If one could only choose between upgrading a BHK Pre to PMG Pre, OR upgrading a BHK Mk2 DAC to PMG DAC, which would make the more significant difference to SQ overall in your opinion? Rest of my gear includes PS Audio SACD player, BHK 300s and P20 with Anphion Krypton3 speakers, so pretty much PS Audio “house sound”.
Opinons from others who have actually heard these two components also welcome.
Best wishes,
Phil
That certainly is the $6K question I too have been pondering. If it’s the preamp, don’t forget the loss of headphone jack and tubes in the equation. 
I asked the same question a month or so back on these pages and Paul answered back with the opinion that the PMG DAC would be his choice.
Actually my question didn’t bring the BHK pre into the conversation but only the PMG DAC upgrade or PMG pre upgrade irrespective of the present preamp.
I decided on PMG DAC (from Mk1) and am without a Pre in my system currently. Was just going to add a pre, but decided the new DAC was all the ‘new next thing’ I needed…. will let you know how it sounds - am expecting amazing and have yet to be let down by anything PSA….
That’s a really tough one to answer in a slight vacuum—I don’t know your speakers—but generally I would replace the DAC if only one option was available to me.
That said, the preamp is so extraordinarily better than the BHK it gives me pause. Caleb and I were talking about the new PMG Signature amps coming our next year and I asked him if he remembered how the first prototypes sounded (an experience I shall never forget) and he answered that it sounded like the BHK Preamp, so he didn’t really know.
And that’s the thing. As much as I have loved the BHK preamp and Ted’s DAC, they both had a sound to them. Unmistakable.
But, the improvements awaiting you in the DAC are so big…I have to stay with my original recommendation.
Once the PMG DAC gets in full circulation it would be interesting to see how it compares to the Grimm MU2. Almost the same functionality.
Thanks @Paul!
Tough to choose only one indeed, but my sense is that I will upgrade both over time! The BHK Preamp is getting some years on it now (I have a signed version!), whereas I just upgraded the Mk2 two years ago, so I suspect preamp replacement will be the step I’ll take. Someone in the listening room could do the comparison (PMG DAC + BHK Pre vs. BHK DAC + PMG Pre) if they’re in the mood! 
I will try not to think about the PMG amps!!
That would be an interesting comparison.
In my shoes I will replace BHK pre first. Now that I have experienced two pre (one from MU2 and later from D333), I was startled by how much quieter my system sounded. MK2, being an newer design, is still one of the best DAC in its price range.
I too mourn the absence of a headphone jack or fixed output RCAs to support a headphone amp. However, for those who purchase the new DAC the manual says you can connect both the RCA and XLR outputs simultaneously. That is a no-no with the DSD II. If you need headphones for phono the Stellar phono and (I assume) the PMG phono both allow for simultaneous hook-ups for both RCA and XLR.
Well, this is the week the 512 preorders are to be completed. I would hope this has started but I’ve heard nothing yet. Anyone received a call ?
I believe they stated that they would start filling preorders this week but nothing to the extent of all preorders. I put my deposit down before the price increase but haven’t heard a word. There are posts on this thread that a few have received emails informing them of what will be taking place.
I should have been clearer, I meant those that received Friday’s email, I was one. I was hoping others who got the email would have some news.
Same here. preordered very early at lower price. No call.
Scratch that. Taylor just took my order. Yippie.. . Said shipping sometime this week.
Just finished the order with Caleb. Shipping likely tomorrow.
hoping they contact me and ship soon as am off grid for 4 weeks starting mid Sept…
You could call and see where you are on the list. Give info and specify shipping date. Probably dont want it showing up while out.
Or…. You could get it redirected!
Mine shipped. Next Tuesday arrival.