I’m wondering which will make the bigger improvement for my system: replacing my DirectStream MKII DAC for the PMG DAC, or replacing my BHK Preamp with the PMG Preamp. I know it is early days yet and no one has heard the PMG series components. I won’t be able to afford the PMG series DAC and preamp at the same time, so I’ll have to pick one of them, presuming that initial reviews are sufficiently positive. I think the consensus will favor the pre, but just thought I’d check.
My current system:
Power Plant 15
Roon Nucleus
Snake River Cables (speaker, power, interconnects)
Air Lens
MKII DAC
BHK pre
Atma Sphere Class D mono blocs
dual REL subs
FR 10 speakers
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I asked the same question a little while back and Paul suggested the DAC. He said the analog volume control in the new DAC made the argument for no preamp stronger. That being said, I really love my MKII and I would probably go with the preamp. Just makes more sense for my particular system.
I owned the BHK Pre (sold), MKII DAC (sold), BHK600s (still own and love) and found that the BHK Pre throttled the sonic capabilities of the MKII and another DAC I owned at the time. I have a Stellar Pre which I found to be much more neutral and non impeding on the DACs capability. I do have the PMG Pre on order and excited to hear what it offers.
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That’s quite interesting, thank you.
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Just faced the same dilemma - I do not use a pre amp (system sounds better without my Mac pre) and I decided to replace my DSD Mk1 (amazing kit that replaced a way more expensive mac dac) with the PMG DAC instead of adding the PMG Pre. (System: PS10, BHK 250, DSD DAC Mk1, Innuous, Sony Blu Ray->SACD, Dynaudio Confidence 20, REL S/510…). Also decided to wait on the FR20 speakers after the price change despite not being impressed with my Dynaudios (my B system BMR Monitors are so close it really hurts considering the price differential - that RAAL tweeter really ‘wows’).
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That sounds very attractive, be sure to let us know what you think of the PMG DAC!
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Are using “throttled” as in impeded in some way? The Stellar Gold preamp appeals to me for some reason. Only thing is I really haven’t heard any compelling reviews from sources I really identify with.
I would try the PGM DAC on its own before buying a Pre of any kind. its supposed to be very good..aka like the MU2. Keep it simple
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In my opinion a preamp is the one component that makes the least sense buying unheard. They are just too variable to make a judgement on how it would fit in to your particular system and tastes. At the same time most of us don’t have a local dealer that would carry that particular preamp that might appeal to you. All arguments for going without if you can. Basically, preamp shopping can be a real pain.
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My first thought was to go for the PMG Dac since the DSD MKII made the biggest difference in my system when inserted. The low ball trade in has soured my enthusiasm though. I’ll wait for the reviews to come in and decide. My BHK 250, Pre and DSD MKII hold their own and sound great. Of course, not Diablo 333/MU2 sound but still enjoyable for now. May just switch gears and use the 6K for SC & IC upgrades. My weakest link right now. Leaning toward Audience Front Row for a once and done…hopefully!
At least for US buyers, PS Audio provides a 30-day home trial period. If you do not like it you can send it back.
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Thanks! I appreciate all the different viewpoints. I note that so far some of us at least have reservations about the DAC, esp. given the price point and trade in numbers.
Yes!
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softlight64,
Your system and mine have so many similarities, including the FR10 speakers, Atma-Sphere monoblocks, BHK Preamp, and MKII Dac. I have purchased so much gear in the past 6 months (speakers, amps, an Innuos Pulsar streamer, and Shunyata power cables) that I’m planning to go slow in purchasing any of the new PMG components. If a flood of rave reviews flows over me in the next few months, I may change my plan - but for now, my wallet is resting.
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I can certainly relate to that…
BHK pre has been around for 15 years, and DS MK2 is quite new and can still compete with many DACs in its price range. I still use MK2 to play SACD, and the sound is excellent going through MU2’s pre.
When I replaced the BHK pre with MU2, I was shocked by the improvement. I did not realize how noisy BHK pre was and I realized then it was the weakest link in my system.
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Wow, thanks
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I really wish you had not said that. I have been trying to convince myself the MU2 cannot be that much better. 
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You and me both brother.
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So after one purchases the PMG DAC thingy down the road it may be sold to fund the MU2
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