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
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,114 posts
 

@signaforce awesome news! Let it cook for two weeks and it should get even better.

signaforce's avatar
signaforce OP
194 posts
 

Thanks! It’s cooking! 

For my sanity, I was doing some research to try to understand the significant perceived improvement from the RP-1 to the BHK. I found 4.

1. The RP-1 is a very good entry level pre. The BHK is a very good high end pre. Design, weight, components etc all superior. Obvious but…
2. This ties into #1. The published THD distortion of the RP-1 is <1%. The published THD & IM distortion of the BHK is <.03%, That’s more than 3x the THD distortion for the Rogue and the IM distortion of the Rogue is not even published. 
3. Capacitance mismatch. From another audiogoner: “the RP-1 is very sensitive your amp's input impedance. My amp's is around 40Kohm and it sounded lifeless....an obvious loss of high frequency air and detail”. My Warp 1 is 47Kohm, and suffered the same issue.
4. As i stated earlier, my amp is designed to run balanced. The BHK accommodates this.

End result, my ears were not deceiving me! Thanks!

yyzsantabarbara
4,872 posts
 

Congrats on the great purchase.

Now you need to not read the forums so that you stay happy wilt your gear.

BTW - I spoke with my friend who had my Yggi+ OG for the past month. This guy has incredible hearing, and I am buying his new speaker line. One reason being because of his hearing. He and some audiophiles compared my Yggi+ OG with the Dave and also the Mola Mola Tambaqui with the best headphones in the world.

The Dave and the Mola are in the $15k region and maybe $20k for the Dave if you add the upscaler (not sure if that was used). He liked the Mola Mola the best but given the price delta he thought the Yggi+ was incredible and the easy choice for him.

I was watching a video with one of the Schitt founders and they are going to release some new features on the Yggi+ lineup in 2026. The existing Yggi+ units are all upgradeable.

 

sandrock's avatar
sandrock
1 posts
 

I am also a BHK Preamp owner and it had been one of my best accusations for about 5 years now. One of the best things I like about the pre amp is “tube rolling” aspect as well. I have also enjoyed changing out the safety fuse (3] times to get what is best for my system. Really, is are you getting the unit in silver or black? Personally,I have silver with the shiny black top. And the final close of the sale is the (THE SPECIAL SALES PRICE”  So there it is! All your questions and thoughts all answered!  So go enjoy the sound.

cheers,

sandroc

signaforce's avatar
signaforce OP
194 posts
 

@yyzsantabarbara Now you need to not read the forums so that you stay happy wilt your gear. 
Much easier said than done!
A side note, I will probably replace my turntable next. Given the same cartridge, it is probably the least sonic improvement I can make. I am a vinyl guy at heart & the joy of vinyl is not only its sound, but also the process of playing albums. My Pro-ject even though part of an analog that is slightly sonically superior to my digital, gives me no joy. 
@sandrock Thanks, mine is black. Not as attractive, but love the solid utilitarian look. I know tubes are very system dependent, but what tubes do you most enjoy? I will be rolling tubes, but unless someone can convince me otherwise not fuses. 

 

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