![]() I experimented for a little while with Class D amps, but discarded them when I figured out that they just did not have enough current to drive certain speakers. Since your PWD DAC already has a Class A output stage (and it is written that this DAC will have a slight high-frequency rolloff), pairing with the BHK might put too much of a "laid back" character on the sound (losing even more high frequency detail and clarity/punch). These two stages are going to soften the "square wave" nature of the waveforms coming from the DAC. The PS Audio BHK, on the other hand, has a 12AU7 tube gain stage and a Class A discrete output stage. This means that the STP is going to be the most transparent to the incoming sound waveforms. I do not have direct experience with either of these, but the W4S STP looks like it is going to be very much like a passive preamp, but with gain applied to the voltage so that it can drive the demanding impedance of amps. Hah, you could not have picked two preamps that are more different than those! Shouldn't there be coffee and cookies around here. Would the amps have better synergy with a pre of their own kind, or would the tubes in the PS balance perfectly with the D-Class W4S? Is the PS deal just too damn good to pass up and everything else be damned, or is the W4S really the sleeper deal of century? Does anyone have any firsthand knowledge or wisdom to impart. Seems like I'm chasing the PS Audio dragon, and my pupils do dilate when I see the BHK, but I have read such amazing things about the W4S STP - and this passive/active preamp idea is super intriguing - that it is making the decision a tough one. I have recently lucked into used PS Audio PWD MkII and PWT, and have a PS Audio NuWave Phono Converter. My dilemma is this: I have the good fortune of two great deals: a new PS Audio BHK Signature Preamp at 50% off retail, or a new W4S STP-SE Stage 2 modified Preamp for $1k less than the PS Audio. I am also experiencing cravings to replace the preamp, also a Pro-Ject (Pre Box RS Dig) with something with HT bypass to once again make use of the extra speakers and (really good)HT receiver on hand. It has been 5.5 hours since my last purchase: W4S mAmp mono blocks with the wiring/post upgrades - these will replace a Pro-Ject Amp Box RS, my gateway drug and a well-loved member of the family I'm still a bit unsettled about the separation. Hello, My name is Mark and I am a hifiaholic.
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