Ps Audio BHK preamp Vs ARC best preamps

The only way to find out which is the best way to go is to actually do a comparison.  You could use the mono BHK amplifiers first with the BHK preamp, next go to a top end recent Audio Research tube preamp.  To make it complete try substituting a recent top VAC preamp.  I notice that over the years Richard Vanderstein, besides his own solid state amplifiers for his model 7 speakers, has used VAV with Audio Research, Audio Research by itself, and at last October show in Denver used only VAC electronics. All three are truly great.  It might depend upon the combination of actual electronics used as well as the chosen speakers.  It might depend upon the person doing the evaluations personal prefrences.

Evening. Longtime lurker but no time like the present.

Mario, you will love what the BHK preamp does for your system. Like others in this thread, I was using a (DirectStream) DAC directly into the BHK 250 amp. Sounded great, but the tiniest bit dry and lifeless. Adding the BHK preamp improved everything. I guess sometimes “more is more.” Counterintuitive but there it is.

Recently added the BHK monoblocks. Well run in now and the system is producing the most enjoyable, musically involving sound I’ve experienced during my 30 years in the hobby. Always felt using one company’s electronics was in violation of the “audiophile way.”  Naim (love/hate) and now PS Audio with full loom Triode Wire Labs have shown, at least in my room, the value of design, manufacturing, and voicing synergy. And it simplifies things a bit. 

Dear Alan and nomayo,

yes, I think that you are both right except for the fact that I'm waiting for the BHK 250 and not for the monos which in Italy cost an embarrassing bunch of money...

I will start with the DSd + BHK 250 configuration and with no hurry I will try to test them adding a borrowed BHK preamp, it will be a joy to discover the improvements...

Thank you! 


Mario

Going  a bit OT...what speakers do you all use with your PS amplifications?


Mario

On my speaker based audio system I am presently using an Audio Research LS27 preamp, but only a simple Odyssey Khartago amplifier.  The reason is right now simply finances.  But why I am mentioning this at this time that I still am able to achieve a quite presentable audio system in spite of the vast cost differences betwen the two.  In my opinion the preamplifier being used is more important than the amplifier being used.  Thus I would bet than having a PS Audio BHK preamplifier to use with their stereo Stella amplifier would create a much sound than using their $1500 preamplifier with their 250 amplifier.  With my Audio Research LS27, using high gain, I get excellent sound with my little 110 watts per channel amplifier.  Which helps explain why Alan Wolfe of Magico used to use the same exact Odyssey for his own audio dydtem as I presently do.  And on paper the simularities between my LS27 and the BHK preamplifiers seem very simular.  Which one sounds best would a direct comparison between the two.  Again, thru going on 50 years in audio I personally think the preamplifier isthe single most important part of a high quality audio system, and that an audio system should be centered upon it for best results.