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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
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,114 posts
 

@signaforce I owned RP1 and it’s a great preamp. In your system upgrading the amplifier and the DAC would make a lot more sense. A better amp will make a ton more difference with the RP1 than the BHK pre will with your current amp. After you upgrade the amp you should look into a DAC upgrade. Qutest is good but you can do better. And leave the cables alone - components will make a more profound difference.

Look into Coda No.8 amplifier. Find a good used one. Your system will sing with this amp paired with RP1.

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,742 posts
 

I have the BHK Signature preamp and it’s really good. The hook that made me buy it was the tube rolling aspect. I was able to find some RCA Cleartops from Brent Jesse that were perfect for my ears. 
When I saw the half price ad, at first I was kinda ticked, but I got over it pretty quickly.  I did email PS Audio and asked with them closing out the BHT preamp, what is going to replace it in their lineup and Caleb said he knew of nothing at this time.  That surprised me but maybe he’s not aloud to say.

All the best.

rbstehno
1,453 posts
 

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 

yesiam_a_pirate's avatar
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yesiam_a_pirate
198 posts
 

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. 

allanblissett
147 posts
 

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

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