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
allanblissett
147 posts
 

Take the deal and get the preamp. Keep your  mogami 2549 interconnects it's as good as any and better than most.

invalid
1,194 posts
 

I think you could do better than the BHK preamp even at 50% off. You can get a really good preamp for $3500.

signaforce's avatar
signaforce OP
194 posts
 

@invalid

Now there’s a response I didn’t expect. Please provide your recommendations, that would include:

Better plus:

No more than 4” in height. (due to my rack requirements)
A good HP amp (otherwise another $1k)

12AU7 tubes compatible (I have almost $2k in tubes)

remote control-able with power/standby on/off & direct input selection ideally compatible with harmony remotes (because I’m old, and like convenience).

Must have home theater pass through (to work with additional HT components)

Unfortunately, I am forced to to consider both form & function.

Tall order…

mm1tt77
165 posts
 

I’m a BHK Pre owner as well.  I also have a Coda 07x Pre.  As others have suggested, use the generous return policy to see how the BHK sounds in your system.  If you have tubes to roll, BHK is a great Pre for that.  Upgrading your Amp is also a great suggestion, the Coda 8 is awesome, if you sent the BHK back you could buy a used Coda # 8.  Your streamer isn’t a weak link, one of the top brands in Hi-Fi.  That would be one of the last upgrades I’d tackle with the gear you have.  

donavabdear's avatar
donavabdear
504 posts
 

I've owned all the BHK line from PS Audio and love the sound the only thing is I have very efficient speakers 96db and the BHK equipment isn't the quietest so the noise was making me crazy. I replaced my BHK preamp with a Boulder preamp that was 4 times the price and the noise problem went away but I still missed the magic of the tube sound, I went through a time when I was changing preamps every week and ultimately I replaced all the BHK equipment and set up a stereo in another room with some new PS Audio speakers and that system works really well together. All that to say if you have very efficient speakers and hate noise the BHK equipment may not be the best choice but with inefficient speakers like the new PS Audio speakers the system is wonderful and buttery. 

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