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 Already own the tubes that fit the BHK from my RP-1. Matched NOS Tele’s, Siemens & Brimar’s.
Won’t be spending any money on more tubes, nor fuses. Thanks.

Congrats on the BHK preamp. Great piece. I have the full PSA stack with the BHK250 and DSD and am very happy. That being said I did get a chance to try the Coda 8 mated to the BHK preamp for a week. Nothing to be afraid there. I think it was a great match and the Coda is a phenomenal piece too. Super resolving, dead quiet and about the same big soundstage as the BHK250. Its bass is in one word subterranean. Fast and deep. Superb quality too and able to drive very low impedance loads (single ended bipolar design vs differential balanced mosfet for the BHK). I would seriously listen to the Coda especially with difficult loads. No issue being driven by the BHK preamp.  

Congrats on the BHK preamp. Great piece. I have the full PSA stack with the BHK250 and DSD and am very happy. That being said I did get a chance to try the Coda 8 mated to the BHK preamp for a week. Nothing to be afraid there. I think it was a great match and the Coda is a phenomenal piece too. Super resolving, without being sterile, a touch sweet, dead quiet and about the same big soundstage as the BHK250. Its bass is in one word subterranean. Fast and deep. Superb quality too and able to drive very low impedance loads (single ended bipolar design vs differential balanced mosfet for the BHK). I would seriously listen to the Coda especially with difficult loads. No issue being driven by the BHK preamp.  

@digilog5 Thanks for your observation confirming the Coda was very good & compatible with my BHK PRE. But it sounds like you prefer the BHK 250… wish they had one in black, I might overlook the size, weight & heat. Sorry to ask but what does it mean to be “a touch sweet”? Thanks!