Ps Audio BHK preamp Vs ARC best preamps

I have a VAC Signature 2a SE preamp and a DSD, and read digital definitely sounds better through the preamp than direct into my VAC Phi 200 amplifiers

So the verdict seems to be unanimous...

But this make me go back to my original enquiry: is the BHK preamp that good, especially matched to BHK power amps, or a (very good) preamp is always mandatory?

And a top Audio Research preamp is as good and mandatory as the BHK preamp with BHK power amps?

Mario

The only way to find out which is the best way to go is to actually do a comparison.  You could use the mono BHK amplifiers first with the BHK preamp, next go to a top end recent Audio Research tube preamp.  To make it complete try substituting a recent top VAC preamp.  I notice that over the years Richard Vanderstein, besides his own solid state amplifiers for his model 7 speakers, has used VAV with Audio Research, Audio Research by itself, and at last October show in Denver used only VAC electronics. All three are truly great.  It might depend upon the combination of actual electronics used as well as the chosen speakers.  It might depend upon the person doing the evaluations personal prefrences.

Evening. Longtime lurker but no time like the present.

Mario, you will love what the BHK preamp does for your system. Like others in this thread, I was using a (DirectStream) DAC directly into the BHK 250 amp. Sounded great, but the tiniest bit dry and lifeless. Adding the BHK preamp improved everything. I guess sometimes “more is more.” Counterintuitive but there it is.

Recently added the BHK monoblocks. Well run in now and the system is producing the most enjoyable, musically involving sound I’ve experienced during my 30 years in the hobby. Always felt using one company’s electronics was in violation of the “audiophile way.”  Naim (love/hate) and now PS Audio with full loom Triode Wire Labs have shown, at least in my room, the value of design, manufacturing, and voicing synergy. And it simplifies things a bit.