Berkeley Alpha Reference run direct

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.

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?

I always prefer a preamp in my system. I had the Berkeley Ref DAC in my system and it was one of the, if not the, best dacs used direct to my amps. I still love what a preamp does. With a preamp, you might get a slight loss of detail but gain musicality, depth, width and overall added sweetness to less than stellar recordings. I have since moved on from the Berkely Ref DAC and don't miss it.

I have Ayre MX-R Twenty monos and agree that they are outstanding. I am in the process of trying to get the KX-R Twenty to go with them. I am also considering an ARC Ref 10. I have the Ref 6 and it's a little too much for my taste. It's an outstanding preamp and I know why people love it, but it's not for me. I love a slightly slightly softer/sweeter sound.