Start with your speakers choice, then your amplifier, then your preamplifier. I've had two of the amps you mentions, the V-5XE and the JC-1. My opinion of the JC-1 differs from many - I found it to be fairly low resolution, somewhat dull to listen to. The Ayre I enjoyed immensely - great resolution and dimensionality, but just slightly on the bass shy side. If I had to choose again, I would choose the Ayre. I tried these amps with a variety of speakers, but neither of the two you mention aboe.
Parasound JC2/ Aesthetix Calypso/Ayre K-5xe - Help
Hi, I'm in the process of building a 2-channel hi-fi system.
I'll probably get a pair of Vandersteen 2ce Signature II or Harbeth 7 ES or M30 and would like to get a high-quality pre-amp to go with it. I've the following pre-amp in mind and would like to hear from your experience with them. My budget is around $2-2.5K for used or new (any other options will be considered).
- Parasound JC2
- Aesthetix Calypso
- Ayre K-5xe
- Audio Research LS 17 or LS -26
I want to choose a higher end pre-amp with the plan to upgrade down the road (i.e. speakers, source, power, etc).
Not sure about the amps. May consider the Ayre V-5xe (with Ayre K-5xe) and Parasound JC 1 or A21 (with JC 2).
A general question. How do I match a pre-amp (i.e. Aesthetix Calypso) with a different brand amp (i.e. Parasound A21)? Any specifications to look at (i.e. input, output ohm, etc)?
Lastly, how does the Rogue Audio Cronus Integrated Amp compare with the above-mentioned pre-amp? I know the Rogue Audio is not in the same league as the others.
Thanks.
I'll probably get a pair of Vandersteen 2ce Signature II or Harbeth 7 ES or M30 and would like to get a high-quality pre-amp to go with it. I've the following pre-amp in mind and would like to hear from your experience with them. My budget is around $2-2.5K for used or new (any other options will be considered).
- Parasound JC2
- Aesthetix Calypso
- Ayre K-5xe
- Audio Research LS 17 or LS -26
I want to choose a higher end pre-amp with the plan to upgrade down the road (i.e. speakers, source, power, etc).
Not sure about the amps. May consider the Ayre V-5xe (with Ayre K-5xe) and Parasound JC 1 or A21 (with JC 2).
A general question. How do I match a pre-amp (i.e. Aesthetix Calypso) with a different brand amp (i.e. Parasound A21)? Any specifications to look at (i.e. input, output ohm, etc)?
Lastly, how does the Rogue Audio Cronus Integrated Amp compare with the above-mentioned pre-amp? I know the Rogue Audio is not in the same league as the others.
Thanks.
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