Preamp shootout: Linear tube audio, Modwright, etc.

The PS Audio BHK is really good, but I found it responds well to tube rolling - you really need to roll the tubes to get the most out of it. Since it does respond to tube rolling, I would call it a good tube preamp.  I do like that it is a bit of a swiss army knife of a preamp since it has a large number of balanced and unbalanced inputs. 

Overall, I'd say with stock tubes it performs below the LTA original generation; with better tubes about equal to the LTA OG.  The LTA with the level 2 upgrade I would place above the PS Audio.  Of course, if your equipment performs better using balanced gear, the LTA might not win in a head-to-head.  

Are you testing the original or upgraded (level 2) LTA preamp?  I just got my LTA preamp returned with the upgrade today and the bass is a bit deeper/tighter. Still evaluating other aspects of the upgrade - definitely a bit better overall.  I would agree with those who posted above about rolling the small tubes - since the LTA doesn't drive the tubes hard, it makes it easier to upgrade without worrying about burning through expensive tubes.  I put in some NOS Siemens 12AU7s and the sound definitely was a little clearer and cleaner over the stock tubes.