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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. 

referee1
kofibaffour
713 posts
 

if you have the C49 then why the hell are you looking at a new Preamp?

referee1 OP
18 posts
 

Thanks all for your input. I’m not sold on getting rid of the Mac, just looking for opinions. I’ve learned a lot from these forums. 

wharfy's avatar
wharfy
562 posts
 

@referee1 -At various times I owned Ayre KX-8, a Ref5SE and now LS28SE. While all three are terrific, I found the Ayre, while detailed and fast, was harsh/colder than I liked with my ProAc speakers and ARC 75SE. The differences between the REF 5SE and LS28 SE are bass and midrange. LS28 SE has more bass, the REF 5SE more midrange bloom.

soix
11,230 posts
 

What specific improvements are you looking for, and what sound characteristics are most important to you?

woots's avatar
woots
366 posts
 

When comparing the C49 to Audio Research’s options this is an easy one having owned both. The sound signature of McIntosh doesn’t come close to what any Audio Research option offers. Fo with Ref6, Ref5 or Ls28 and start enjoying your music!!

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