That aligns with my philosophy of tubes in preamp- it depends, tubes in power amp- a resolute no. Sometimes tubes are a nice option for what I’m looking for but not as a steady diet.
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Completely understand that no product is perpetual. However, I hope that the chassis and cosmetics of the replacement pre will be like or at least visually compatible with the current PerfectWave components.
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I remember during the development of the BHK preamp and power amp and into the earlier development of what eventually evolved into the Aspen FR speaker line how Paul would give information about what was being developed. As I recall, I think that management instructed Paul to stop giving information about products that are in development. I for one miss being able to know some details about products that are coming.
I do know that there is a new power amp coming that will replace the BHK, and Paul responded to my inquiry that it would not be class D, but otherwise no details. Now, we know that a new preamp is coming, but no details. I can see why they would not want to give a projected release date on any new products, because invariably, projected release dates slip due to any number of reasons. What I would like, and I am sure that many in our community agree, is to get some information about what is coming. That way, people who are in the market, or are thinking about an upgrade, can have some information as to whether they want to wait, or move on to something else if the new equipment does not seem to meet their wants/needs.
I really enjoyed reading about the development of the Aspen speaker line, the design iterations, and why changes were made. To me, this generates some excitement about what is coming, rather than frustration over having no information. Just my 2 cents.
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Translation $$$$$. I’m happy with my "ancient PS Audio DirectStream Sr. (MK1) DSD DAC, Perfectwave Transport, and Stellar PhonoPreamp.
No Company wants to build a “product of the year” every year. But yes, Product Lines come an go but so long as it sounds good to the owner’s tastes. Then that’s all that counts.
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Have you hooked up the MSB Reference DAC directly to the BHK 600’s without the BHK Preamp?
I’m curious of what you heard or what you will hear. Thanks
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One of the harder lessons to learn as an audiophile is that there is no universal “best” product in a category and sometimes factors like cost, design complexity, and new technology don’t factor into what you ultimately prefer. Plus, system context is a big factor in whether a given component is the “best.” I’ve got Modwright, Luxman, and Dehavilland preamps now ( a BHK pre is recently departed.) All four shine in conjunction with various amp and speaker combinations and there is no universal preference. Sometimes you think you’ve got a handle on a component’s personality and you try it in a new system context and you realize it’s true potential has evaded you for years. That was the case with my DeHavilland UltraVerve. I’ve had it for ten years and it wasn’t until I found the right combination of amp, cables, Stillpoint footers, and power conditioning that it transformed into its full potential. Even though its design sophistication is equivalent to a “57 Chevy” by the designer Kara Chafee’s admission, it outshines other more modern and sophisticated designs in its particular context now. Learn what kind of sounds floats your boat and be happy with it. Don’t worry if your preference isn’t on the latest hit parade list of the short attention span audio press world.
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Yes - but there were a few folks who made a big deal, called the company bad words for changing their designs, and generally ruined it for the rest of us by pissing and whinging about things they didn’t like (I think the word “betrayal” even came up!).
After that Paul M was banned by the board from such open development.
That was my take on what happened and I commented on it at at the time.
A great shame.
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Yes, I also thoroughly enjoyed learning of the developments of the speaker line, it was an interesting, exciting, fascinating audio-related development. I could not wait for the next video to be released showing the development of the speakers. THAT is what got me interested in PS Audio. It was all this excitement regarding the speaker development that helped PS Audio grow to where they are now, and hope they are aware and recognize this. And after all the hype, I bought a pair of the FR20, and the speakers turned out to be even better than the hype.
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I think that the reason less is being said about new electronics is that often companies sabotage their sales if they announce a new model is coming out. This would happen to sales of the BHK Preamp. PS Audio is being kind to discount their current product that is being phased out (I am guessing here). The reason so much could be disclosed about the development of the Aspen speaker line is that they did not have a current speaker line. By disclosing a new product that was not replacing an older model no sales were hurt. I think we need to remember that PS Audio is a business. They are in business to make money so they can keep supplying us with great products in the future. I found it quite sad when there was some negative comments about the speaker development. Designs change during development and stuff happens. Just my 2 cents.
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What I do know is that PS Audio grew exponentially, and there were a bunch of PSA videos on youtube regarding BHK pre and power amps, and then speakers, at the same time as their growth spurt.
Interesting too how future products are marketed. Not sure how long PSA can use BHK and Darren as “active” designs…
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I believe Darren is still involved with the Perfectwave Phono stage.
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I have and prefer the sound coming through the BHK Pre vs direct from the DAC. The BHK Pre in the line provides a fuller, richer, more musical sound to my ears as if there is more body to the recording. While not certain, it may be due to the harmonic distortion caused by the Telefunken 6922 NOS tubes I rolled into the BHK Pre.
I don’t think it’s harmonic distortion that improves the sound. The BHK pre just has a better analog output stage than the DAC.
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In my experience almost any pre will improve the sound. I can listen using just the PSA dac and its fine, but cannot think of a time when the additional pre did not help. Just last week i threw in a Ayre and a ARC. Much better!
More full and less rough edges.
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