2. amps-preamps
  3. 127547-91515

Which pre should I choose?

I have an Accuphase A47 to drive my Dynaudio Coutour 1.3SE. I want to choose a pre-amp to match my power amp. and the speaker system. I prefer classical music. My room is not big. But I like warm and sound with thickness. Do you have good suggestion? How about Ayre's K1XE or Audio Research R2 MKII?
128x128faust168
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
"I have read a report that the volume knob in the K1 or K1-XE ( I don’t remember clearly about the model), might cause some small noise if the user do not turn the volume up and down often."

faust,

I think you misunderstood the report. The volume control itself makes noise when turned up of down, but this complex volume control was created just to ensure maximum elimination of any noise whatsoever in the audio circuit and makes the K-1/K-1xe one of the quietist preamps ever.

I have owned the K-1xe for seven years and never had any noise issues whatsoever with the volume control.

Best to you faust,
Dave
faust168's avatar
faust168 OP
74 posts
 

Dear Dave,

Thank you for your kind reply.  I have found a Ayre K1 for sales in our 2nd hand dealer which cost about US$3400. And the Ayre's distributor in Taiwan has been changed, therefore, even I have intention to buy K1 for upgrade to K1XE, I think there is no chance here in the far East.  Also, I have concern that the audio gear with ages might got problem easily which need to send for fix. Therefore,  I am trying to find a higher grade Accuphase pre such as C-2800 as 2nd hand or the new C-2420 both are from Accuphase with different grade.

dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
No problem, faust. Accuphase makes fine gear. Enjoy!

Dave
bpoletti
1,553 posts
 
My current preference is a Herron VTSP-3A (r03).  It is rich and full in tone and harmonics.  It is also quite dynamic and time alignment is as good as it gets.  I have heard nothing better. 
faust168's avatar
faust168 OP
74 posts
 

Sorry for my innocent. In Taiwan, it seems that this brand (Herron) havn't been introduced here. In now days, many Hi Fi  audio brand are disappearing or switch to do other audio gears such as headphone  which has tremendous demand.  And the Higher end components price have been pushed up to the very expensive level which only few music lovers can afford...... 

It's  not easy to find the balance of good C/P.

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