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 2 responses by rushton

rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Artg, if you are interested in a high quality tube linestage with remote, I encourage you to add the Aesthetix Calypso to your short list to consider. It offers many of the sonic virtues of its more expensive sibling, the Aesthetix Callisto, with the addition of a very flexible/functional remote and a single chassis.
http://www.musicalsurroundings.com/aesthetix.html

I will echo Sbank's comments about the experience with the Lamm in that particular system. I was there also and heard exactly what he described. We were all puzzled by the result, but it was unequivocal.
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rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Hmmm... I guess Speakerdude will not be a useful partner in any further discussion. But then, I'm still working to decide how useful that last little diatribe was. It's kind of hard to get any more transparent to the sound of the amp than not having a preamp in the middle at all, which was the point of reference.
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