Hi,
I know this post is some years ago. How did the BHK250 work out for you in the end?
I received the same model earlier this week. It was reconditioned, they are discontinuing so having a half price deal. Speaking to sales he said the one I had was a recent purchase returned. I went over it with a fine tooth comb, no cosmetic damage, not even a hint to dust. It looks brand new.
Being so new makes me think maybe they kept the same tubes in. So I’m sure they’ve had some use from the original purchaser.
My stack from the top of the stream…
PS Audio P12 Power Regenerator
Innuos Zenith MkIII (c$4k)
Innuos USB Reclocker (c$3k)
Chord MScaler ($c4k)
Holo May KTE Dac (c$5k)
BHK250
KEF Reference 1 Speakers (c$9)
Not putting the value to be an ass (and I’m sure you guys are familiar with these products) but to show the setup is giving the BHK’s every chance
My previous amp was a Cambridge Edge A Integrated (c$5k)
I have a Holo Serene Preamp (c$3k) on order so I have no preamp at the moment.
I began by using the the pre outs of the Cambridge into the BHK.
After that, no good results, I switched to Dac right into BHK adjusting volume in roon on the Innuos.
Don’t get me wrong there were some tracks that gave me more than the Cambridge. Mainly tracks with not so much going on like North Country Girl by Bob Dylan. That’s always a good track as on revealing systems you get the vocal & harmonica in the room with you.
However, other tracks. Soundgarden, Pink Floyd - Time and others where there is more going on. Muddy Muddy. The chimes should have been OMG, well, they were but not in the way in wanted!
On many tracks I’m getting the same as the original poster, recessed vocals. It’s like you’ve heard a good mix of a song and now you’re hearing a much less good mix.
I know people are saying, wait, it will come but to me, given the step up and the advantages of a dedicated power amp over an integrated. They should be pretty equal when the BHK is out of the box, then it should be wow once it’s burned in.
It feels like 200m back in the last lap of an 800 race and I’m like, is it possible it’s going to come through and overtake?!
I’ve consumed everything Paul, Bascom, Arnie and reviews. I couldn’t audition at a dealer. They are heros to me but I did think. The music they often talk about is classical, acoustic and the usual Diana Krall type fair so beloved of audio shows.
However, my tastes are everything and that includes electronica of Pet Shop Boys, Leftfield & Aphex Twin. The latter. Some of his music has a very ethereal, transparent production where sounds can be just in the air. It was flat with the BHK and made me wonder if the designers considered this kind of music.
I love Paul but I have gone through the Octave catalogue previewing and not found much to float my boat. So that has me worried that the BHK has been designed for a narrow genre.
Sorry it’s long but would appreciate knowing how it worked out for the original poster and any others.
Many Many Thanks
Merry Christmas