Ps Audio BHK preamp Vs ARC best preamps

Nobody ever compared the BHK with an ARC preamp?


Mario

Hi tomcy6,

thank you for your compliments about my english and for your reply.

Actually what I've been able to experience in my long audiophile carreer is that there is not such a large gap between some LS and some Ref preamps models, I own an LS 25 mk1 and it is really a good piece of gear but it still add "something" that characterize it as a bit less than completely transparent, probably the mk2 series with the 6H30 tubes is a bit more transparent.  I've tried to bypass it connecting my DSd directly to the power amp (ARC 100.2) and apart a light hummm what I perceived is a way better sound with more details, dynamics, harmonic content.

So what I really would like to know is if the BHK preamp is more transparent than the best ARC preamps and if it is transparent in absolute sense.

My final purpose is to try to understand if I can give up in using a preamp, connecting the DSd directly to my new BHK 250 power amp which is arriving from my dealer.

Ciao!


Mario

Thanks to all for your advices and suggestions, and yes, I've heard that a lot of people gave up in using preamps, especially in the case of DSd which has been specifically designed, when Mr McGowan didn't sell preamps and he was absolutely convinced that that was the right way to go, to work in this modality.

And yes, the way is to wait for the arrival of my BHK 250, to listen what will happen then and in case to have a BHK preamp borrowed by my dealer and investigate what will be the differences, 6000 $ in addition apart ;-)...


Mario

Ok, my BHK is on the way, I will let you know...

In the meantime...grazie!


Mario

Paired with what power amp, Joe?

Mario

So the verdict seems to be unanimous...

But this make me go back to my original enquiry: is the BHK preamp that good, especially matched to BHK power amps, or a (very good) preamp is always mandatory?

And a top Audio Research preamp is as good and mandatory as the BHK preamp with BHK power amps?

Mario

Dear Alan and nomayo,

yes, I think that you are both right except for the fact that I'm waiting for the BHK 250 and not for the monos which in Italy cost an embarrassing bunch of money...

I will start with the DSd + BHK 250 configuration and with no hurry I will try to test them adding a borrowed BHK preamp, it will be a joy to discover the improvements...

Thank you! 


Mario

Going  a bit OT...what speakers do you all use with your PS amplifications?


Mario

What happened with the OP here? It seems like @mariovidal65 ordered the BHK Preamp then disappeared


Here I am...

And I ordered the BK 250, not the preamp...


Mario

Yes, thank you for asking, I've sold the BHK250 and bought a Pass XA30.5 + an ARC LS25 mk1 + Proac D30R and now I'm really happy with my system, finally...

The BHK250 has been a bad experience to me, probably the problem were the speakers, Totem Mani Two...I don't know...

Mario