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

I know it will give me a good HF amp

What exactly does this mean?

 

Personally I would upgrade the  amp, turntable or phono preamp first.

 

 

Sorry HP (headphone) Amp. 
I mentioned the amp & turntable in my post. Somewhat surprised at the phono stage. To?

For quite a few years, I enjoyed the PS Audio BHK pre amp, paired with the BHK250 power amp, Stellar phono pre, and PS Audio DSD DAC.  My sources are a Technics SL-1200G TT and an Innous Zenith MKII streamer.  Speakers Tannoy DC8Ti.

I auditioned the LTA microZTOL preamp in my system for a week. At the end of the week, I ordered the LTA preamp and soon after sold the BHK and haven’t looked back.

The BHK is an excellent piece, the LTA sounds much better in my system.  I used Tungsram NOS 7dj8 tubes in the BHK and stock tubes in the LTA.  Now I have 3 matched pairs of Tungsram NOS 7dj8 tubes gathering dust on a shelf frown.  I’ll sell them one of these days smiley.

I have the BHK pre with M1200s. Stellar Gold DAC, Airlens streamer with Focal Kanta 3s speakers. Couldn't be happier. I run Telefunken 12AX7s. late 50 I think.