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

tomic601 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 13,730 posts 12-22-2025 at 04:56pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete KX-R should be on your list IMO… Charlie masterpiece…
samzx12 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,255 posts 12-22-2025 at 05:10pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Ref5SE
roadwhorerecords Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 337 posts 12-22-2025 at 09:33pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete AR
inagroove Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 263 posts 12-26-2025 at 02:05pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I currently own a Ayre system, but replaced the K5xeMP Preamp with a ARC Ref6SE Preamp, driving Vandersteen 5A speakers. The difference between the two preamps was impressive. While I loved the Ayre (clear, clean, neutral and reliable), I now prefer a good tube preamp. The ARC preamp is more realistic, but costing several times the Ayre preamp, it BETTER sound more realistic. This is truly a MUST DEMO choice. Check your connectivity requirements, then contact dealers, friends, clubs, etc. Take your time, as this equipment should last many years. Either way, you will have a great sounding, synergistic system. Good luck.
russbutton Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 515 posts 12-28-2025 at 03:47am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Iʻve always liked the Mac C22. Thatʻs what you should have gotten the first time.