# Preamplifiers **URL:** https://forum.psaudio.com/c/audio-components/preamplifiers/33.md?page=1 [Latest](https://forum.psaudio.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.psaudio.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.psaudio.com/tags.md) **Page:** 2 --- ## [SGCD Input 1 question](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sgcd-input-1-question/43004)
**Author:** [@frankhertz](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/frankhertz)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2025, 1:56am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/sgcd-input-1-question/43004 "2025-10-28T01:56:31Z")
Hello, I have been happily using the SGCD for a few years but now have need for an extra analog input, My question is this: According to the manual, input 1 is used for either an XLR or a RCA connection. Can I connect b… --- ## [The bottom metal Plate of the new PMG Signature Preamp looks dirty](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/the-bottom-metal-plate-of-the-new-pmg-signature-preamp-looks-dirty/42583)
**Author:** [@Photoken](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Photoken)\ **Replies:** 241\ **Last updated:** [October 26, 2025, 2:21pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/the-bottom-metal-plate-of-the-new-pmg-signature-preamp-looks-dirty/42583 "2025-10-26T14:21:03Z")
I took delivery of the brand new PMG Signature preamp last week. The bottom metal plate looks used or old. Is this normal? New owners please check and let me know. This is not a deal breaker, but I never had new audio … --- ## [Who's To Blame? (SGCD)](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/whos-to-blame-sgcd/42978)
**Author:** [@flac2dac](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/flac2dac)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2025, 12:38pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/whos-to-blame-sgcd/42978 "2025-10-24T12:38:41Z")
So…I’m a longtime, but recovering/reformed audiophile. When I was at my best/worst, lol…my system ran to the tune of about $25k; and I was a real churn-n-burn hobbyist. Meaning? I’ve probably owned/heard more kit, than a… --- ## [Preamp suggestions?](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/preamp-suggestions/40866)
**Author:** [@rkindel](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/rkindel)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2025, 3:19pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/preamp-suggestions/40866 "2025-10-09T15:19:17Z")
Since I started using my DS MKll DAC directly to my power amp it it’s become increasingly obvious that I need to consider a preamp change. Paul has famously stated that he thinks using a preamp can sound better. Maybe ye… --- ## [Stellar GCD strange issues](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/stellar-gcd-strange-issues/42849)
**Author:** [@Ziggi](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Ziggi)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2025, 8:59pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/stellar-gcd-strange-issues/42849 "2025-10-08T20:59:03Z")
Hi everyone, It’s been a long time since my last visit to the forum, but I wanted to share a strange experience I’ve had with my Stellar GCD. I own a Stellar stack (Gain Cell DAC, M700, and a phono preamp, among other … --- ## [New to me Pass xp-22, why am I struggling with this?](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/new-to-me-pass-xp-22-why-am-i-struggling-with-this/42540)
**Author:** [@rkindel](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/rkindel)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2025, 1:34am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/new-to-me-pass-xp-22-why-am-i-struggling-with-this/42540 "2025-10-07T01:34:57Z")
Recently received a new to me XP-22. I’ve been lusting after this preamp for a long time. I’ve done the work, read the reviews and it should be exactly what I want to bring out the best in my DS MK II DAC. But I’m not l… --- ## [PMG Signature Preamp Review. Steve Guttenberg](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-signature-preamp-review-steve-guttenberg/42769)
**Author:** [@Dirk](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Dirk)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2025, 2:27pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-signature-preamp-review-steve-guttenberg/42769 "2025-10-01T14:27:49Z")
Bing Videos --- ## [Mute doesn't mute completely](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mute-doesnt-mute-completely/42620)
**Author:** [@Photoken](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Photoken)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2025, 1:40am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mute-doesnt-mute-completely/42620 "2025-09-23T01:40:05Z")
@Paul My PMG Signature preamp doesn’t mute completely. When I use the “mute” on the remote while the cartridge is still in the grooves, I hear very soft music coming through the tweeters and midrange. It is very soft bu… --- ## [PS Audio 4.5 preamp](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-4-5-preamp/16550)
**Author:** [@DocTony](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/DocTony)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2025, 4:36pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-4-5-preamp/16550 "2025-09-09T16:36:11Z")
Hello. I have a PS audio 4.5 that never was powered on. I finished replacing all electrolytics with Rubycon Black Gate capacitors. My story begins with a passion on this preamp first listened to in an audio store in Dall… --- ## [BHK Preamp, only one tube glows](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/bhk-preamp-only-one-tube-glows/42548)
**Author:** [@Nanda](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Nanda)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2025, 11:44am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/bhk-preamp-only-one-tube-glows/42548 "2025-09-03T11:44:45Z")
Hi Paul. I bought a BHK Pre Amp in June 2025 from PS Audio. Was purchased from Boulder and sent to my mates place in New York. When he came to visit he brought the Pre Amp with him and gave it to me. I have to inform y… --- ## [PMG Preamp vs PS Stellar Gold Preamp](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-preamp-vs-ps-stellar-gold-preamp/42470)
