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

@signaforce the recommendation to look at an integrated amp of space is a constrain is a good one.  I’ve had the PrimaLuna Evo400, Krell 300i (latest XD version) and Coda CSiB.  The Coda and Krell were fantastic and can drive any speakers.  As noted, on the CSiB, start with the V1, will offer more Class A watts, you can always have it converted to V2 or V3.  You can find a used CSiB for what a Coda 8 would cost, might be fun to buy the integrated, try it out, compare, if you don’t like it, sell it and shouldn’t lose much or anything, likely selling it for what you bought it for.  The CSiB can be used as a Pre as well, worked well for me but I don’t like that the entire unit was in, the amp included when I was using it as a Pre only.  
 

on the BHK, PS Audio has said it’s discontinued, reason for the 50 % off sale.  They haven’t announced what’s replacing it yet, if you look at their BHK line, they already discontinued the 250 amp, I’m guessing (no actual knowledge) they are revamping or replacing the entire BHK line.  The line has been their reference line for I think over a decade.  There aren’t any crazy leaps forward in Preamp design, technology, parts will come out that might be quieter, measure better than previous offering incremental improvements.  If the BHK strikes your fancy, Inwouldnt hesitate to buy it.  Now, for $ 3500 you can also get some great used Pre’s.  LTA also makes unbelievable equipment, they also just came out with a DAC that is really well reviewed.  
 

Keep us posted.  Curious what you buy and how you like it.  

Op it applies to stereo it keeps you healthy and less stress. And happy and smiling.

@signaforce I am familiar with McIntosh. Coda will be better. More articulate, clearer, more detailed, textured and extended without a hint of harshness. McIntosh will sound warmer and duller in comparison. 
PS Audio makes decent stuff which is easy to buy, hard to sell. I do not think it will beat Coda that has better components, is quieter with lower noise floor and if you want tubes in the chain you already have RP1 that will add tube magic. 

 

Just my $0.02. You decide.