

[vegasdave]

All true.