I agree with audphile1 about not rushing to tube roll. The latest tubes that PSA ships the BHK with are very decent tubes. After the preamp is broken in and you've got a handle on the sound is the time to think about whether it might be tweaked in one direction or another to suit preferences. However, I wouldn't worry about getting a matching amp at all. I had a BHK250 I used with my BHK pre and it had no special synergy at all IMO. I also used the BHK pre with PS Audio M1200 monos, Luxman M-700u, Modwright KWA99s, and a Decware Zen Torii. The BHK sounded fantastic with all of them. I sold the BHK250 and preferred the PSA Audio M1200s in my system. Paul @ PSA would always insist the BHK250 was a better amp than the M1200s but I always thought that was just PR talk to reinforce their pricing structure.
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!
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Thanks for your thoughts and recommendations. The BHK finally arrives tomorrow (hopefully), thanks to FedEx’s ineptness. |
"Best" tubes will depend on the rest of your system and preferences. I preferred unusual choices: red label CBS/Hytron 5814a or Raytheon black plate 5814a tubes. Siemens and Telefunkens were just too bright with my Tidal Piano Ceras for my tastes. The BHK one was one of the most universally adaptable components with different partners I ever owned. Adding a PS Audio Power Plant to the mix took the BHK another level of performance as well. Enjoy your new preamp! |
@signaforce keep your RCA cables just in case. If and when you get around to try Coda I would recommend trying it with both XLR and RCA. Reason for that is Coda’s low input impedance on the XLR inputs. It will most likely be fine but I would not automatically assume that the balanced cables will be better. Just a thought. And reach out to Doug of course and mention the specs…get his take on it when ready. |
Thanks. As I understand it, pre output impedance should be at least 10x less than the Amps input impedance. The Coda’s published input impedance is 5x less XLR vs RCA at 10K ohms, so Coda XLR is tougher to match. |
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