2. amps-preamps
  3. 191859-178608

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
signaforce's avatar
signaforce OP
179 posts
 

Sorry HP (headphone) Amp. 
I mentioned the amp & turntable in my post. Somewhat surprised at the phono stage. To?

oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948
501 posts
 

For quite a few years, I enjoyed the PS Audio BHK pre amp, paired with the BHK250 power amp, Stellar phono pre, and PS Audio DSD DAC.  My sources are a Technics SL-1200G TT and an Innous Zenith MKII streamer.  Speakers Tannoy DC8Ti.

I auditioned the LTA microZTOL preamp in my system for a week. At the end of the week, I ordered the LTA preamp and soon after sold the BHK and haven’t looked back.

The BHK is an excellent piece, the LTA sounds much better in my system.  I used Tungsram NOS 7dj8 tubes in the BHK and stock tubes in the LTA.  Now I have 3 matched pairs of Tungsram NOS 7dj8 tubes gathering dust on a shelf frown.  I’ll sell them one of these days smiley.

fertguy's avatar
fertguy
303 posts
 

I have the BHK pre with M1200s. Stellar Gold DAC, Airlens streamer with Focal Kanta 3s speakers. Couldn't be happier. I run Telefunken 12AX7s. late 50 I think.  

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,130 posts
 

To the other responders. I haven’t heard the BHK preamp and I’m not saying it’s not great, probably is. I just don’t think it’s the first thing that should be addressed.

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,134 posts
 

Be happily married and still get it 

a understanding spouse will respect the things that make you happy 

and join in to listen to good music together.  If then f there is a  hobby she wishes to pursue  respect her hobbies.  I am  married almost 25 years 

and sometimes you have to sit down and explain ,to a non audiophile

they May never come to your logic. I have had to be creative  if you earn the money to pay for it ,then the end justifies the means , I recently spend $4k+ on digital cables ,I just kept the cost to in part to myself . I am 66  and life is to short .

you get your preamp and promise to take her on a nice get away ,it sounds fair to me .my wife spent $3500; on a Prada bag she hardly uses ,I thought that was not too well thought out but  men and women Donot think alike .a sit down may be in order !!

More to discover