Pre-Amp for New Used System

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MisterScott

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May 2, 2016
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Good evening all. I am assembling a used 2-channel system. It started when my neighbor decided to upgrade his listening room to some very nice new speakers displacing Wilson Alexandria II v2 speakers in absolutely perfect condition which he has offered to me at a price that told me I need to make room for a 2- channel system. I have sourced a pair of tube amps, VTL's Siegfried II's, that should pair nicely with them. I have a Bryston BCD-3 transport, Bryston BDA 3.14 streamer, Bryston BIT 15 and BIT 20 power conditioners for this system, all new.

Need a preamp for all this. Considering the Bryston BR-20 but.... I had a home theater center around Bryston amplification, albiet 15-17 years old and I always found it bright and clinical - but I just had Bryston amps, no pre/pro's. I really want warm engaging sound for this system. I am going to spend a lot of time on the room acoustics as well. Taking it in stages. So considering the Bryston BR-20, Rogue RP-7. Prima-Luna EV400. I am somewhat flexible on price, but not going crazy. I have a feeling room acoustics are going to be a big nut.

I am all digital sources on this system (CD/SACD transport, streaming, Mac, network drive, Apple TV) for now, but would option a good phono stage. CD, SACD will be the primary source.

I want to create and preserve a warmer sound from this system. I am considering buying two subs the seller of the Wilson's has as well as some interconnects/speaker cables. I have an experience Wilson installer to get me going. They are starting on the casters until I get the room tuned proper. Pre-amp suggestions very welcome as are any other suggestions. I haven't done two channel in over 20 years. I have no experience with tube amps or preamps so new territory there as well. Should I pair a tube pre with tube amps? Is it better to have a solid state/digital pre with the tube amps and these speakers? Those are the vexing questions. The seller is running all solid state stuff, and it sounds amazing.

I have a home theater centered around Paradigm Studio Reference 11.2 (SVS Subs), Storm MkII, Oppo and Pioneer transports, Apple TV, Kaledescape, Savant, JVC 8K with Screen Innovations. You get the picture. Replaced the older Bryston with new Parasound amplification, two A51's and an A31. Just need the Storm folks to come buy and get it all set up.

Thanks in advance for the comments and knowledge transfer.
 
If it was me I'd get a VTL preamp, same brand synergy.

Just my opinion, Rogue is not up to the task and Prima Luna is a different sound signature than VTL. If not vTL, from what you describe you want my 2nd choice would be Conrad Johnson. Bryston is good and you have some for the front end but I just wouldn't go with it for preamp, I wouldn't think it a good match with VTL.

Looks like you will end up with a very nice system, congrats.

Also, just my opinion, if you have a tube power section I like keeping with tube pre. Both pieces being tube gives you a more complete tube experience, sound.
 
I've alway been a fan of VTL and Ayre preamps. They are so musical with a great open soundstage. For years I thought about getting either. But, for some reason just couldn't pull the trigger. Good luck. I'd look at and try the VTL 5.5
 
That was my supposition on the Bryston. It just looks so damned function esp with the HDMI module. And the price isn't bad. Thank you.
 
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