Pre amp suggestion Ayre or Audio Research

For those of you who have experience with Ayre and Audio Research what would be your choice.

My current system:

Ayre VX8 Power Amp, Mcintosh C49 Preamp, Vandersteen Treo CT speakers, Node Icon Streamer, Kimber 4TC speaker cable.

Looking at the used market three preamps I am interested in are pretty close in price. Ayre KX-8, Audio Research Ref 5 SE and Audio Research LS28SE.

It is highly unlikely for me to compare the three so that isn't an option.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

referee112-21-2025 5:04pm

fastfreight Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,277 posts 12-21-2025 at 05:23pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Hello @referee1 , what do you not like about the Mcintosh C49? I would think that the two Audio Research preamps are similar. The Ayre KX-8 should give you more clarity, speed and resolution, with less warmth or veil.
ghdprentice Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 9,408 posts 12-21-2025 at 05:34pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete All good choices. However, definitely the Audio Research Ref 5, followed by the LS28SE. All will offer better balance and much better detail than the Mac. The Audio will offer a very slightly more musical sweeter sound. I have owned Audio Research REF 5se and 6SE friend of mine owns the LS 28SE I’ve heard Ayre and have owned Ayre for a long time. you can’t go wrong with any of these, but I think the Audio Research reference five is on a different level. Far more nuance put a more bloomed mid range.
kofibaffour Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 713 posts 12-21-2025 at 06:52pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete if you have the C49 then why the hell are you looking at a new Preamp?