Looking for Alternative Preamp to Blue Circle BC3

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.

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.

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.

I have recently purchased a dealer demo Ayre K3x pre-amp. It is interesting to note that Ayre uses a very similar Shallco sourced Military-spec stepped attenuator volume control in the K3 and K1 that you would find in the BC3. The audio press and manufacters themselves have stated in both cases that this high quality part is big reason for the overall quality of sound. Although I have not lived with the K3 for very long, I can't say enough about how much I LOVE it. Especially the optional on board phono stage(if you into vinyl). What the phono stage does to some of my old crappy second hand records is make them come alive again. I would liken the before and after difference to the difference between an original CD recording played on a vintage 1983 sony CDP versus a remastered SACD on any player of your choice. Its that good! If you are interested, email me, as I know of a few dealers that still have K3 demos for sale (K3 has been discontinued). I know nothing about the new K5 that replaced the K3 except that is does not have an option for an on board phono stage or the Shallco.

All that being said, if you enjoy the BC3, you can't go wrong with the BC21.1. Or Gilbert may be able to give you a custom fix for the dual controls on the BC3. Ayre uses nylon belts to tie the 4 volume controls on the K1 together. ...Oh wait a minute, "what about adding a remote control for volume" this would step the volume for both channels at the same time.