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.
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!
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Thank you for your thoughts and recommendations. Unfortunately I am not certain what I am going to do. I do understand my weakest links are: 1. Amp 2. Turntable 3. DAC 4. Phono stage However, I will more than likely buy the BHK pre, for all the reasons expressed by me and many of you. |
@signaforce keep us posted, if you get the BHK, does it deliver the differences you are hoping for? It’s a great Pre, very different than the AHB2 which is known for being very transparent and neutral. Good Luck. |
@mm1tt77 Thanks, will do. Do you think the BHK & AHB2 will not pair well if I go that route? |
@signaforce I misread the nomenclature and thought you were looking at the Pre and didn’t realize the ABH2 was their amp. They would likely be a nice combo, the BHK would bring a little something extra to the party. Thanks, |
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