Having used a number of preamps, including the excellent VTL 6.5, Ayre K5 and now the KX-R...and having tried several ARC units I suspect that once you select one or the other that your gain can be adjusted to suit....my personal preference is the KX-R first, then the VTL 6.5 and then distantly the K5...I was using the V5 amp and now the MX-R...select something that pleases you. Personally if I were to select and remain with a tube unit it would be VTL...but I have always been concerned about aging tubes...because that can be a very sublte issue
Ayre K-1xe vs Audio Research Ref 3
I currently have a Audio Research Ref 3 and am wondering if anyone has directly compared the Ref 3 to the Ayre K-1xe. What were the strengths and weaknesses of each? Which was better? I have read the other posts on audiogon and am looking for some additional comments.