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!

128x128signaforce

Get the bhk preamp, also get rid of the aurender and get the ps audio airlens, this thing will sound better than the aurender and you will increase the sound quality of the dsd dac by using i2s from the airlens to the DS dac 

PS Audio has one of the best return policies out there. Buy it, try it with a critical ear then decide to keep it or return it.  Easy Peasy Lemmon Squeezy. 

Take the deal and get the preamp. Keep your  mogami 2549 interconnects it's as good as any and better than most.

I think you could do better than the BHK preamp even at 50% off. You can get a really good preamp for $3500.

@invalid

Now there’s a response I didn’t expect. Please provide your recommendations, that would include:

Better plus:

No more than 4” in height. (due to my rack requirements)
A good HP amp (otherwise another $1k)

12AU7 tubes compatible (I have almost $2k in tubes)

remote control-able with power/standby on/off & direct input selection ideally compatible with harmony remotes (because I’m old, and like convenience).

Must have home theater pass through (to work with additional HT components)

Unfortunately, I am forced to to consider both form & function.

Tall order…