**Author:** [@jtsnead](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/jtsnead)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2025, 12:35am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pmg-preamp-vs-ps-stellar-gold-preamp/42470 "2025-08-15T00:35:41Z")
I know it is early but I was wondering if anyone has compared these two. I am one of the buyers that preferred the SGP to the BHK when I was changing preamps. --- ## [Stellar Gain Cell DAC Remote](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/stellar-gain-cell-dac-remote/18505)
**Author:** [@lanordby1](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/lanordby1)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2025, 3:59pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/stellar-gain-cell-dac-remote/18505 "2025-08-13T15:59:17Z")
Hi I just received a use Stellar Gain Cell DAC, but I was wondering about the remote. The remote I got with the SGCD is bigger than my Perfectwave DSD remote, but has a few buttons that I would like more info on. What do… --- ## [Bluetooth protocol of PMG Preamplifier?](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/bluetooth-protocol-of-pmg-preamplifier/42258)
**Author:** [@alexreusch](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/alexreusch)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2025, 3:49am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/bluetooth-protocol-of-pmg-preamplifier/42258 "2025-08-01T03:49:50Z")
Unfortunately, PS Audio did not take customers with home automation into consideration when developing the PMG series. I am now thinking about building a Bluetooth Proxy to integrate it anyway. It would be helpful to kno… --- ## [BHK Pre Amp Balanced](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/bhk-pre-amp-balanced/42308)
**Author:** [@browntrout](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/browntrout)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2025, 9:34am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/bhk-pre-amp-balanced/42308 "2025-07-26T09:34:50Z")
Is the BHK preamp a fully balanced design? Thank you. --- ## [Anyone ever experience any bleed through on other inputs on their BHK Preamplifier](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/anyone-ever-experience-any-bleed-through-on-other-inputs-on-their-bhk-preamplifier/42038)
**Author:** [@onehorsepony](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/onehorsepony)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2025, 1:08am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/anyone-ever-experience-any-bleed-through-on-other-inputs-on-their-bhk-preamplifier/42038 "2025-06-29T01:08:14Z")
Hey all - Hoping maybe someone can help me out with this issue on my BHK preamplifier. This only happens when an XLR input is used. When my CD player is connected, via XLR, to the BHK preamp on any of the inputs, inde… --- ## [Connecting a headamp to Stellar Gold Preamp](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/connecting-a-headamp-to-stellar-gold-preamp/41966)
**Author:** [@LRLP](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/LRLP)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2025, 3:47am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/connecting-a-headamp-to-stellar-gold-preamp/41966 "2025-06-23T03:47:57Z")
Hi, Anyone having tried connecting a dedicated headamp to the Stellar Gold Pre? As I understand, all outputs are volume controlled (as opposed to a classic “tape out” og pre-out with fixed volume). According to the ma… --- ## [Which PSA Preamp To Pair With A Mac MC352?](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/which-psa-preamp-to-pair-with-a-mac-mc352/41925)
**Author:** [@beatboy77](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/beatboy77)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2025, 2:27am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/which-psa-preamp-to-pair-with-a-mac-mc352/41925 "2025-06-13T02:27:48Z")
Looking for opinions on which PSA Preamp to pair with McIntosh MC352? The BHK or the Stellar Gold? I currently have the Stellar Gold Dac with Airlens and only play Digital Music, Mainly streaming through Qobuz. My speak… --- ## [Pass Labs x-1 preamp opinions?](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pass-labs-x-1-preamp-opinions/41919)
**Author:** [@rkindel](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/rkindel)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2025, 6:08pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/pass-labs-x-1-preamp-opinions/41919 "2025-06-12T18:08:03Z")
I’m not familiar with this preamp. I noticed at rather rough looking one available at TMR. Haven’t been able to find much online about it other than some old forum posts that trended positive. Sounds interesting but not … --- ## [BHK pre taking longer to warm up](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/bhk-pre-taking-longer-to-warm-up/41786)
**Author:** [@todd-r](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/todd-r)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2025, 1:12am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/bhk-pre-taking-longer-to-warm-up/41786 "2025-05-28T01:12:28Z")
I have a 30 second trigger delay set on the preamp before the BHK amp is told to start up (yes, I finally repurchased the pair). It was working properly, but now the preamp is still flashing for another 15 or so seconds… --- ## [PSA + MAC Thoughts](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/psa-mac-thoughts/41751)
**Author:** [@NewGuy](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/NewGuy)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2025, 1:00pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/psa-mac-thoughts/41751 "2025-05-25T13:00:45Z")
Anyone have any experience matching PSA preamp gear with MAC gear? Understanding that the PMG series hasn’t been released yet, thinking about the PMG preamp paired with an MC462 amp. Thanks! --- ## [New Flagship PreAmp](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/new-flagship-preamp/40973)
