[rmurray]

  Have any members compared the bp25 to bp26. Reviews seem to say that the 26 is more overall organic (tubelike) Is this what is the main difference? Thanks to all.

[Phil A]

  Have any members compared the bp25 to bp26. Reviews seem to say that the 26 is more overall organic (tubelike) Is this what is the main difference? Thanks to all.

The BP26 is a bit more smooth and refined.  I would not call it night and day but in my opinion it is better.

[rmurray]

 Thanks . Some have said the bass is more defined as well.........

[headshrinker2]

Murray,
Do you have the BP25 and are thinking of upgrading?  I have not heard the BP26 so I can't compare, but I do own the BP25.  I think it's a terrific preamp.  Highly recommended. 

  Have any members compared the bp25 to bp26. Reviews seem to say that the 26 is more overall organic (tubelike) Is this what is the main difference? Thanks to all.

[john1970]

I purchased a BP25 used a few years back.  Compared to the BP26, I honestly cannot hear a difference in my system.  My BP25 was built just before the BP26 was released so maybe it sounds closer to a BP26 than an older BP25.  Regardless, I enjoy the preamp so much that this past year I had it upgraded to a BP26.

Best,

John

[rmurray]

  Yes, I have had the 25 since 2002. It has the mps-1 supply . I feel this amp is great but was considering the refinement (if any) of the 26 kit. 

[SoundGame]

From what James has stated previously, the BP26 is an evolution of the BP25 but as an evolution and not a revolution, there has been a refinement in the BP26 but it is marginal.  Essentially, the soundstage will be a little larger and more defined, the noise a touch lower and the dynamics a little better with the BP26. 
 
How noticeable these differences are depends on the rest of your system.  With a higher the quality and more importantly the transparency / revealing nature of the power amplifier and speakers - together with the source quality, the more noticeable the difference will be.
 
 

[rmurray]

 Thanks to all for the replies. 

[headshrinker2]

Murray,
Would like to hear about the rest of your system, room, musical taste.  Do you feel there is something missing from your current rig?  Something specific you are trying to achieve with this upgrade, or just in the mood to raise the bar?

Thanks to all for the replies. 

[rmurray]

  I think I have caught the " goforbrokeraisethebaritus"disease . I am driven to squeeze all I can from my BCD-1 and make this a first step in this plan. The amp is currently(no pun) a 4B ST. It has kept pace with the BCD-1 over my previous source and I figure the preamp is the next step in this evolution.  Thanks again for your thoughts.

[Phil A]

I would think than an SST or SST squared would probably make more difference

[SoundGame]

I would think than an SST or SST squared would probably make more difference

Agree very much so!  With a 4B-ST the bp25 is more than adequate a match in terms of noise, transparency an accuracy.  You really won't get the benefits by moving to a bp26 without upgrading your amp. 
 
Move up the line to a SST or SST2 and then consider the BP26 if you want another smidgen.  The SST and SST/2 are a greater improvement over the ST series than the BP26 is over the BP25.

[Diamond Dog]

I would think than an SST or SST squared would probably make more difference

+1. If you're staying with the Bryston preamps, I didn't hear a lot of difference between the 25 and 26 although it's been a while. There is certainly some daylight between a 4BST and a 4B SST2. Your source is fine - what are you currently using for speakers ?

D.D.

[ian.ameline]

The only difference between the 25 and 26 is the power supply. The rest of the signal chain is unchanged.

I agree that a 4B SST2 would be the better upgrade. I'm very happy with mine.

[Anonamemouse]

I would think than an SST or SST squared would probably make more difference

+1 more. I'd go for a new 4B SST2. That will be a MUCH bigger improvement.
If you want a pre amp upgrade you'll have to open your wallet MUCH wider than you would for a BP26 (or 25) to make a significant difference.
But... Once you'll take that step you'll realize what an amazing amplifier the 4B SST2 actually is. It is capable of MUCH more than what the BP25/26 can make you hear.

[rmurray]

  That's something I must seriously consider. Appreciate your view on this. What preamps would make the most of the 4B?  :

[spinner]

 So how much and in what way would a MUCH more expensive preamp provide over the very neutral Bryston designs. If the 26/25 are transparent as they seem then where is there to go?

[James Tanner]

So how much and in what way would a MUCH more expensive preamp provide over the very neutral Bryston designs. If the 26/25 are transparent as they seem then where is there to go?

You have to continually try to improve on the transparency.  The best anaology I can make is think of an electronic device as a 'barbed wire' and over the years you are continually filling down the barbs (or trying to) to hopefully attain a straight wire with gain

james

[spinner]

   That makes a lot of sense. Thanks James.

[SoundGame]

You have to continually try to improve on the transparency.  The best anaology I can make is think of an electronic device as a 'barbed wire' and over the years you are continually filling down the barbs (or trying to) to hopefully attain a straight wire with gain

james

Nice analogy.  The question that it begs is, irrespective of price, what preamp has ever achieved this i.e. eliminating all the barbs, or at least - what product has the least barbs on that proverbial wire?    
 
The million dollar question, I guess.
 
At present, I sit happy and satisfied with my BP6.................for now....