Allow me to say in response: it’s not a perfect analog-y.
Digital does have some advantages, and side-stepping some of the consequences of thermodynamics is one of them. If you’re working with 24-bit audio tracks and processing with 64-bit precision (which I suspect but don’t know for sure is the case with modern DAWs) then quantisation noise is essentially a solved problem. And of course there will be phase shifts and other kinds of distortion… because changing the sound is by definition distorting its shape.
It is wonderful what can be done in software these days. Maybe a pre-amp sim isn’t that far fetched. I wonder what it would take to run in real-time.
It is not at all far-fetched, as similar “sims” are being used to record music you are listening to now (assuming you listen to music produced in this decade). And with a standard Mac Pro or similarly powerful PC, you can put a plugin across 24 tracks of 24/96 material without breaking a sweat. So the computer horsepower required for stereo applications (up to Whatever-X DSD) is not the issue. It does however require a hardware processor chip that works on whatever computer-based OS/system you have (assuming you have one), doing the work in realtime, and that is largely anathema, or not implemented in this neck of the woods at this point.
I was pretty sure the computation could be achieved – did you see the new Mac Pro announcement yesterday? – but like you say, what hardware would be necessary to do that and would it be acceptable in a domestic listening context.
The other challenge is building a thoroughly accurate model of something as sophisticated as the BHK Pre. Just a matter of resources I guess.
Given that Softube and Universal Audio have been doing amazingly accurate modeling of classic hardware, highly prized mixing consoles, etc., for years now - I’m sure they could model the circuitry of a BHK, assuming Paul and BHK wanted that, were willing to let them tear it apart and willing to license it, and there were enough people who wanted to buy it at a price point such that it would cover costs and make some money. (Hard to imagine at this point)
It is only a matter of time though, as so many extremely well respected and long-lived hardware producers in the Recording space have done so - most/all of whom are still selling their hardware products at premium prices despite the successfully modeled software versions.
But there are currently many multiples of buyers for recording plugins than there are for (current, potential) Audiophile Stereo Component Modeling plugins. This will certainly change over the next decade, as servers of various sorts take over from hardware separates (for the majority).
So @Paul, nota bene with regard to Octave architecture going forward ; )
They discontinued that model and now offer their passive preamp, the LDR3v25 and their tube preamp buffer, TPB.V1. The LDR3v25 only offers unity gain but you can pair it with the TPB.V1 which has up to 6dB of gain that can be set using internal jumpers.
I have the LDR3v25 passive pre-amp with the light dependent resistors positioned between my DS DAC and my power amps. Fantastic product! Best attenuator I have ever heard - treating the signal with kid gloves. But, it is not active which may not be fitting for all.
I’ve just ordered one at a great run out price before the new Evo’s hit the market here (in NZ). Should have it in a few days. No way its looks will allow me to sneak it by the lady of the house so i’ve confessed upfront😇
Your going to love the PL… Be ready to pick your jaw up off the floor.
Also,you will eventually need to roll some NOS 12au7’s (rectifiers also, if so inclined ) to fine tune your pre…which will take it to a whole new level of enjoyment.
cudfoo…I hear you,with tube upgrades this pre just plain sings. I also settled in on the Brimar 5r4gy’s as Rectifiers… For the 12au7 slots… I’m using Amperex for the first and second gain stage and Mazda’s for the cathode follower slot. This combo in my setup is amazing to my ears. Tube choice does make a significant uptick in sound quality…based on one’s preference of course. Enjoy the music…
Yes, that’s how I felt with the DSD until I tried my Decware ZTPRE. This exceptional preamp with gobs of gain and amazing transparency doubled my enjoyment of the system sound. So I agree that the DSD straight in compared to a run of the mill preamp might win, but with an especially good preamp there’s surprising fidelity. (Just my 2 cents).
