I have the same PS audio DAC, just sold the transport because I have gone to Aurender to play all files, love the convenience!! The sound is equal. I use a Bryston 4BSST cubed with great results! Sound is crystal clear , and imaging is great with Synergistic Research Atmosphere wire loom. If the PS audio monoblocks are in or just above your price range , definitely go for them I am sure you will not regret it and be very satisfied. Monoblocks will almost always sound better than a stereo amp. And your peramp is designed for the PSA amps so the synergy will be great!
Need power amp recommendations for system
Greetings. This is only my second post here. Have read a ton and enjoyed it. I'm assembling two systems at roughly the same time. I'm down to amplification for the main system. Here's the components I have:
GoldenEar Triton Reference loudspeakers
PS Audio BHK preamp
PS Audio Direct Stream DAC
PS Audio Direct Stream Memory Player
VPI Prime Signature TT with Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC cart
Manley Labs Chinook SE MKII phono stage
Should I just finish it out with either the BHK 250 or the 300 monoblocks and have a PSA stack, or would you go a different direction? I have access to Rogue Apollo Darks at a very good price and I am open to other suggestions. I really don't want to tinker, but someday I may look around at other loudspeakers . . . maybe.
Thank you in advance for your advice.
GoldenEar Triton Reference loudspeakers
PS Audio BHK preamp
PS Audio Direct Stream DAC
PS Audio Direct Stream Memory Player
VPI Prime Signature TT with Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC cart
Manley Labs Chinook SE MKII phono stage
Should I just finish it out with either the BHK 250 or the 300 monoblocks and have a PSA stack, or would you go a different direction? I have access to Rogue Apollo Darks at a very good price and I am open to other suggestions. I really don't want to tinker, but someday I may look around at other loudspeakers . . . maybe.
Thank you in advance for your advice.
25 responses Add your response
Just a word of warning to the OP from my personal experience and that of friends with the BHK preamp, it does not always play nice with either strictly SE amps or even ones with "convenience" XLR inputs. It is a synergistic pairing with the BHK amps. At to needing with 300's over the 250 it would take a hell of a difficult speaker load to stress the 250 and the Triton Reference is nowhere near that even in a very large room. Try the 250 from one of the dealers like TMR that allow trials and if not enough for you then move up. Also as an owner of the M3 TM's you may be surprised at what they will do with more power. |
I have some of the same components: PS Audio Direct Stream DAC PS Audio Direct Stream Memory Player and added a PS Audio BHK 250 to replace a Schitt Rag to run a pair of Spendor SA1s. Can’t say how it works or why it works, but the difference is like night and day-detail, bass control,etc. I am sold on PS Audio. As with cars, your mileage may vary. Try to get a loaner. I think the BHK 250 is among the best amps I have owned (Levinson 336, McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe Monos, etc.). I still have t he 336 and a second DS Dac running Magi 3.7s. When the time comes, I expect the BHK will replace the 336. My two cents. |
I say, go for the PS Audio 300 Monos and you will likely be quite happy and pretty "future proofed", to boot. I am running them with their preamp in a system that uses TAD CR-1's. They have all the power I need while offering plenty of finesse and harmonic development. I was a tube amp guy up to this point (ran VAC Phi 200 last), and I think the hybrid PSA amps don't make me miss them so much. It is also nice that you can tube roll the 6922 input tubes to tailor the sound for your system, which has been important for my speakers. Contact Andy at the Audio Surgeon for a solid dealer experience and likely a good deal (that is who I worked with). |
I would go with either the PSA stereo or psa monoblocks. Since the speakers have a built in subwoofer amp, you might not need the headroom that the monoblocks provide. PSA offers a trial period refund policy at some dealers, the dealer I bought my PSA DS dac from didn’t offer a trial period but got a great price. |
From a synergy standpoint stick with PSAUDIO. Mono blocks will always best any stereo amp. I have DSJ Jr dac and PSAUDIO M700 mono blocks with Zu Audio speakers and love it. Give Steve a call at highperformancestereo.com and he will likely be able to get you a great price and answer any questions. https://www.highperformancestereo.com |
Thank you all for your opinions and input. Finishing this system out with PSA BHK is probably the wise choice. While I’d rather not tinker beyond cables and interconnects, after it’s complete and well broken in, if needed I will consider improvements. I appreciate you all taking the time to respond. |
I have heard the big Rogues running Vandersteen 7’s in SanDiego at stereo Unlimited.... sublime speed and control for abtube amp, although w Vandersteen powered bass ( some would say cheating ) they also carry your speakers ( different room w Mac or VTL power ) maybe chat w Bruce i agree easy way out is the BHK and it is quite good amp |
Your MC275 may be a good option with your Triton reference and possibly the LM508ia with 47W class A Single Ended with the Spatial M3 Triodes. The 47watts allows a lot of flexibility for use with other speakers down the road so would the Decware 40W class A. Be aware the tube assortment on the LM805ia is or can be costly. 805 output and 300b's single tubes. If interested, read the Tone Audio review regarding the Decware ZMA Huge power supply and more affordable tubes Both amps can be used with or without pre-amps I like options and flexability |
I run my Triton References with a McIntosh MC152, 150wpc power amp and that is only because It is in an all Mac system. I experimented with amps when I first got the References last July. I loved the sound with my Odyssey Stratos amp at 150wpc. I also tried a Conrad Johnson MF2550 250wpc solid state amp, didn't care for it. The music seemed very slow and thick. The McIntosh amp I am using now is similar in sound to the Odyssey amp except there is more of everything and I am absolutely loving the sound. Although Sandy Gross uses a low wattage tube amp to drive his References, I found tubes to make the speakers sound a little bloated . (I had a Rogue Cronus Magnum 100wpc integrated I also tried with the References). I would stick to a good solid state amp with good headroom. Most of the time, my amp is loafing along at 1-5 watts, but sometimes the meters can go up to 70 watts or so during high transients. I would think that the BHK amp would be a great match with the rest of the system. Great synergy makes a great sounding system, while poor synergy makes a great system sound poor. |
Curious why the Mytek Brooklyn amp. I’ve read a bunch about their Brooklyn and Manhattan II DACs. I'll have to research this amp. I read that amp list and review at least three times. That was a long and detailed review of a huge list of amps. Decware was not on my radar. My other system is a tube set up with Spatial M3 Triodes and McIntoch MC275 amp. The Decware intrigues me greatly. Line Magnetic has looked interesting for awhile. soix - This is my first dip back into two channel audio in about 30 years. It’s my starting point. I’m currently listening to GoldenEar Triton One’s with a Parasound Halo intregrated and the VPI Prime Signature turntable. It sounds great, but I’m no audiophile and honestly, I don’t know what’s most important to me yet, nor am I trying to improve anything. The list above will be my the starting point of my main system and I’m hoping to get it right enough to not have to make many changes. |