Industry Reviews - BHK300 Amplifiers

I've heard this amplifier in several systems…over the past couple years, and came away incredibly impressed on every occasion. An effortless presentation to every recording is a hallmark of PS Audio in my experience, with speed, dynamics, and an innately natural, unforced sound to everything from heavy metal, to intimate acoustic guitar solos. King seems to have harnessed the best of both worlds (tubes, and solid state) in this design, and the fact that it's made in the USA by real people, for living wages is further proof of company founder Paul McGowan's commitment to delivering high...

They have truly exceptional imaging, depth, and natural soundstage width, and they really can get the best out of the naturally miked and produced recordings that have a real-world soundstage. The 300s' dynamics are extraordinary, particularly in the lower octaves that seem to be in even more demand for audio reproduction today than the upper octaves.

The fact is, the BHK Signature 300 is a powerful, nimble-sounding amplifier that immediately drew me in with fast, punchy, tight bass; rich, liquid mids; and delicate, transparent highs—all effectively well integrated into a coherent whole.

When PS Audio decided to re-enter the amplifier market with a statement product, I am not sure even Paul McGowan anticipated what would result. That they have succeeded in creating something special is clear from my listening. The process of bringing on board a legendary designer and allowing him freedom to design to a sonic target while keeping costs in the realm of reasonable (ahem!) is more than mere advertising hype. At nearly $15k for a pair, these are not highly affordable products but they are superior to any amp I've heard in my room, or most other rooms for that matter. How many products can you say that about? Yep, these are the best I've heard, and by no small margin.

PS Audio's BHK Signature 300 Mono amplifiers produced wonderfully clear sound in my room, yet with a tangible, 3D quality that gave the music emerging from my speakers a bit more body -- which I really enjoyed. Their soundstaging was exceptional, and they proved unflappable throughout the listening period, despite being challenged with complex music and punishing volume levels. Their treble response was clean without sounding edgy, allowing me to enjoy longer listening sessions than I have with any other amp. I also appreciated the BHK Signatures' tight-fisted bass reproduction, which delivered plenty of slam when the music called for it. While their looks may be bland, their build quality and tolerances of fit and finish were superb. The BHK Signature 300 Monos are expensive, but nothing in their build quality or sound makes me doubt that they're worth every penny PS Audio asks for them -- or that they're great amps.

The BHK Signature 300 Amplifier are nothing less than world-class amplifiers: Sonically they leave nothing to be desired, as they combine in perfect style power and control with softness and emotion. And PS Audio circuit Bascom H. Kings packed in simple and well designed housing instead of aluminum sculptures, the Monos can decorate with an unprecedented low price / sound ratio: downright reasonable dream amplifiers!

Yes, it's all things you'd expect from a top flight amplifier: powerful and precise, fast and dynamic, generous in its staging, and close in its focus. But its ability to translate those elements into a musically coherent and consistently compelling performance is what sets the BHK Signature apart from any other power amplifier I've listened to. I sense a classic in the making.