Comments on: PS Audio BHK Signature 300 Mono Amplifiers

By: Patrick Dillon

Patrick Dillon — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 22:58:03 +0000

Hello Lou

I have not biamped in the manner you tried (tubes, solid state) though have tried two stereo amps in both horizontal and vertical biamping set-ups over the years as experiments. Never stayed with it as to my ears, using a decent pair of mono blocks always sounded better. As you can tell from the review, I really like the BHK monos on these speakers, so much so that I consider them enabling the best sound I’ve ever had in my listening room.

Of course, the BHKs have a nice tube/SS combo going on themselves so perhaps it’s the best of both worlds for you. Maintenance is slight – each amp has a pair of tubes that can be found easily and relatively inexpensively (and the PS Audio site has recommendations from folks who’ve tried various
others if you still want to roll), but I think you could set and forget the amps for a year or two with regular use of stock tubes. That’s about as maintenance free as any tube system could be.

The challenge of course, is hearing this set up for yourself. While PS Audio are great to work with, and you could get a home trial without a problem, these are heavy amps which will take some effort to ship. Other than maneuvering them into and out of your system, I don’t see any downside to giving them a listen, I think you’ll be impressed. Give them a call, tell them you read about them and want to know more – they really are very good folks to deal with in my experience.

By: Lou

Lou — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 16:14:17 +0000

Hi Patrick,

Great review. I too have the VSA VR 5 Anni MK IIs and the BHK monos are on my short list. I am currently bi-amping with a KT150 tube amp on the top, and class d mono blocks on the bottom. The tube amp has been modified from the builder to have the correct input sensitivity, and the mono amps have a variable gain. I am starting to get tired of tube amp maintenance, and starting to research options to go all solid state for amplification (non bi-amping). I do own a BHK signature pre, and really love it, but I am wondering if you ever tried bi-amping your VR5s and if you can compare to running straight with the BHKs.

Thanks
Lou

By: Patrick Dillon

Patrick Dillon — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 03:12:21 +0000

Mike
I think my review makes it clear how highly I rate the BHKs. While I’ve only heard the Parasounds at shows, and am sure they are good, I’d spend my own money on the PS Audio amps. Of course, it’s easy to spend someone else’s money so naturally I’d recommend you give them, or any amp at this level, an audition. As with any rig, it’s all about allocation of resources, and I don’t know that I’d invest that much money to drive those speakers without having a longer-term plan on system upgrades. You can often find the JC-1s used for a decent price, and that might be another way to go. Good luck

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 23:40:49 +0000

Hi, I have a pair of Goldenear Triton Ones, along with the Marantz 8802a preamp. I am considering to purchase the BHK300 or Parasound JC1 monoblocks. Having a hard time deciding between the two. Can you please give me your opinion as to which one you would purchase between the two? Both seem like great amps. My only concern on the JC1 is that it has been around for a long time, and maybe someday will be refreshed. However it is still highly rated. I appreciate your help. Thanks, Mike.