PS Audio BHK Signature 250 Hybrid Stereo Power Amplifier

PRICE REDUCTION!!  I am the original owner of this magnificent stereo power amplifier in a stunning silver and cosmetically and functionally perfect.  The amp has been given the care it so richly deserves and the 9/10 rating is only because it is used.  The retail value of the amp is $7499.00

Designed by industry legend Bascom H. King and hand built by the PS audio team in Boulder, Colorado, the  BHK Signature 250 combines a vacuum tube input with a powerful MOSFET output, and is capable of 250/500 watts per channel.  It is lush, gorgeous, powerful, and revealing and reflects Mr. King’s lifelong quest for perfection in power amplification. [Bascom H. King served his apprenticeship by designing amplifiers for many companies, some selling in excess of $100,000, including: Constellation Audio, Marantz, Infinity, and Conrad Johnson. This is the first amplifier Bascom felt was good enough to lend his name to and is his finest achievement in a lifetime of work.]

To maximize the benefits of the vacuum tube and MOSFET topologies the BHK Signature is built as if it were two separate systems, each with their own power supply tailored to fit.  Thus, the amplifier has two power transformers, one for the vacuum tube input stage, and the other for the MOSFET power output stage. Separate and discrete MOSFET regulators are used throughout to preserve details found in the music and keep noise levels to a minimum.  The input stage features a classic triode vacuum tube in a modern configuration. Hand matched pairs of Russian Gold Lion 6922s are supplied with the amplifier and are self-biased with constant current and high voltage and free of timing and phase distortion without the use of negative feedback. [Tube rolling is not only permitted,  it is encouraged - see the discussion below regarding the Tungsram PCC88/7DJ8 tubes and additional discussions on the PS Audio website/community forum.]

To synergistic effect achieved by the combination of vacuum tubes with MOSFETS is not the only design feature employed by Mr. King and PS Audio in the production of the BHK signature.  For example, the amplifier enjoys other performance benefits including a balanced differential vacuum tube input, balanced differential MOSFET power outputs, and separate, isolated, analog power supplies feeding each.  As a result, the BHK Signature is unparalleled in its ability to render details formerly lost in the music.

 Dave Clark, in issue 85  Positive Feedback Magazine readily recognized the attributes of the Signature 250 and had this to say:

“….this is one well made amplifier that has the looks and detail of workmanship that qualifies it as a work of art. Clean with everything one could want on the rear, the BHK 250 is the real deal. And made right here in the States too….the BHK 250 rocks and does so with a nimble presence that puts the music in the room with you. Neither forward nor recessed, the presentation is, for me, spot on. Fast and coherent, extended and dynamic, …it is as articulate as all get out with no fuzz, no blur, and no MOSFET mist that I could see… or hear. The sound is smooth and airy on top with a stellar soundfield. … for sure the BHK 250 will place the images of whatever you are listening to in a palpable space that is both engaging and startling so… Even with the input stage being tubed, there was nothing coming out of the speakers between the notes or songs. Quiet. NO hiss, or diss… just music. No doubt this added to the resolution and clarity… [regarding accessories] what about PS Audio's own AC cords? One would think that they should, could, be the perfect match for the amplifier. They are… well, the AC 12 that is ($799 for one meter).… synergy times 12.

Balance! Lean? Uh… no. Spot on… right there. Right where I want my music to be. Heft? Check. Slam and dynamics? Ditto. A touch warmer and tonally that much richer? Yep. Bass extension and control? Was there already, but whoa, deeper and more textured for sure. Nice indeed

… want to take the amplifier to another level? Now just as AC cords or whatever is more of a preference or seasoning than anything else, so are tubes. The amp comes with its Russian Gold Lion 6922s, but in talking to Kevin Deal of Upscale Audio (the tube guy everyone goes to for advice) he suggested tubes by Tungsram—specifically the PCC88/7DJ8 versions. I ordered a matched A-rated pair that were also cryogenically treated… and oh my… sweet corn muffins in the morning! Yeah. A nice improvement. Sweeter. A touch more warmth. And oh so airy… music to my ears. Tangible and physical. Not a major upgrade but certainly as good as a perfect lime accenting the splash of tonic water with a top shelf gin. And easy cheesy to replace tubes via the rear door [of the amplifier]…

I can't recommend the BHK 250 enough...At the asking price I will say that the BHK 250 is as good as I have ever heard here, and that is good enough for me….

The photos are from the PS Audio website and depict a front view, a front perspective view and a rear view, respectively.

The unit will be shipped in its factory box, with its original manual.  The flat fee charge of $75 is to help seller defray Audiogon fees and the cost of shipping

PLEASE CHECK MY FEEDBACK (106 transactions with 100% rating!)

Power output 

250 watts/per channel into eight Ohms

500 watts/channel into four Ohms,  

stable into two ohms

FEATURES:

Zero-loss vacuum tube input stage

Differentially coupled balanced MOSFET output stage

All through hole construction (no surface mount parts)

RCA Single ended input

XLR balanced input

Less than 0.1% thd 20Hz to 20kHz at rated power

Damping factor 100 for excellent loudspeaker control

Front panel standby button for vacuum tube input

-3dB greater than 200kHz

Dual, custom, solid copper, gold plated output binding posts

Fully balanced from input to output

83 pounds

Input 12 volt trigger

Easy access for tubes