I recently upgraded from an ARC LS-2 and ARC PH-3 to the Ayre K-1X preamp, with the phono stage. I have no doubts that it was a definite improvement, especially in the phono stage. The lowered noise floor of the Arye over both ARC units was amazing.
While you are contemplating upgrading to a better ARC of course, however, a couple of things to consider are:
One, the Ayre, being SS, means you will not have to worry about buying, or matching or rolling tubes.
Two, if you are considering going with analog (or if you already do), than the phono stage of the Ayre is really top notch, better than the ARC PH-3, with a much lower noise floor.
I use a Levinson No. 23 amp (also SS, same as the V1X), and I really like the combination. I doubt I will be upgrading anytime in the near future. (The last time I said that, it took me 10-15 years to start upgrading again, so as you can tell, I am very satisfied with my amplification portion of my stereo system.)
Good Luck!
While you are contemplating upgrading to a better ARC of course, however, a couple of things to consider are:
One, the Ayre, being SS, means you will not have to worry about buying, or matching or rolling tubes.
Two, if you are considering going with analog (or if you already do), than the phono stage of the Ayre is really top notch, better than the ARC PH-3, with a much lower noise floor.
I use a Levinson No. 23 amp (also SS, same as the V1X), and I really like the combination. I doubt I will be upgrading anytime in the near future. (The last time I said that, it took me 10-15 years to start upgrading again, so as you can tell, I am very satisfied with my amplification portion of my stereo system.)
Good Luck!