[Gumby]

Hello,

If I only use one Source, such as a turntable, I only need one input on a preamp.  Can i use the BHA-1 as a one source Preamp solution?   If yes, how would it perform versus a BP-17?

Thanks

[GrooveControl]

I've been using a BHA-1 as a preamp for a while now.  It feeds a 3BSST via balanced lines. I'm using the balanced inputs for my DAC and the 3.5mm input for my Echo Show 5. The RCA inputs are free on mine. Anyway.  Sound wise, all is good. I don't have a BP-17 so can't comment how they may differ, but I would guess very little. Maybe someone can chime in here.

Functionality wise, there are a few things to consider. 

1 - The output of the BHA-1 is quite hot (loud). Bryston offers a tweak where they reduce the output by 12db by changing a few resistors. They charge ~90 for this. I had it done. At a minimum run the amp gain at its lower setting.
   
2 - You will not have remote volume and mute capabilities. This may not matter. In my case I use the volume on my DAC and rarely touch the BHA-1 volume control.

3 - Don't use standard XLR to RCA adapters on the output of the BHA-1. You need to float pin3 as per Mike's suggestion.

Personally, I am very happy using the BHA-1 as a pre.

Hope that helps.   

[Gumby]

Thanks GrooveControl,

That’s very helpful and good to know it can be done.  I’m trying to simplify my system, and with one source , I don’t need the added inputs of a traditional Pre. 

[yyz]

I got a BHA-1 last week which was modified by Bryston to lower the gain. It was an $85 mod. I use a Sony SCD-1 (also modified on SACD circuit) and a Sony FM HD Tuner. The Sony SCD-1 is connected by XLR and the Tuner by RCA. The XLR have a lot of gain and I can only move the volume a little (even after the Bryston mod). The Tuner has much lower gain and I can adjust the volume for most of the dial.

The sound of the preamp was rather good. A warmish sound. I definitely prefer it to the Bryston BP20+MPS2 I had ages ago. I have disconnected the external speakers for now and using only as a headphone amp. It is rather amazing on this. I also have the amazing Benchmark HPA4 preamp + headphone amp. The HPA4 is quieter and clearer, I prefer the HPA4 but I also love the BHA-1. Different strokes.

I would have been ideal if the BHA-1 had 1 more input to add a DAC (and keep the tuner). However, going back to physical disks is good too especially to listen to the phenomenal Sony SCD-1, still great after 20 years. Though the SAC mods I did likely make it so.

I am likely going to buy the Benchmark AHB2 and pair it with the BHA-1 and KEF LS50's speakers for my second system. If Bryston had a smaller footprint amp I would have considered that but I love the AHB2 and it is small, which is a requirement. A shame I no longer have the PowerPack 300. I could have nicely hid that amp.

I currently use the Meze Empyprean headphones with both the BHA-1 and HPA4. An amazing headphone. Until I bought this headphone I used to hate headphones. A month later I have 2 headphone amps and 2 systems. Just love the phones.

[GrooveControl]

would have been ideal if the BHA-1 had 1 more input to add a DAC (and keep the tuner).

Don't forget the 3.5mm input jack on the back of the BHA-1. I know most audiophiles wouldn't let anything from amazon near their hi-fi, let alone something with the words AmazonBasics on it, but this cable is decent and will give you the extra input. I'm sure you can find higher grade 3.5mm to RCA cables if you search. Anyway, my point is that there are three inputs and you don't have to be without in your case.  I would move the tuner to this input and the DAC to the RCA. 

https://www.amazon.ca/AmazonBasics-3-5mm-2-Male-Adapter-Cable/dp/B01D5H8JW0/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=2C1J484K2KHRS&dchild=1&keywords=3%2B5mm%2Baudio%2Bcable&qid=1591999102&sprefix=3.5mm%2B%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExODQxUTAwQzdGR1JDJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDcyNTE1MjIzMzdLVkZJWUY2USZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNTMxOTE0M1VTQVNMTllHSkQ1QyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1

[yyz]

Thanks for the suggestion on the 3rd input. I will definitely do that. The tuner connected to the BHA-1 is good but not as good as what I have on system #1 so it does not have to be the best connection.

However, the bad part is that now I am going to have to buy the following:

1) A DAC (thinking of Bryston BDA-2)
2) I will move my Sonore microRendu to the BHA-1 system and will buy the following for system 1, https://www.sonore.us/opticalRendu-rr.html
3) RCA interconnect to the BHA-1 from the DAC

Good thing I am broke today or that is about $3K out of pocket.

[Tezza009]

I used the BHA-1 as my pre-amp for several years. I now have the BP-173. Whilst I have not done direct A-B comparisons in my view the BHA-1 compares favourably. I also recall reading some good reviews using the BHA-1 as a pre-amp. If it has the flexibility that you need and you can live without the remote then it provides a good quality and lower cost option.