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
yyzsantabarbara
4,941 posts
 

@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.

https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2653214  (link is messed up)

 

Another Head-Fi’er, @yyzSB, sent his Schiit Audio Yggdrasil+ OG DAC with Danny, and I got a chance to listen to it not only driving my Immanis through my Zahl HM1 and VM-1a, but also through Danny’s Feliks Audio Envy. It has great tonal density—more than my Dave. And it does bass drum better than I think I’ve ever heard. Not only with the impact of the drum strikes, but the hollow reverb (I mean hollow in a good way here) of the sound of that strike bouncing around inside the drum. Timbre across the rest of the FR, and technicalities, were a touch behind my Dave, with the Yggi+ sounding a hair more digital. But the Yggi+ is also much less expensive and offers insane SQ per $.

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,215 posts
 

Signaforce  congrats, Keep us updated.

signaforce's avatar
signaforce OP
244 posts
 

@yyzsantabarbara 

Thanks. I probably should have bought the Yggi instead of the Qutest. I liked the Qutest size. Your Yggi+ OG, is that less is more or more is better? 
 

@jayctoy @audphile1 

Thanks  Tracking says it is out for delivery. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,365 posts
 

Awesome! Looking forward to read your impressions. 

yyzsantabarbara
4,941 posts
 

@signaforce I have 2 Yggi+ DACs. I got the very last Yggi+ OG sold by Schitt last year and also the Yggi+ LIM.

I have the LIM up for sale and I am also in the queue to get the LIM converted to the More Is Better by Schitt. Whichever happens first will dictate what I do.

I am selling off a bit of gear to buy a new open baffle speaker a friend is releasing.

The quote above is for the OG.

Schiit Audio Yggdrasil DAC - The Absolute Sound

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