Bryston BP-17³ Cubed Stereo Preamplifier

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Current generation Bryston analog preamp. $4999 MSRP

Upgradable with the addition of internal phono and DAC modules for the ultimate in flexibility. (Phono and DAC modules not currently installed and are available through Bryston).

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes: Light scratch on faceplate, slight ding on left side panel.

We just received a factory fresh BP-17³ box from Bryston, *plus a new Bryston replacement remote control still in the official factory wrapping.

Click below to add our recommended matching cables from Kimber Kable, all brand new as SkyFi is an official Kimber dealer.

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best

More from Bryston:
The Bryston BP17³ is the first component from Bryston to use our patented low distortion Salomie circuit at both the input and output stage. This new technology is remarkable in its ability to render even miniscule details with breathtaking clarity and lifelike scale. As a fully featured preamp, the BP-17³ is the centerpiece of your stereo. Balanced and single ended analog inputs can be used with virtually any source component. High resolution DAC and moving magnet phono options are also available.

Preamp Features:
• 5 Single Ended & 2 Balanced Analog Inputs
• Fully discrete Class A analog circuitry
• The patented Salomie circuit found in all Cubed Series amplifiers
• Standard and configurable XLR outputs
• Fixed and variable level RCA outputs
• Independent power supply for analog and digital circuits.
• Relay switching on all inputs
• Programmable home theater bypass
• Software control and balanced action volume control

HiFi Critic
"The preamp seemingly added nothing, took nothing away. It is impressively neutral, vanishingly quiet, and preserves more or less completely whatever sound staging, tonal density and dynamics the output stage of the connected audio source device is capable of." - Kevin Fiske

SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions:
Inches:
17" W x 4.55" H x 13" D
Cm: 43. or 48.3 W x 11.6 H x 33 D

Weight:
11 lbs. 5 kg

Frequency Response:
20Hz - 20kHz: ± 0.05dB

THD (1V rms Bal. In/Out):
<0.0025%

IMD:
≤0.0003%

Noise:
RCA: -102dB
XLR: -108dB

Input Impedance:
Unbalanced 6.5kΩ
Balanced 4.5kΩ / leg

Bryston BP-17³ Cubed Stereo Preamplifier - Owner's Manual

The SkyFi Testing Process for Preamplifiers:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

When we first power on a preamplifier we connect its RCA output to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface. The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope. We then switch to a 1KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment. Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources. If the preamp is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve. If the preamp under test has balanced inputs and/or outputs these are tested as well.

We finish up our bench testing with a listening test with our bench amplifier and reference speakers. During this test we check for hum or hiss that may not have shown up in earlier testing. We also check that all of the tone controls and filters perform as expected. If the preamplifier has remote control functions these are also tested. Preamps with tube circuits or complicated power supply topologies are connected at our long term test rig for extended stress testing under real world conditions.