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Post by khellendros on Jun 8, 2021 9:52:40 GMT -5
Good day.
Currently running XSP-1 Gen 2 w/ XPA-1 Gen 2 into B&W CM10 S2. Source is Cambridge Audio CXN V1. Anybody switched out the XSP-1 with PS Audio BHK Preamp? How did it sound? I understand the preamp effects the most change in the system. Aside from the fact that BHK 300 monos are way out of my reach, XPA-1 Gen 2 in Class A punches upwards sonically that it doesn’t justify changing them out for the BHK monos.
Any feedback will help.
Thanks a lot.
Lem
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Post by leonski on Jun 21, 2021 0:28:42 GMT -5
Any particular reason WHY PSAudio? Lots and LOTS of competition in that price range for either pre or amplifiers.
With those B&W speaerks, I'm thinking you pretty much stay with SS, at least for the amp. Getting enough tube power would REALLY melt your credit card.
Any chace at all of test-listening anything? What moves your choices in audio?
And since you mention the class 'A' output of the XPA-1, any consideration given to a pre-owned Pass Labs? XA-30.5 is 30 a side with around 6db of headroom.....
Just curious about where you are headed with this.....
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Post by garbulky on Jun 21, 2021 0:30:35 GMT -5
Good day. Currently running XSP-1 Gen 2 w/ XPA-1 Gen 2 into B&W CM10 S2. Source is Cambridge Audio CXN V1. Anybody switched out the XSP-1 with PS Audio BHK Preamp? How did it sound? I understand the preamp effects the most change in the system. Aside from the fact that BHK 300 monos are way out of my reach, XPA-1 Gen 2 in Class A punches upwards sonically that it doesn’t justify changing them out for the BHK monos. Any feedback will help. Thanks a lot. Lem Have you ever tried running it direct from the cambridge? I go direct from my DC-1 via XLR on my XPA-1 gen 2. Compared to the XSP-1 gen 2, I feel the DC-1 is a clearer in the treble. |
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Post by leonski on Jun 21, 2021 2:06:37 GMT -5
Good plan, Gar.......at the LEAST an easy thing to try! And quite cost-effective.
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Post by khellendros on Sept 25, 2021 19:55:43 GMT -5
Any particular reason WHY PSAudio? Lots and LOTS of competition in that price range for either pre or amplifiers. With those B&W speaerks, I'm thinking you pretty much stay with SS, at least for the amp. Getting enough tube power would REALLY melt your credit card. Any chace at all of test-listening anything? What moves your choices in audio? And since you mention the class 'A' output of the XPA-1, any consideration given to a pre-owned Pass Labs? XA-30.5 is 30 a side with around 6db of headroom..... Just curious about where you are headed with this..... A friend upgraded his BHK pre/mono combo to Gryphons. He lent me his BHK pre and is offering a very good deal for it. Been enjoying it since July. But now it’s time to decide if I will return or keep it. 🧐🤔 |
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Post by khellendros on Sept 25, 2021 20:07:34 GMT -5
Good day. Currently running XSP-1 Gen 2 w/ XPA-1 Gen 2 into B&W CM10 S2. Source is Cambridge Audio CXN V1. Anybody switched out the XSP-1 with PS Audio BHK Preamp? How did it sound? I understand the preamp effects the most change in the system. Aside from the fact that BHK 300 monos are way out of my reach, XPA-1 Gen 2 in Class A punches upwards sonically that it doesn’t justify changing them out for the BHK monos. Any feedback will help. Thanks a lot. Lem Have you ever tried running it direct from the cambridge? I go direct from my DC-1 via XLR on my XPA-1 gen 2. Compared to the XSP-1 gen 2, I feel the DC-1 is a clearer in the treble. Yes. There is better separation and bass control when the XSP-1 is in the system. I asked the question as I was curious if anyone walked this upgrade path. To compare notes and what not. 😌 |
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Post by RichGuy on Sept 25, 2021 21:26:05 GMT -5
I went from an Emotiva XSP-1 to an PS Audio BHK Signature Preamp a couple months ago back in July, it was a very very nice upgrade I love the BHK preamp it has amazing separation and detail. I made a few posts about it in the "Post your latest purchase" thread. The BHK can be fine tuned with changing the 2 tubes and this really can make a nice difference to its overall sound quality as well. For me a pair of Brimar CV4003 / 12AU7 tubes really sound great in my BHK.
