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

So Signaforce, first let me congratulate you on your PS audio purchase. You got a great product at a great price and will be happy with it for years to come.

in regards to tube rolling,I need to tell you that rolling is an “art” you see, tubes change the sound, sometimes greatly and sometimes very little. It’s all system dependent! What works best in your system might now work/sound as well in say my system. It comes down to trail and error! I went 5hrough a number of different tubes before I found something that improved the sound over 5he stock tubes and at 5he same time improved my listening quality. The best way for you to find out what might work best is to go to the PS Audio website and look at their forums. There are a number of threads on the preamp as well as tube rolling for the BHK specifically. I am not versed in tubes so the information I gleaned was very helpful.

wheather you got black or silver, you did good and well bought!

@audphile1 Very sound advice, as it always is. However, I may try the 330A, as there is a used mint listing for $2,700… then resell if not to my liking with limited loss. I am finding it very difficult to ignore its perfect form factor.
@yyzsantabarbara Thanks. I am somewhat confused how Krell came into this discussion. Also, the 761 at $14,000 is not in play. The 330A at $4,200 is an appropriate comparison to the AHB2 at $3,500. Both have great form factors for my application. Sounds like your preference between those 2 is the AHB2.
@sandrock Thanks. I agree, the BHK pre was a perfect choice and am very happy with that decision. With the break in period over, I swapped out the stock tubes with my favs from my Rogue, NOS Siemens nickel/silver plates. While perhaps a little bright, their crispness, clarity, smoothness and bass slam is excellent. A significant improvement over the stock tubes. Will try the Brimars next for their warmth. Didn’t like the Tele’s on my Rogue… we shall see on the BHK. Fun stuff!

@signaforce I mentioned the KRELL because someone posted a bit earlier about KRELL and CODA. The price of the AHB2 can be had for about $2.5k or less on USAM. Though you can get a 30--day home trial with Benchmark and some other venders for MSRP. With your BHK I think you may really like the pairing.

Benchmark AHB2 amp For Sale - US Audio Mart

Go for it! Definitely worth a shot. It’s a great little amp. 
Keep it on 24/7 if when you get it - this amp needs a day to open up to full potential after it’s been off for few days. 

FYI, running the Simaudio 330A.  Unit is compact and gets only slightly warm.  My experience is that it is neutral and detailed.