Start of my Bryston journey - preamp question

miss_moneypenny · « **on:** 25 Jul 2011, 08:42 pm »

Hello!

I have just started my Bryston journey with a brand new 4B SST2 with blue LEDs!! Absolutely lovely amp, superb build and wonderfully transparent sound means I am in for the long haul.

Regrettably I don't have the deepest of pockets so additions will be gradually introduced. I am currently using a Musical Fidelity X Pre V3 preamp and therefore looking to my next component.

I am eager to match my 4B with a Bryston pre and just need reassurance that the BP6 is as sonically identical to the BP26 as possible despite the price difference. Unfortunately here in the UK, prices are much higher than States-side

Thank you for any help and thanks Bryston for a quality product!

vegasdave · « **Reply #1 on:** 26 Jul 2011, 12:47 am »

Quote from: miss_moneypenny on 25 Jul 2011, 08:42 pm

Hello!

I have just started my Bryston journey with a brand new 4B SST2 with blue LEDs!! Absolutely lovely amp, superb build and wonderfully transparent sound means I am in for the long haul.

Regrettably I don't have the deepest of pockets so additions will be gradually introduced. I am currently using a Musical Fidelity X Pre V3 preamp and therefore looking to my next component.

I am eager to match my 4B with a Bryston pre and just need reassurance that the BP6 is as sonically identical to the BP26 as possible despite the price difference. Unfortunately here in the UK, prices are much higher than States-side

Thank you for any help and thanks Bryston for a quality product!

The BP6 is a hell of a preamp, but the BP26 is the ultimate. See if you can hear the difference. If no difference, get the BP6. On the other hand the BP26 has better resale value.

headshrinker2 · « **Reply #2 on:** 26 Jul 2011, 01:55 am »

Welcome to the forum. Do you have a local Bryston dealer? Best to compare and audition with your own ears, if you can!

Enjoy the music...

Quote from: miss_moneypenny on 25 Jul 2011, 08:42 pm

Hello!

I have just started my Bryston journey with a brand new 4B SST2 with blue LEDs!! Absolutely lovely amp, superb build and wonderfully transparent sound means I am in for the long haul.

Regrettably I don't have the deepest of pockets so additions will be gradually introduced. I am currently using a Musical Fidelity X Pre V3 preamp and therefore looking to my next component.

I am eager to match my 4B with a Bryston pre and just need reassurance that the BP6 is as sonically identical to the BP26 as possible despite the price difference. Unfortunately here in the UK, prices are much higher than States-side

Thank you for any help and thanks Bryston for a quality product!

SoundGame · « **Reply #3 on:** 26 Jul 2011, 02:15 am »

I have the BP6 myself and it's an outstanding pre-amp but let me share the results of my research on how it compares to the BP26:

The BP26 theoretically and by specifications has a lower noise floor and lower distortion; however, in the real world, this alone may not be detectible. It would depend on your hearing sensitivity, your listening rooms control over ambient noise, the transparency of your system - your cabling, your speakers etc.
A key difference between the BP6 and the BP26, as well as former Bryston preamps i.e. BP25, BP20, is that the BP6 does NOT have balanced (XLR) in/out. A balanced connection between your preamp and power amp will give you a higher output voltage and a resulting lower noise floor. Whether this increase in noise floor will also depend on the other factors previously mentioned; however, some on this forum have already stated that they perceive more dimensionality and a lower noise floor - darker quiet sections with XLR / balanced vs. single-ended RCA connections. This also may be dependent on other parts of your system.
All in all, you sould seek a comparisoin before buying. If you just can't afford the BP26 or can't budget for it then go with the BP6 - it's a great preamp in it's own regard.

John Casler · « **Reply #4 on:** 26 Jul 2011, 03:34 am »

As all the previous have mentioned, "and" the BP-26 has the MPS-2 which sets it apart from the BP-6 and BP-16 by having a separate outboard and extremely powerful Power Supply.

This simple addition is, or can be a "game changer" in the most revealing systems. Along with Lower Noise afforded this design, you now get the most incredible, natural and effortless bass, if you have the speakers and amps to produce it.

I beleive James has said that the BP series share much of the same circuitry and parts, but it is the "add ons and extras" that provide the flagship BP-26 with its place at the top.

All three are (IMHO) strong contenders for best in class honors in the preamp arena sonically, functionally, and aesthetically, and that is why I offer them to my clients and customers.

miss_moneypenny · « **Reply #5 on:** 26 Jul 2011, 05:36 am »

Many thanks for the responses guys. The company from where I purchased the 4B only has the BP26 and this rules out side by side comparisons. Bryston is a specialist brand and in these tough times, I can understand the reluctance to stock a fuller range.

I did perform a search and came across this very forum where Mr Tanner explained the very close sonics of the two and that Bryston's philosophy is to introduce 'features' as the price increases. I like that approach and know I would be happy with the BP6.

Now if only a black BP26 could be had for similar money

vegasdave · « **Reply #6 on:** 26 Jul 2011, 07:03 pm »

Well, that's too bad that you're not able to compare the 2.

