PS Audio BHK Signature preamplifier


Hi :-)
Has anyone heard this one?
And/or compared it with some other high-end preamps in the $5.-10.000 range?
I have Welborne Labs Star Chief 45 Monos and Avantgarde Acoustic Mezzo speakers (107 dB/(Wm)), and I'm now using a BAT VK-53SE preamp. I'm not sure of that running the BAT versus the SET amps brings the best out of the BAT.........
The BHK have got good reviews on SoundStage and audiophilia...........
Thanks :-)
olaps

Showing 5 responses by olaps

Exciting, thanks :-)
Do you use the standard Psvane tubes or have you replaced them with even better ones?
Thanks :-)
A top class preamp is always essential, that can really turn a medium gear to a top gear :-)
Thanks for advice :-)
I have had a number of BATs (30, 31SE, 51SE, 52SE and now 53SE) and ARCs (Ref 3 and Ref 5) the last 10 years, and have preferred the BATs. My sources are balanced, so I would prefer to have that option for the preamp.
Anyway, I will test the PS Audio BHK during Christmas, so we'll see what happens :-)
But good to have other proposals for potential further testing :-)
As I wrote above, I think too many people overlook the importance of a high quality preamp.
Hello all, thanks for interesting posts :-)
I have now auditioned the PS Audio BHK Signature for about a week, and I think it is an amazing good preamp. Actually, in my ears, and in my gear, it is the best preamp I have ever heard related to price!
It is so close to my BAT VK-53SE on many parameters, costing 40 % of the BAT :-O

It is inferior to the BAT on the following areas:
- Resolution (but only slightly)
- Bass extension (I assume it rolls of 3-5 Hz higher up than the BAT which goes VERY deep, I guess that for most loudspeakers this will not be noticed)
- Macro dynamics/slam
- Harmonic tone structure (if that is the correct English words to use), (noticed on piano, big string instruments etc)
- Soundstage depth (but only slightly)

Conclusion:
The PS Audio BHK Signature preamp is a bargain and highly recommended! It sounds musical and natural, and presents all kind of music in an engaging way.
PS
I tested the preamp with Mullard NOS tubes (1958), which was an improvement relative to the PSVANE standard tubes.