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Looking for Alternative Preamp to Blue Circle BC3

I've lived with a Blue Circle BC3 preamp for a while now and I have only good things to say about it. The trouble is, my wife is intimidated by the dual volume controls and after much discussion I've agreed to start exploring alternatives. I want similar performance, my wife wants a single volume control (to her credit, she appreciates the quality of the BC preamp and also wants to maintain this level of standard). What preamps should I be looking into? The Herron preamp and the Ayre preamps appear to be viable options. What else would you recommend? Thanks for your input.
nalgene8954
jeffloistarca
1,004 posts
 
Get yourself a BAT VK30 (with optional remote) used, step up and very easy to use.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
I own the BC21 and am very happy with it, but as Sugarbrie says, the improved power supply and new Shallco volume attenuator in the BC21.1 should be a noticable upgrade. I'm considering having those upgrades made to my BC21.
cellorover
358 posts
 
Sugarbrie is correct. We set up the 21.1 and the BC 24 amp with the Penaudio speakers at CES. It is a nice preamp. You would not be a "trial case" as all the components are proven and used in other preamps. If your goal is to upgrade, then be prepared to spend more. Keep the Alpha 3 for as long as you can. It remains a good amp.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
FYI, the original BC21 is still a nice preamp. Gilbert mainly went to the BC21.1 because he can no longer find a large enough supply of good quality new 6SN7 tubes. He tests all his tubes before using them, and too many of the new 6SN7 he was getting were not up to his standards. And he buys them bulk, as is, so he cannot return the ones he does not like.

He actually will still make the BC21 for those who prefer the sound of the 6SN7 tube. He can actually make you a new BC21 with many of the BC21.1 upgrades.

If you ask nicely, he will also make a custom order BC21 or BC21.1 with the power supply in a separate case, similar to the BC3.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Exactly, as Sugarbrie said. The reason I'm staying with the BC21 and considering adding some of the BC21.1 upgrades is because I like the 6SN7 tube. I have a decent stash of NOS 6SN7s which improved the sound immensely over the stock modern tubes. Both Gilbert and Kevin Allen feel the outboard power supply and the Shallco attenuator which is the same volume control in the BC3 and AG Series will greatly improve the BC21. I'm even considering having the faceplates of my BC21 and BC22 customized to be like the purpleheart with walnut trim ones used on all AG preamps and amps.
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