Used PS Audio BHK 300 monoblock or (2) new benchmark ahb2 bridged?


Would appreciate opinions - thanks in advance

listen to rock, jazz, classical at normal levels but appreciate headroom for transients

Listen to vinyl and computer-based files equally

basis 2200, transfiguration phoenix, bryston bda-3, PS audio stellar phono pre, Red Rose Revelation 1 tower speakers, 14x20 room

richardnyc

@donavabdear what exactly do you mean when you say they are noisy? Fan noise type of noisy?

thanks

Hiss the dreaded monster the PS Audio BHK preamp (I've had 3 of them) is not as quiet as my other preamps like the Lyngdorf 60 (theater controller) or any of the solid state preamps I've had but I like the BHK preamp better than the rest because it make the music sound better, probably is the tubes.

I owned the AHB2 about 5x and likely going to get a pair of monos again for either my Yamaha NS5000 or Magenpan LRS+. The NS5000 would be great with the AHB2. The LRS+ maybe not the best, but I think I will take the chance. I have a CODA #16 and I will rotate the amps between the 2 systems.

The CODA #16 is likely closer to the BHK sound than the AHB2 sound. While the #16 is great, I miss the beautiful AHB2 sound. I do not think there is any top end as good as the AHB2. However, the AHB2 is not the most powerful amp, especially compared to the #16.

Speaking of noisy preamps, I had a CODA 07x preamp, and while likely very quiet compared to the majority of the preamps it was like Grand Central Station compared to the Benchmark LA4 and Holo Serene. Try a silent preamp with whatever amp you like.

 

@donavabdear 

I have heard the BHK preamp with the BHK 250 mono blocks and everything was whisper quiet.  If you have had problems with three of the the preamps, I’m guessing there is something else at play here.