Pass Labs XP 30 VS Ayre KXR Pre

The Ayre KXR is an excellent preamp and it was a preamp that I wanted very much. I had it my system for a few weeks and enjoyed every minute of it. I had alo considered getting a Pass XP-30 as an upgrade from my XP-10 but I was not able to demo the XP-30.

In December, I ended up getting an Audio Reference 5SE, my first tube preamp. I was able to compare the KXR to the Ref 5SE in my system for a few days.

I was quiet surprised that I preferred the Ref 5SE by a small margin. The REF 5SE has vocal that is a bit more engaging and 3d like. The KXR has slightly better detail and more transparent with darker background.

I wish I could have kept both preamps.

Tonyptony,

It was difficult to go back to hamburger after tasting filet mignon. It forced me to look for a new preamp and that was how I ended up with the Ref 5SE. The XP-10 is a very good for the price, especially at used price.