I found the benchmark amplifier to be on the sterile side, and boring. Good thing they have a return policy. You can try it out. I have never heard a coda, but would love to.
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!
- ...
- 77 posts total
@audphile1 @peter_s @yyzsantabarbara I don’t think anyone has ever accused my R11’s of being warm. I agree the Benchmark would not be a great pairing with my KEF’s, both from a power and sound signature standpoint. I am completely in on the BHK pre, and 90% on the Coda #8. Thanks. |
@signaforce hope FedEx comes through! as to DAC replacement…I’d tackle it after the amp change is in and everything had settled including your ears adjusting to new sound. |
@signaforce The following link has a comparison of a rather cheap DAC with Chord Dave, which I assume is better than the Qutest. The cheap DAC was mine and it was at a headphone show in Colorado over the weekend (I was not present). Headphones can really show the ability of a DAC.
|
- 77 posts total