Do I have to brand match preamp and amp?

Yes, OP here. I bought the K-1xe. The K-5xeMP is available. Thanks

Thanks! So, what would be a good solid state Preamp that is similar in quality and price with k-5xe MP?

@audioconnection and @gdnrbob Thank you!

Yeah... I missed that k-5xeMP here a few days ago at a great price. The guy did not even know it was MP version.... by the time I checked and confirmed with Ayre on serial number, it was gone.

The one on eBay is “x” version, not even “xe”.

If I went with PS Audio, it would have to be the BHK Signature Preamp, but that is above my budget new, and possibly used from what I can see via hi-fi shark.

Bottom line, as you guys suggested, it may be worth waiting for the Ayre to come up for sale used, although patience is not a virtue I have 😉

@jmcgrogan2 I saw that, but not familiar with it. Must be an old model.

My budget is about two grand, plus minus

Thank you so much for this info @jmcgrogan2 ! I am very new to Ayre, and not familiar with their previous offerings. I will explore this further

@cedargrover but that k-1xe looks intriguing. Flagship preamp at that time, but perhaps with MP upgrade the k-5 is not to far.

Besides, I like the look of the k-5 better. 

I gotta give this k-1xe a bit more thought, including it’s price

@audioconnection that’s actually funny!

Are you saying I should get the k-1xe on Audiogon or the K-5x on eBay?

Yeah, but it costs $1,200 to update at Ayre at MP specs, not including shipping, so, way above what I see it going for 

Thanks @dlcockrum ! Now the wait begins. Hopefully the seller ships it tomorrow.

I am still a little skittish because of its age, but even Gary at Ayre thought it was a good gamble

Too late. I literally paid for the K-1xe 30 minutes ago. I hope I did not screw this up.

Of course. That’s what happens every single time I buy something 

I already did. Arrived yesterday. Ayre K-1xe

OP here, posting an update on my new addition- the Ayre k-1xe Preamp to complement my Ayre v-5xe amp.

Until now, I was going direct fro DAC (PS Audio Directstream) to Amp.

I am so happy with my new Preamp!

Weird to explain. It should not be better than direct to amp. But it is. I would explain it as much more “musical”. More “real life”. And no, I don’t think I am losing any detail or resolution.

I also think that my k-1 is better than the k-5xeMP that a friend brought over for me to audition prior to my purchase. That one had a bit more “meat” but was not so sweet and so musical.

I know here is very lengthy thread over at computer Audiophile forums on direct to amp vs. using preamp, and to me, using this Preamp improved thing hands down. No question about it

OK, it’s great you guys try to help, but please read the thread. I already purchased a Preamp - same brand as my amp. Thank you