2. amps-preamps
  3. 1099529931

Preamp Recommendations Lamm, Ayre K-1x, BAT 31SE

Curent System:
Ayre V-5x amp
Levinson 390S CDP directly driving the Ayre
Dynaudio Contour 3.0 Speakers
Au24 speaker cables, Audience Power Cord, PS Audio P300 for CDP, Cardas Golden Cross XLR IC

As much as I like the transparency of the CDP directly driving the amp, the system is begging for a high quality preamp. I've never owned tube gear, but am interesting in trying a good one. I like what I have read about the Lamm LL2, the Ayre-1x, and the BAT 31SE. Of course there are so many other offerings from Hovland, Sonic Fronteirs, ARC, C-J, CAT, and so on.....

I listen to a lot of vocals (Joni Mitchell, Nora Jones, Lucinda Williams, Ella Fitzgerald) and simple jazz arrangements, and occasionaly rock (Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, dave mathews).

As lazy as it sounds, I also want/need a remote (which eliminates many). Also, for some perhaps stupid reason, I want it to handle XLR in/out since that's what I currently have.

Your thoughts and expereinces (especially Ayre or other good SS amp owners) GREATLY appreciated.
artg

Showing 1 response by keis

keis
176 posts
 
I've just extensively auditioned the K-1x vs the BAT VK51se and the Calypso. With my Krell amp and Revel speakers the Ayre is the best by a mile. The Calypso beat the BAT. This order really surprised me. I expected the BAT to beat the others hands down...but it didn't. The BAT's only leg up on the others is dynamics. THe Ayre has more detail within the notes, more harmonic interlayering (musical) better sound stage etc. I actually compared the Ayre with the Big (25K?) Boulder and the Ayre was just more musical and relaxed without any lose of detail or upper register definition. Guitar and pianos put out a lot of upper harmonic structure that I've only heard through the Ayre. I've never listened to the Lamm.

Buy the way I'm referring the the K-1xe. I listened at the factory in Boulder last week. I've never even heard the earlier K-1x version(s).
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