2. amps-preamps
  3. 191859-178608

PS Audio BHK signature preamp

I was reviewing another preamp post and stumbled upon a recommendation for the PS Audio BHK signature preamp currently half price ($7,000 - selling for $3,500) directly from PS Audio & (unfortunately) decided to research it. I say unfortunately, as I was not looking to buy a preamp.

It has excellent reviews, the audiogon forums speak highly of it, it is the perfect size, has an excellent HF amp (I need one), uses the same tubes as my Rogue RP-1 (I have some excellent NOS tubes) is fully capable with my Logitech Harmony One remote… seemingly a match made in heaven. I want it… and if not happily married, I would get it.


So looking for someone to talk me out of it. I know it will give me a good HF amp, full remote vs partial remote control, and better pride of ownership, vs an albeit excellent ‘entry’ preamp. But given my other components, will it sound the same, slightly better or significantly better? Is it too good for my system? Would I be better off upgrading another component? I currently wasn’t looking to upgrade my Rogue, but this seemed to be too good to pass. My current system:

Rogue RP-1 pre with NOS Telefunkon medical, Siemens nickel plate & Brimar CV4003 NOS tubes (rolling)

LSA Warp 1 amp

KEF R11 speakers

Rythmic F12SE sub w/miniDSP equalization

Aurender N150 streaming Qobuz

Chord Qutest DAC

Pro-ject 1Xpression carbon classic with Hana ML cart

Rega Aria phono stage

Focal Clear OG HF

Transparent + speaker cables, Mogami 2549 interconnects & Maze audio power cables

 

Prior to seeing the PS Audio deal I was considering the following upgrades:  (I am very component space constrained in my choices):

Pro-ject TT > Rega P8

Warp 1 amp > Benchmark AHB2

Please let me know your thoughts and/or recommendations.  Thanks!

signaforce

Showing 3 responses by sandrock

sandrock's avatar
sandrock
4 posts
 

See what I mean? But don’t be discouraged’ there are tubes that will suit your sound very well. It just takes some (and money) to select what works best with your system! But, again, check in with PS Audio’s website and check out the tube rolling thread………

sandrock's avatar
sandrock
4 posts
 

I am also a BHK Preamp owner and it had been one of my best accusations for about 5 years now. One of the best things I like about the pre amp is “tube rolling” aspect as well. I have also enjoyed changing out the safety fuse (3] times to get what is best for my system. Really, is are you getting the unit in silver or black? Personally,I have silver with the shiny black top. And the final close of the sale is the (THE SPECIAL SALES PRICE”  So there it is! All your questions and thoughts all answered!  So go enjoy the sound.

cheers,

sandroc

sandrock's avatar
sandrock
4 posts
 

So Signaforce, first let me congratulate you on your PS audio purchase. You got a great product at a great price and will be happy with it for years to come.

in regards to tube rolling,I need to tell you that rolling is an “art” you see, tubes change the sound, sometimes greatly and sometimes very little. It’s all system dependent! What works best in your system might now work/sound as well in say my system. It comes down to trail and error! I went 5hrough a number of different tubes before I found something that improved the sound over 5he stock tubes and at 5he same time improved my listening quality. The best way for you to find out what might work best is to go to the PS Audio website and look at their forums. There are a number of threads on the preamp as well as tube rolling for the BHK specifically. I am not versed in tubes so the information I gleaned was very helpful.

wheather you got black or silver, you did good and well bought!

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