Thanks, a little bit of a premium to add the preamp with integrated volume control Having heard the MPD-8 with P-Link operating as a preamp into a BAT Rex. If I understand correctly the version I heard is not the latest with the integrated volume control. The MPD-8 sound was the most natural digital I have heard. No if only it was priced similar to a Grimm MU-2.
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The verison you heard has a volume control and a very good analog output stage, but no analog inputs like the newer model.
Many think the Grimm Mu-2 comes close to the sound of the Playback Designs DAC, for a whole lot less. Also has more functions, making it a killer deal.
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Just a young whipper snapper!
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While the music continues to flow thru the PMG Pre burning and melding everything in, I wanted to share some initial operational observations.
The touch screen continues to be the belle of the ball with the family. The display is bright, the font is crisp and easily visible from the listening position as well as around the 20’x20’ listening room.
The remote control has similar feature functionality and layout of prior PS Audio components but with buttons specific to the new PMG Signature components. There are volume controls for the DAC and the Preamp. The remote includes controls for PS Audio power plants as well. I’m having a bit of trouble with consistent and reliable control of the Pre from the listening position and will reach out to customer service to see how best to troubleshoot beyond steps I’ve already investigated, (batteries, interference from other sources, synching between the remote and Pre, etc). Adjusting the volume represents 90% of the actions I perform with the remote. If I need to change to the phono input or tape deck, my other two sources, I’m already at the system stand. Looking forward to hints of a new remote forthcoming.
Changing inputs is very straight forward from the touch screen simply touching the listed input pops up the menu of input options. There are pre defined input names for typical and common components, such as SACD, Phono, Streamer, etc. I would like to see options for just a “DAC” as well as “Tape” in future software releases. But not a big deal.
I’m using only XLR connections and understand the inputs and outputs are balanced. I’m not sure if inactive inputs are isolated but would be interested in knowing.
I have trigger cables running from the Pre out to each of the BHK600s so the amps power up with the Pre. There is an option to delay the timing which I don’t use since I have 6 dedicated 20amp home run circuits with one dedicated for each amp, one for the analogue audio components and one for the digital components. The analogue components run thru a Shunyata Everest 8000 conditioner fed by a Stealth Dream 20-20 cable. The digital side runs thru a Puritan PSM 156 with AQ Dragon high current 20a cord. The amps run direct into the Furutech duplex outlets thru AQ Dragon high current power cords. I have two Revelation Audio Labs power cords from the Everest to the tape deck and the Phonostage. HC Dragons to the Cascade and Pre.
More to come…
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Great explanation on the functionality of PGM pre. Is the remote different from the previous remote that came with BHK line?
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Thanks for the functionality description! A picture of the remote would be very much appreciated.
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Thank you! I like the addition of phono loading & Power regen controls. Keep us updated to the remote functionality / fix as well as impressions of sound as it breaks in. Very much appreciated.
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At first glance it looks like the same remote as provided with BHK Pre, DS, and PST (all of which I have, so can say that). But on close examination the buttons are mostly different. There are also two fewer buttons on the bottom row. The one thing that is not obvious is using this remote with PST and/or the new transport. I see two buttons in a “Transport” section, but no obvious Play, Next Track or Previous Track buttons. I presume the circular buttons still perform these functions. I’m curious how the optional remote will perform all or most of these functions.
Looks to me like selecting the phono, transport, DAC or Preamp button would then enable the circular buttons to operate that particular piece of equipment’s menu. Nice!
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The largest change I see is the numerical buttons are gone, so it seems the only way to change tracks is the arrows.
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there is going to be an optional remote too, correct?
Have been listening to the new PGM for about 24 hours. I’m comparing to the BHK pre. FR30 speakers, M1200 amps and perfect wave 2 DAC
The BHK was wonderful but the PGM is something else. The soundstage opened up particularly front to back. I think its because the resolution gives you more ambient content and instruments that are ment to be way in the background are resolved.
More importantly the harmonics of stringed instuments and piano are brought out. An example is the beat caused by the three strings of a grand piano mid range notes (if its well tuned) being evident. These slow beats stay with the decay that are almost never reproduced correctly. They are with the PGM, There is more sparkle in the highs without sounding like an over emphasized high end. Another observation is the attack on notes played. Lots of good stereos do this leading edge attack well on loud high dynamic music. The PGM does it at medium and quieter passages. Percusion and piano have this leading edge attack at all sound levels. I can hardly wait to pair is with the PGM DAC.
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Keep in mind the remote for PGM and BHK are totally incompatible. BHK is IR and the PGM uses radio frequencies. If you plan on mixing the two in the future you will need both remotes.
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Oh jeeze. So stellar phono and PST and MKII (and P12!?!) won’t work with the new remote. I’d love to someday get the PMG pre, but having two remotes is not ideal 
Is this info in the manual or somewhere else? Thanks for the heads up!
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See pages 11-12 of the preamp manual for info about using the PMG remote with legacy PSA gear (it works, mostly).
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Stop it. Just stop it.
I don’t want to be exposed to rave reviews like this.
Happy to hear you are enjoying your new kit.
Please keep us informed as you get some more hours on it.
Congratulations.
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There is a little info in one of the PMG threads. The optional remote has limited function, volume and maybe input switching. The price wasn’t set then but it’s not cheap; the picture looked nice and supposedly it has some weight to it.
There was some doubt on whether it will actually appear.
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wonder if PMG remotes are the same across the entire lineup like the BHK remotes were… am awaiting the PMG DAC and have seen nothing regarding the remote - hope the volume truly is analogue as noted - my DSD DAC has the same volume level between 15 and 10 and then again between 9 and 1.