P.S. Audio B.H.K. 300 Mono Amps, B.H.K. Preamplifiers, PS Audio Dac

Been playing with the PS Audio DirectStream Dac direct to the BHK 300 Monos. I swapped out the factory 12AU7 tubes in the BHK 300's to the Tungsram PCC88 and let everything settle in before I really sat down to listen and boy what a surprise. The soundstage nearly tripled in size with detail in the mids popping with sparkle and some tingle in the highs a departure from the stock tubes intament warm sound and smaller but just right soundstage.  So for those who want to bypass a preamp and go direct you can definitely do it and tweak your desired sound preferences with a quick swap of the tubes. Best bang for the buck you ever have without having to add a preamp to the chain. Although it's nice I still prefer the magic the the preamplifier brings to the table.

Connected my BHK Signature Preamp in with Stock 12AU7 left the Tunsgram PCC88 tubes in the BHK 300 mono's. Immediately noticed  that  everything became more musical and less edgy and a lot less effort. Everything now is tighter musically less haze less edge better air around the instruments wash better under soot light on a wide soundstage. Mids are open and revealing highs are naturally sparkling when called for, cymbals are phenomenal and clear and just the right amount of tingle. Voice moved more center with a noticeable bump in texture in the vocal scale. Now for the bass, all of you that may know or knot know Bascom said "Oh and the Bass" in his expression of how powerful and forceful it is can be altered and tuned to your liking by swapping the stock tubes to these Tungsram PCC88's. Bass is awesome with the Stock  Sylvania 12AU7 if you like bass with a warmest across the spectrum, the Tungsram PCC88's seem to tighten it up more opening up from the darker warmer side either is great and Neither is a bad thing. I will also maybe move the speaker's closer to the back wall in effort to get the best optimal tune:)

I will be making some additional tweaks maybe putting the Tungsram PCC88's in the Preamp and popping in the stock Sylvania 12AU7's back into the BHK 300 monos. Will keep you all posted on findings but till then.

Cheers and Happy  New Years!

@blumartini 

Thanks for starting this thread. I know it has been awhile but I am curious to hear you impressions on the BHK Monos vs the ARC 160s that you both own. How would you describe the sonic differences between the two and which in your system is the better performer.

I’m considering either going PS Audio BHK pre/power or ARC Ref6 and 160s. Your insights would be very helpful. Thanks.

I have found that using an amp and preamp combo from the same manufacturer provides the best results and synergy in any system. That's not necessarily true with respect to ancillary components.  

I have a question about the PS audio BHK 300 monoblocks. They are connected to Soundlab A1PX speakers. Recently, one amp has turned off twice (clipping) at about 90 DB once using phono and once streaming. With that much amplifier power I am surprised by the amp turning off. Any thoughts on why. The speakers are a difficult load but still I would have thought the amps would manage the load.