As for the rest; exactly, you nailed it. You're clearly on top of things.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I would have bought the BP26, but didn't quite have the dough.

miss_moneypenny · « **Reply #7 on:** 26 Jul 2011, 09:37 pm »

Comparing the specs of the two, they are almost identically 'transparent' that I doubt my ears could tell a difference.

I know for some people, transparency is less preferred to tonal subtleties, however I much prefer to hear music without anything added nor subtracted. This certainly appears to be Bryston's approach - straight wire with a gain. As I have moved up the hifi food chain, I am more exposed to the quite frankly dreadful production techniques of many albums. When a recording is done right, it's sublime.

Time to get saving

vegasdave · « **Reply #8 on:** 26 Jul 2011, 10:53 pm »

Quote from: miss_moneypenny on 26 Jul 2011, 09:37 pm

Comparing the specs of the two, they are almost identically 'transparent' that I doubt my ears could tell a difference.

I know for some people, transparency is less preferred to tonal subtleties, however I much prefer to hear music without anything added nor subtracted. This certainly appears to be Bryston's approach - straight wire with a gain. As I have moved up the hifi food chain, I am more exposed to the quite frankly dreadful production techniques of many albums. When a recording is done right, it's sublime.

Time to get saving

Correct. You know the deal. So, when you get it, let us know.

Laundrew · « **Reply #9 on:** 27 Jul 2011, 12:01 am »

Be most welcome miss_moneypenny

Best wishes and a happy conclusion for your audio journey. I learned many things about audio equipment and audio dealers during my trek. The most memorable being not to get caught licking the amplifiers and making "cooing" sounds during the demo.

Be well...

redbook · « **Reply #10 on:** 27 Jul 2011, 02:11 am »

To be sure. In over forty tears in this hi-fi gig I have found it to be soooo true that many great performances are lost in technical translation(or transcription) This has been the case from the days of 78's I imagine ! Yes , when a recording is totally well executed it is sonic Nirvana .....

So enjoy the jourmey.

spinner · « **Reply #11 on:** 27 Jul 2011, 02:15 am »

Don't rule out the BP-25...... very neutral device, does what it is supposed to do .

headshrinker2 · « **Reply #12 on:** 27 Jul 2011, 02:42 am »

+1

I'm greatly enjoying my BP-25. Perhaps you might consider the option of a S/H balanced BP25, and upgrade to the latest and greatest when funds become available?

Quote from: spinner on 27 Jul 2011, 02:15 am

Don't rule out the BP-25...... very neutral device, does what it is supposed to do .

Diamond Dog · « **Reply #13 on:** 27 Jul 2011, 02:46 am »

Quote from: Laundrew on 27 Jul 2011, 12:01 am

I learned many things about audio equipment and audio dealers during my trek. The most memorable being not to get caught licking the amplifiers and making "cooing" sounds during the demo.

At this point in the demo, the salesman realizes that it is unlikely that the prospect will attempt to negotiate a better price. He smiles and begins the close...

D.D.

miss_moneypenny · « **Reply #14 on:** 27 Jul 2011, 05:41 am »

Lest us not forget, that many things that are lickable, may not be made from the best natural ingredients!

SoundGame · « **Reply #15 on:** 27 Jul 2011, 12:02 pm »

Quote from: miss_moneypenny on 27 Jul 2011, 05:41 am

Lest us not forget, that many things that are lickable, may not be made from the best natural ingredients!

Okay - now that's got me thinking about things off the audio track...

spinner · « **Reply #16 on:** 27 Jul 2011, 02:48 pm »

Are we still discussing electronic stuff.........heh, heh?

miss_moneypenny · « **Reply #17 on:** 27 Jul 2011, 04:15 pm »

Ahem, yes moving on...

So I guess the BP6 gets a resounding thumbs up?

About to rediscover vinyl, but that's another story

SoundGame · « **Reply #18 on:** 27 Jul 2011, 06:23 pm »

Quote from: miss_moneypenny on 27 Jul 2011, 04:15 pm

Ahem, yes moving on...

So I guess the BP6 gets a resounding thumbs up?

About to rediscover vinyl, but that's another story

The BP6 provides the same linearity (absence of colouration) as the BP26 with a very slight reduction in transparency, detail and dynamics, which is only detectible to the discerning ear and through a revealing system (your speakers and room acoustics being very key factors in you being able to detect the difference). The BP26 also provides for XLR connection - which is part of the aformention performance difference. Whether the difference in cost between the BP6 and the BP26 is justified, given the difference in features and the very slight performance increase is a personal decision. Ultimately, both the BP6 and BP26 are great performers.

One thing to keep in mind is the the BP6 depreciates much faster than the BP26, so if you're concerned with having upgraditis then you should seriously consider stretching for a BP26 or perhaps if cash is the limiting factor - look to purchase a used BP25 (but only if it has the MPS-1 power supply). In terms of performance, I can't see you being left wanting with the BP6.

SoundGame · « **Reply #19 on:** 27 Jul 2011, 06:28 pm »

A question for James Tanner:

James - have you been able to compare a BP25 (with MPS-1) power supply against a BP6? If so - how would they compare from a performance standpoint. Given that the BP25 is NOT a BP26, would the BP25 still slightly exceed the performance of the BP6?

Is XLR vs RCA connections key to this difference?