Berkeley Alpha Reference run direct

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Other than price, have you considered using an Ayre KX-R Twenty with your MX-R Twenty amps instead of the ARC Ref 6?

The Ayre amps (MXR Twenty) are ABSOLUTELY incredible.

I have a Berkeley Alpha Reference DAC direct into Rowland mono- blocks.  I never thought there was any need for a preamp.  If I did I would want to use one from the same amplifier manufacturer to maximize synergy.  Otherwise, how do you decide on the right preamp since they all have a different sonic signature.  In an expensive purchase you only have one shot at this and after break-in what if you do not like that resultant sound either?

However, to me the term "cold" means accurate or neutral and the opposite of "warm."  If what you want is a sophisticated tone control then, of course, complicated preamp circuitry with an additional pair of interconnects will give you that.  

However, I would question what made you choose the Berkeley Reference in the first place because you obviously do not like the way it sounds.  If it was for features alone, you could have spent much less money on a unit that would give you more of those.

In lieu of the cost of a preamp, I personally would be inclined to take the cost of a preamp and apply it to a loudspeaker upgrade which would make a very significant and beneficial improvement.

Yes, I have considered trying a KX-R Twenty. Once again, Has anyone heard that combination with the BAR, and was it an improvement over direct?

Kodak805. I have been quite successful at negotiating in-home auditions, so, no, I don't buy unless I hear a component in my system, and love it.

Speaking of... I LOVE the sound of my BAR. I never said it was cold, or I desired warmth. I've been simply wondering if Anyone has improved their sound with a preamp, vs direct, using specifically a BAR.