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
194 posts
 

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. 
The Cobalt looks intriguing, but can’t find one used, and would have to figure out where to put it from a space standpoint. Otherwise, it will probably be the Benchmark AHB2. 
On the TT side, if I can figure out space, a higher end VPI, otherwise the Rega P8. 
Thanks again for all your thoughts and recommendations. I find these discussions to the very valuable. 

mm1tt77
165 posts
 

@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. 

signaforce's avatar
signaforce OP
194 posts
 

@mm1tt77 Thanks, will do. Do you think the BHK & AHB2 will not pair well if I go that route?

mm1tt77
165 posts
 

@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,

fastfreight
799 posts
 

Hello @signaforce , Without commenting on the rest of your system, I can comment about my experiences with the BHK pre from PS Audio.  In my system, it was noisy. I really wanted to get a tube pre with SS amps, but I could not get past the noise. Any extra noise to me is a distraction.  I tried different tubes, cleaning tube ports, changing interconnects, changing outlets etc.  I replaced it with a used Audionet Pre 1 G3 and oh my what an improvement. Not only quieter but much better imaging and soundstage.  Much more clear and extended.  This was my first real taste of the sound I desired.  I have since moved well up the Audionet chain, but it was the Pre 1 G3 that started it.  Used, it is similar to what you are talking about for the BHK.

More to discover