PS Audio BHK Signature Pre Amplifier

The PS Audio BHK Signature Pre Amplifier is available for demonstration in our Hull store by request.

For a limited time save £1300 on the PS Audio BHK Pre Amplifier. For more information call us on 01482 223096 or email shop@fanthorpes.co.uk

The BHK Signature Pre Amplifier features two 12AU7 dual triode vacuum tubes in the input stage that act as a zero feedback balanced input amplification pair. A unique self biasing constant current source and user selectable switch combination allows those who like to roll their own tube selections to place any acceptable 6, 7 or 12 series vacuum tubes inside the preamp.

The BHK Signature Preamplifier features 5 identical balanced and single ended inputs. Each of the inputs, whether single ended (RCA) or balanced (XLR) are immediately converted to a pure balanced signal by the dual triode vacuum tube for lowest distortion, highest linearity performance. Input switching is accomplished through hand-selected double-pole double-throw, gold plated relays that we’ve chosen for their sonic neutrality. The signals, once selected, are passed directly the revolutionary new multi-stage attenuator controlling both volume and balance.

If the PS Audio BHK Signature Pre Amplifier is going to be part of a home theater system controlling the main left and right channels, each input can be user-assigned as a home theater bypass.

Perhaps the most difficult challenge facing preamp designers is the volume control. Simple in concept, controlling the level fed to your power amplifier, without damaging the sound, can be one of the most daunting design tasks. During high-end audio’s formative years it had become standard practice to incorporate a high quality rotary potentiometer to control the volume. Over the years designers discovered even the finest of those controls imparted an unacceptable sonic thumbprint, robbing the music of life and openness. Various schemes at removing the potentiometer’s degradation were tried with varying degrees of success. They included stepped attenuators, conductive plastic impedance elements, electronic gain circuits, relay, CMOS switching, and a host of other innovative ideas.

Bascom King decided to try a fresh and novel approach in the PS Audio BHK Signature Pre Amplifier. A combination of an input stepped attenuator, built around the highest quality passive components for course volume adjustments, coupled with controlling the actual gain of the vacuum tube for finer steps, turned out to be the most sonically transparent level control we have yet heard. This unique topology, which can be controlled from either the front panel rotary controller or the remote control, provides the lowest possible impact on music passing through–and is one of the primary reasons the PS Audio BHK Signature Pre Amplifier presents music in such a revealing, open manner.

A designer’s best efforts at preamplification can be wasted if the interface between the preamp’s output, the interconnecting cables, and the receiving power amplifier are not optimized for lowest impact, best performance. Cable interactions and power amp input stages can test the mettle of any design, so it is critical a preamp’s output stage provide a high current, class A, low impedance design. The PS Audio BHK Signature Pre Amplifier output stage is a high-bias class A MOSFET design that is unaffected by cable and power amplifier interface challenges. Simultaneous connections of both single ended (RCA) and balanced (XLR) outputs have minimal impact on the delicate vacuum tube gain stage and provide remarkable isolation between source components and the power amplifier of your system.

This high current low impedance Class A output stage is part of the reason the PS Audio BHK Signature Pre Amplifier delivers music in such an effortless fashion. One of the first qualities owners of the preamplifier will appreciate is its remarkable ability to isolate source and control from the power amplifier – and one of the principle factors in the BHK Signatures extraordinary life-like presentation of music, preserving every nuance in your media.

Part Exchange Available

As you would expect from Fanthorpes hifi, we offer a generous part exchange against the PS Audio BHK Signature Pre Amplifier. If you have any hifi that you wish to use as part payment then either call us on 01482 223096 or email us at shop@fanthorpes.co.uk and we will give you a price to change. This is a fantastic and hassle-free way of making the PS Audio BHK Signature more affordable.

Finance Available

Fanthorpes hifi can also offer buy now pay later on the PS Audio BHK Signature Pre Amplifier, allowing you to spread or defer your payments over a year. If you are interested in taking advantage of our payment terms, email shop@fanthorpes.co.uk or call us on 01482 223096 and we will email an application form to you.

PS Audio BHK Signature Pre Amplifier Specification:

• Zero-loss vacuum tube input stage
• User accessible switch allows both 12 volt and 6 volt tubes to be used
• Differentially coupled balanced MOSFET output stage
• All through hole construction (no surface mount parts)
• PRP resistors in signal path
• 5 RCA Single ended inputs
• 5 XLR balanced inputs
• Single ended and balanced outputs
• Single ended and balanced outputs can be used together or separate
• Fully balanced input to output
• High current oversized power transformer
• Fully regulated power supplies using BHK designed MOSFET discrete voltage regulators
• Full BHK designed zero feedback, discrete MOSFET headphone stage
• Remote control
• Front panel standby button for vacuum tube stage
• -3dB greater than 200kHz
• Volume and balance through a revolutionary new combination of gain and attenuation control
• Two output DC control triggers
• Easy access to tubes if you want to roll with different ones
• Each input can be configured as a HT bypass