The BHK really sounds nice, so much so I have considered trying the matching BHK amp as well but for now it is paired with my Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 2, it sounds amazing.
For me the PS Audio BHK preamp and my MHDT Stockholm DAC were the best, most musical changes I've ever made to my system in the many years I've been listening to music.
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Post by garbulky on Sept 25, 2021 22:48:32 GMT -5
Have you ever tried running it direct from the cambridge? I go direct from my DC-1 via XLR on my XPA-1 gen 2. Compared to the XSP-1 gen 2, I feel the DC-1 is a clearer in the treble. Yes. There is better separation and bass control when the XSP-1 is in the system. I asked the question as I was curious if anyone walked this upgrade path. To compare notes and what not. 😌 Very interesting. Thanks for the impressions. I feel the XSP-1 gen 2 is due for a refresh. |
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Post by Cowhorn on Oct 1, 2021 8:25:00 GMT -5
Any particular reason WHY PSAudio? If you've ever listened to PS Audio gear, then no explanation is necessary. If you've never listened to PS Audio gear, then no explanation will suffice. |
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Post by leonski on Oct 1, 2021 16:12:03 GMT -5
Any particular reason WHY PSAudio? If you've ever listened to PS Audio gear, then no explanation is necessary. If you've never listened to PS Audio gear, then no explanation will suffice. Does it count that I owned a PSAudio GCC250 'integrated' amp for several years? Made with B&O 'D' amp modules from the ASP series with the PSAudio 'gain cell' as input / level control. Decent amp. VERY quiet. But ultimately NOT satisfying with my power hungry panels. Heard the new stuff at a show AND spoke with Paul while listening to the than NEW BHK amp.......Very nice indeed, and a turning point for the company..... I understand the power plant stuff, basically an audio amplifier at ONE frequency ......60hz, with a sine wave input........Very nice idea and CLEAN by design. I've found that my solution of a high-end power conditioner with isolation transformer is as good......for ME..... |
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Post by leonski on Oct 1, 2021 17:03:00 GMT -5
Couple other things?
PSAudio has changed a LOT over the years. Even more than I"d thought, just look at the WIKI.
the BHKing line is a landmark for the company, no question.
I still have my SOLOIST outlet as it's own 20 amp circuit for my amps.......Some filtration and surge protection built in.....
It was a little $$ at I think 200$, but worthwhile.
I'm seriously thinkng of changing directions in my system and shopping tube amp with high sensitivity speakers........Something where I can
get away with 50 or 60 watts per speaker and be on the edge of Eviction.....
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Post by khellendros on Oct 2, 2021 14:08:17 GMT -5
Decided to keep the BHK pre-amp. I just can’t unhear the difference. 😅
He included the PS Audio AC-12 power cable and a pair of Telefunken 12AU7 Red Tips. Will definitely keep the XPA-1 Gen 2 monos for a long time as these babies sound so good that it doesn’t justify the incremental improvement (for the money) of the BHK 300 monos.
Cheers!
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Post by bitsandbytes on Oct 3, 2021 5:15:30 GMT -5
Decided to keep the BHK pre-amp. I just can’t unhear the difference. 😅 He included the PS Audio AC-12 power cable and a pair of Telefunken 12AU7 Red Tips. Will definitely keep the XPA-1 Gen 2 monos for a long time as these babies sound so good that it doesn’t justify the incremental improvement (for the money) of the BHK 300 monos. Cheers! Congrats on your new purchase. Great that an awesome power cord and upgraded tubes came with it. IMHO a good preamp or processor is important in an excellent sounding system. Using the preamp capabilities for source components - like my Oppo UDP-203 or PS Audio DrectStream DAC - just never cut it for me personally. Although I love both components when used as digital transports. May your new preamp bring long term enjoyment to your listening pleasure  Walt |
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