The 3X has a higher quality attenuator, which is so expensive they had to discontinue the unit, and plus you get a separate power supply. The K5XE is newer technology. I was not overly impressed with the K5XE when I owned one, although it was ok for the money and I was comparing it with more expensive units. One guy at Ayre that I spoke with (not Charles) said he liked the 3X, and if I were going to buy one of those two, that is what I would try this time around. There is one on A'gon for $1,850 now.
Used SS preamp between $1000-$2000 to work with Ay
I was also thinking about getting a Benchmark DAC1USB/DAC1PRE/elCanto DAC3/Transporter to drive direct,
but come to think of the 10k ohm load with the V3, which even my dedicated Tube pre can't handle,
I think I can't get away without a SS preamp.
Current source: Denon DCD3000 (S10 in Asia) use as a CD player and DAC (Toslink from my PC)
Please comment:
Ayre
K3X
K5XE
Anyone compared K3X and K5XE? K3X seems to be more heavy duty.
Plinius M8 or M16
Passlabs X2.5
Anything with true Balanced out .. may be a Bryston Pre/DAC, not sure.
Thanks!!!
but come to think of the 10k ohm load with the V3, which even my dedicated Tube pre can't handle,
I think I can't get away without a SS preamp.
Current source: Denon DCD3000 (S10 in Asia) use as a CD player and DAC (Toslink from my PC)
Please comment:
Ayre
K3X
K5XE
Anyone compared K3X and K5XE? K3X seems to be more heavy duty.
Plinius M8 or M16
Passlabs X2.5
Anything with true Balanced out .. may be a Bryston Pre/DAC, not sure.
Thanks!!!