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 rufipennis

rufipennis
118 posts
 
Drewh1, My suggestion is to go with an AX-7e. Check out this system:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vopin&1196391062
I've communicated with this audiophile and his AX-7e has plenty of power to drive his GMAs (though note his room is small). More than enough power for him - he listens with the volume at 15-20 indicated whereas I usually listen at 35-40 with my Vandersteen 2s (86 dB) in a medium-large room (clipping is at around 45-50 in my system). If you search the audioasylum archives, I believe you might find a post wherein Charles Hansen implies (or explicitly states?) the AX-7 is better than the V-3.
rufipennis
118 posts
 
Drew wrote: "Do you know if the 7e is much different from the 7?".
Well, I had my AX-7 and CX-7 upgraded to "e" status at the same time so I can't disentangle the contribution of each piece but . . . the upgrade is definitely worthwhile (although I never thought my original '7s were lacking in any way). After the upgrades, my system had notably more resolution, especially in the bass. Also, music became more liquid and, well, musical. I just saw an AX-7 on the 'gon that went for $1100 (I thought about telling some of my quasi-audiophile friends about it). Ayre charges just a few $hundred to upgrade older units (the exact amount dependent on the age of the unit). IMO, money well spent! Good luck!
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