Rogue audio RP-7 versus PS Audio BHK preamplifier

Thanks irrenartz. I too am interested in PS Audio’s trade in, hence inquiring about the bhk preamp. May I ask what other equipment you use in your system to get a better sense of the brightness of sound you mentioned?

All you have to do to change the tonal balance of the BHK is change a pair of tubes.  It can use 6,7 and 12 volt tubes with a change of the jumper.  Not the case with the Rogue which takes twice as many tubes and only one type.  

Jackd, I did not think about this but you are correct. Very important consideration in my mind. Do you have any suggestions as to other tubes that would make the bhk a tadd more tuby/warm?

The obvious choice is usually Mullard but they are getting very expensive if you buy from a reputable seller like Andy at VTS.  A more cost effective alternative are the tubes made in the Matsushita factory in Japan that was set up with the help of Mullard and used many of their tooling and methods.  They were available with under many labels other than their own.  Last I checked Andy had a good supply.  I also have had good luck with the Black Plate Raytheons and Toshiba's that were available as tubes from the organ companies like Conn and Baldwin.  I was not as impressed with the 6 and 7 volt tubes and I tried quite a few.  The best were the Matsushita's and the Phillip's that Kevin was selling.  Both are on the warmer side.  One thing to consider with the BHK is that it greatly prefers tubes that are not only matched to each other but also have matched Triodes.  The best of the current production tubes is probably the Gold Lion which you can buy that way from the TubeStore for under $100 a pair.  You probably can't go wrong with either choice but I have never owned a Rogue preamp only amps.  Another good possibility is the Backert Rhuma 1.3.

Have had a BHK preamp in my system for a week now. Replaced a Rotel RC-1590.  It was a very noticeable change in sound. Only 35 hours on it so far. I am using Bob Carver VTA-180 mono blocks using all Gold Lion tubes. I have tried 4 or 5 tone tubes in the amp. Came to me with medical grade 50s era Mullard tubes. I found them too bassy and no high end detail.  Of course, I have Klipsch Cornwall III’s with a 15” woofer.

BHK preamps are shipped with Gold Lion tubes. Depending on your system, it may sound bright. Like jackd said above, the beauty of tube gear is that changing tone is just a matter of finding the right tube. I like that the fact that as I upgrade, I can adjust the sound as I go. 

Happy listening.