I had the PMG preamp paired with the MK II until I received the PMG DAC last week.The PMG pre and the MK II are a great combination. I was stunned with the improvement in the sound quality of my system with the PMG preamp. As others have stated it takes quite a few hours to completely break in but once it does you will be amazed.
6 Likes
There may be a lesson there, audition before you buy, just sayin’.
No Pass Labs dealers in my state. In the end this was the only option to audition this in my own system. Lucky for me the lesson only cost me the 5% restocking fee. Thank you TMR for working with me to limited my losses.
1 Like
My PMG Pre should arrive on Tuesday.
I boxed up my BHK Pre today (trade-in) and connected the Mk2 DAC directly to my BHK300s. The music lost its soul. Detail, but I couldn’t connect with it.
Bring on Tuesday!
9 Likes
You are going to love the PMG Pre. I replaced BHK also.
5 Likes
Fun times ahead!!!
1 Like
I’ve been doing more listening to my Mk2 DAC direct to the BHK300s over this weekend. Maybe it was the recording that was on when I wrote my earlier comment, or just the re-connections of XLRs settling, but something’s changed. I’ve actually been enjoying the music. The BHK Pre had a give and take with the sound, and perhaps the valves were due for replacement (pop every time I turned it on), but the Mk2 direct to BHK300s is no slouch. Toes tapping again. Can’t wait for the PMG pre to arrive and settle in.
4 Likes
I’m in the same position in that I go straight to amp with my MKII and I’m seriously considering adding a PMG preamp. I love the sound I’m getting but I am curious as to what this preamp would bring to the table. I’ll be interested in reading about your experience.
2 Likes
Don’t hesitate, the MK2 with PMG is a great combo. Replaced BHK pre so I can not comment on just adding the PMG to the chain but I’m willing to say it will be a nice improvement. Needs burn in, I’m at 400 hours and sounds amazing! Now waiting on the new PMG S200 amp to add for synergy.
2 Likes
What power amps are you using? You could compare with going direct from the mk2. Also, what is the PMG S200 amp? Is there a teaser from @Paul that I’ve missed?
I’m still using a Mark Levinson 334 I purchased new 25 years ago and has served me well. I have never went dac straight into amp, I always liked having a preamp. The new amps coming in 2026 and Paul stated the new PMG S200 replacement for BHK250 he likes better than BHK600 mono’s which is a big statement.
2 Likes
Your old amp is still fantastic, unless you are hearing particular sonic limitations due to potentially older capacitors (capacitors can be replaced). The 334 is known for its musicality and timbre of musical instruments.
A good DAC, good preamp, and decent interconnect, along with your 334, should make your system sing.
2 Likes
The PMG pre and my amp sound great to me, maybe I should go from MK2 to PMG 512. Oh hell I don’t know what to do lol. Paul stated I should wait for the new amp. With all the issues with PMG dac I’m holding off on it for a while. I will only be able to do one of them for 2026. I just completeld my whole system cable upgrade to Inakustik 2405 cables, Xlr interconnects and power cables. 4005 on the amp. 2405 speaker cables. Great sonic improvement.
5 Likes
I’m barely 2 hrs into hooking up my new PMG Pre. I had already packed up the BHK Pre last Friday and spent the weekend listening to my Mk2 DAC direct into my BHK300s.
Already, this is a winner. The sound is so sweet and natural, preserving the detail but giving the music a heft and presence, deep soundstage, and musicality that easily transcends the direct DAC to BHK300 connection. The BHK Pre? I wish it a good new home. I will listen more and perhaps report back, but I am already a very happy camper and it’s just going to get better!
7 Likes
Actually, to be clear, what I tried to say is that the M200 which is a new PMG Signature mono block is what I like better than the BHK600. The stereo version isn’t quite as good as the 600s. What I am anxiously awaiting is “the beast” the big mono blocks that are twice the front to back length of the BHK600s. Might have something to try at the end of the month. But, the smaller 200 watt mono blocks kick butt on the 600s. We’ve been playing them for visitors n our tours and dropping quite a few jaws. Fun! Also, they run about 15 watts of pure class A, where the 600s were only a couple.
7 Likes
Thanks Paul, are your thoughts still that replacing my Levinson 334 with the S200 over replacing MK2 with PMG 512 into PMG Pre is my best Option? I am thinking synergy between the Pre and Amp will be better.
Boy, that’s a tough one. The PMG 512 into the PMG pre is such a stunning jaw dropping change into any amplifier I would be hesitant to suggest doing anything else.
3 Likes
Exciting news on future amps!!
I believe many are looking forward to the pricing for the M200 monoblocks as well as a solid release date.
1 Like
Congratulations Philip!
I’m glad you’re enjoying the PMG Pre. And more to come over the next few weeks as it burns in!
Cheers
Kevin
2 Likes