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!
I have both the BHK preamp and the BHK 300 mono blocks. I have NOS RCA clear tops in the preamp and some NOS Mullard 7308’s in the amps and yes there is a small amount of noise coming out of my 91db speakers. Here comes the but, I can’t hear the noise from 3’ away let alone the listening position. What tubes do you have in yours? All the best. |
Terrific preamp at a terrific price. Some caveats…resale for PSA is always a little soft due to their trade-in policies and other components of the business model. Also, their generous trade-in policy will always gently nudge you in the direction of the PSA family. For me, this is no problem at all. YMMV. There is no tape out which matters to almost no one but is a deal breaker for me. Almost all of the recommendations here will make you deliriously happy. Spouse maybe not so much. But it is the holiday season; go for it. |
@signaforce it’s for the best. You will be amazed by a better amp in that system. Keep us posted. |
OK, slight change in plans. The PSA BHK signature preamp is back in stock, so pulled the trigger on a black one last night. Two other factors, it is fully balanced and my amp was designed to be used balanced, and in rereading its reviews, Jim Austin in his Stereophile review stated: “PS Audio's BHK Signature preamp is one of the finest audio components I've had in my home”. I can’t imagine better praise than that!
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