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Ayre KX-R or PS Audio BHK Pre

Hi 
I have an chance to buy either of the above 2 pre amps. Price is not a problem as I am getting a great deal on the Ayre as a demo unit. Still the Ayre is a bit more expensive but I can live with the price difference. What would you guys recommend. Associated equipment is as follows. 
Power Amps Classe CT-M 600
Speakers B&W 800d
Current pre Mark Levinson No. 38s
PS Audio Direct Stream Junior
Clearaudio TT with Avid Phono
Music tastes are mostly Classic rock with some Jazz thrown in. 
srafi
jtsnead's avatar
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jtsnead
217 posts
 
PS BHK
dmitrys's avatar
dmitrys
18 posts
 
PS BHK is amazing. I have it, works magically with other PS Audio units (your DAC). 

It's great for Jazz type music. 
You can tune sound using a different tube (you can change it inside the box, easy)

I never heard of Ayre, but I do have ayre codex and it's good equipment.

Also PS Audio customer service is amazing. They have exceeded my expectations!!!
mdiaz
54 posts
 
I recommend the PS AUDIO BHK PRE. Beautiful music reproduction, many great features, priced right. Performance of this unit compares to items priced well above it. Great stuff! 
perazzi28's avatar
perazzi28
222 posts
 
IMO that is a very limited selection. You would do very well to check out the Sutherland Engineering N1 preamplifier. After I auditioned the Ayre in my system I purchased the N1. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
@srafi  There is a lot of fine gear available.  You've garnered some good suggestions here.  Now is probably the time for research.  Make a list of preamps you would be interested in learning more about and set to it.  Hopefully as you read of others' experiences with those preamps one will emerge that possesses the sound/build quality you desire.  Be patient and keep reading.  Good luck with it!
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