**Author:** [@gthiel](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/gthiel)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2025, 1:31am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/new-flagship-preamp/40973 "2025-05-24T01:31:13Z")
Mea Culp if there is a thread for this topic somewhere in the ether. I’m looking to go separates from my Mac MA352 Hybrid Integrated. Now that the BHK pre is on the outs I’m curious how long it’ll be before the next vers… --- ## [Comparing two discontinued flagship preamps PS BHK vs Hegel P30](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/comparing-two-discontinued-flagship-preamps-ps-bhk-vs-hegel-p30/41692)
**Author:** [@nespo](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/nespo)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2025, 6:54pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/comparing-two-discontinued-flagship-preamps-ps-bhk-vs-hegel-p30/41692 "2025-05-17T18:54:09Z")
Comparing the PS Audio BHK Preamp to the Hegel P30 Preamp I’ve hit a point with my system that I am so satisfied with the sound that I’ve stopped chasing the possibility of an even better sound. There’s just one small p… --- ## [Big compliment to PS Audio customer support - well done folks!](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/big-compliment-to-ps-audio-customer-support-well-done-folks/41619)
**Author:** [@gazjam](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/gazjam)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2025, 3:37pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/big-compliment-to-ps-audio-customer-support-well-done-folks/41619 "2025-05-12T15:37:45Z")
UK based here. I had an issue with my BHK Pre in that one of the tube input boards had drifted out of spec after 7 years and became very “hissy”. It was so bad I took the preamp out of my system and hooked up my Direct… --- ## [Potential Causes for BHK Pre "Fault"](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/potential-causes-for-bhk-pre-fault/41464)
**Author:** [@socal77](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/socal77)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2025, 8:19pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/potential-causes-for-bhk-pre-fault/41464 "2025-04-21T20:19:02Z")
My PS Audio BHK Preamp operates in standby fine. After the countdown going to operating mode, The blue switch light flashes fast and the unit displays “FAULT.” This is not mentioned in the manual. In the Forum I only se… --- ## [BHK Volume Change Causes Loud Snap in Right Speaker](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/bhk-volume-change-causes-loud-snap-in-right-speaker/40200)
**Author:** [@mikemalter](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/mikemalter)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2025, 6:18pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/bhk-volume-change-causes-loud-snap-in-right-speaker/40200 "2025-04-09T18:18:57Z")
I’ve had my new BHK for a few months now and just suddenly I am hearing loud snaps through my right speakers only when changing volume. It happens on all volume settings all of the time. I’ve read through the threads h… --- ## [BHK Preamp burn in time](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/bhk-preamp-burn-in-time/28699)
**Author:** [@gd7288](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/gd7288)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 7:29pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/bhk-preamp-burn-in-time/28699 "2025-03-31T19:29:51Z")
Mine hopefully arrives friday. Is there a consensus re: how much time it needs to burn in? Or does it need time? Thank you --- ## [Anyone tried the newer PSVANE Art Series tubes?](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/anyone-tried-the-newer-psvane-art-series-tubes/21540)
**Author:** [@dclark2171](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/dclark2171)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 9:20am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/anyone-tried-the-newer-psvane-art-series-tubes/21540 "2025-03-31T09:20:33Z")
Just curious what are the differences, if any, between the stock BHK Pre tubes --- ## [Stellar Gold Pre vs. BHK Pre](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/stellar-gold-pre-vs-bhk-pre/35942)
**Author:** [@rcf051](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/rcf051)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2025, 2:52am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/stellar-gold-pre-vs-bhk-pre/35942 "2025-03-31T02:52:44Z")
I’ve beta-tested the Stellar Gold Pre over the past 6 weeks, comparing it to a BHK Pre\](BHK Signature Preamplifier – PS Audio) and to my PSA Stellar Gain Cell DAC. The SGCD now has been traded in: there really is no com… --- ## [BHK Pre "Lazy" Volume Control](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/bhk-pre-lazy-volume-control/41279)
**Author:** [@thegage1](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/thegage1)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2025, 11:29pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/bhk-pre-lazy-volume-control/41279 "2025-03-29T23:29:58Z")
I’m well aware of the clicking of the volume control, but what I haven’t seen a comment on is an issue with my new-to-me used BHK pre, where sometimes turning the volume control does not result in any change in level. I … --- ## [BHK Pre or Stellar GOLD Pre?](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/bhk-pre-or-stellar-gold-pre/41253)
**Author:** [@Andy\_Walters](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Andy_Walters)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2025, 1:08am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/bhk-pre-or-stellar-gold-pre/41253 "2025-03-26T01:08:31Z")
Hi there all from OZ, I am thinking of upgrading my preamp and was wondering which of these two you would you choose? My current pre is Gain Cell DAC. My amp is BHK250 Cheers Andy [Previous page](https://forum.psaudio.com/c/audio-components/preamplifiers/33.md) [Next page](https://forum.psaudio.com/c/audio-components/preamplifiers/33.md?page=2)