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.
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.