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

Interesting you recommend the v1.  KEF recommends at least 60% of 300w for the R11’s… so at least 180w. In talking to their support, they wanted 200w.  Is there some advantage to the V1?

FWIW, I drive a pair of the KEF Reference One's with my Coda with no issue. The V1 is 150W at 8 ohms, 300 at 4 ohms, and the KEF's are a nominal 4 ohm speaker. The V1 just buys you more watts of Class A before it goes AB. 

What @zlone said. 
If you want more power yes go fir v2 or v3. It’s worth starting with V1 though…Doug can always upgrade your amp to V2 or V3. Give him a call get his take on it. 

Another Amp first vote. DAC second. But please consider that they are now ah days many fine intergrateds. The Accuphase E-4000 180W/ch Integrated Stereo Amplifier Comes to mind. New/Used. The sterophile list has all sorts in every price range.