2. amps-preamps
  3. 1235887955

inexpensive preamp for Ayre V3 with Green Mountain

I am working on a budget with Green Mountain Europa speakers. They are great speakers and given the space I am working with, a really good match. My challenge now is to find the right amp/pre-amp combination that fits my budget.

I have settled an Ayre V3 amp and will spend most of my cash on it. I need an inexpensive pre-amp to provide volume control with a remote. Of the sub-$1000 solid state pre-amps, does anyone have a recommendation? I need 2 inputs, balance out, and a set of single end pre-outs for subwoofer. Current bargains on Audiogon include:
NuForce
Celeste Sim Audio
classe cp60
bryston bp 25
proceed Pre
Music Fidelity A3
Audio Refinement
Creek

Lots of options - opinions or feedback based on experience will be appreciated.

thanks!
drewh1

Showing 2 responses by nrenter

nrenter's avatar
nrenter
765 posts
 
Hey! That's my system! :) Thanks, Rufipennis.

The AX-7e is great. I would recommened finding a AX-7e, or negotiating a great deal on an AX-7 then sending it back to Ayre for a check-up and the upgrade. It sounds soooo nice with the GMA Callistos.

As Charles, says (and you can search for his post out on AA) he'd rather listen to an AX-7e w/ the L-5xe than the V-5xe / K-5xe without the L-5xe. Now, that's sayin' something.
nrenter's avatar
nrenter
765 posts
 
If you don't have the Isotek System Enhancement CD, I recommend you pick it up and let it work on your system for a few days. Then use it to "warm up" your system before listening (using the 5-minute track). A must have.
More to discover