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Pre Amps |  |
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Blue Cirlce Solid State Daniels Audio
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BC103 Pre Amplifier |
  
[ + Larger View ] MSRP USD $3495 |
The BC103 is the newest member to the Blue Circle family. Its solid state design deviates from its tubed cousins but fills the niche required by you solid state enthusiasts out there! In designing this preamp, Blue Circle has employed a true differential-balanced design coupled with the use of two stepped Shallco attenuators (similar to the BC3 series preamplifiers). Many of the design strategies used in the BC103 power supply are taken directly from the flagship AG3000 design. The important question is how does the BC103 sound and does it live up to the very high standards set by its tubed brothers? Well, here’s what we will tell you. After giving the BC103 a good listening over the past couple months, we’re absolutely amazed at how musical this preamp is. Truthfully, initially I was a little nervous about the BC103 as I’ve always liked Blue Circle’s tubed preamps and was skeptical that a solid-state design would be able to match the musicality associated with its tubed brothers. I’m glad to say, however, that the BC103 more than exceeded my expectations and that it is truly a wonderful ss preamp. Regarding the sound of the BC103, it cannot be characterized by the stigma of most solid-state preamps. This preamp is the most musical solid-state preamp we’ve heard, hands down. It possesses no edge or grain in the higher register making it as listenable as its tubed Blue Circle siblings. There are, however, a few things that I’ll mention. First, the BC103 is musical in every sense of the word. It’s an absolute delight to listen to. It plays with more in the low end than its tubed brothers and provides the detail you expect from a good solid-state design. As well, both extremes are fully extended in a controlled and natural manner resulting in a refreshingly vibrant presentation. The soundstage generated is wide and filled with amazing control and focus; there’s no vagueness/haziness in the imaging as instruments are tightly focused and vocals true to the recording. Lastly, as with all Blue Circle amps and preamps, the tonality of musical presentation is perfect… in the case of the BC103, it’s actually more transparent than its tubed siblings! So, whom would we recommend the BC103 for? Well, if you’re a tube lover the BC103 is not the preamp for you. Although many people at the Montreal Son and Image show commented on how tube-like this preamp was (and we agree!), it does have the inherent character of the best solid-state designs. If you’re a solid-state lover, this preamp is an absolute must to consider, as its musicality will astound. Also, for those of you out there who may feel you’re sound is a touch warm, sluggish, rounded, or tonally not quite what you want, the BC103 may be exactly what you need. To discuss the merits of the BC103 in your system, please feel free to contact us as we’d be more than happy to discuss this. Specifications:
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