Do I have to brand match preamp and amp?

Well the K-1xe was Ayre's top of the line preamp, introduced in 2002 (xe version), list at $6,750.
 The K-5xe was the Ayre's entry level preamp introduced in 2003 list of $2,950.
At that time the K-3xe represented the middle of the Ayre preamp line, released in 2002, listed at $3,700.

The Ayre K-5xe MP was released in 2008, and listed at $3,500.
That's about as much as I know about the Ayre lineage.

Personally, I am a fan of tubed preamps. If I had to go with a SS preamp, I would probably look for a Klyne preamp. YMMV.

Thank you so much for this info @jmcgrogan2 ! I am very new to Ayre, and not familiar with their previous offerings. I will explore this further

I have the V5xe and K5xemp.  Stunning combo; take Johnny’s (audioconnection) advice. 

@cedargrover but that k-1xe looks intriguing. Flagship preamp at that time, but perhaps with MP upgrade the k-5 is not to far.

Besides, I like the look of the k-5 better. 

I gotta give this k-1xe a bit more thought, including it’s price

((((Yeah... I missed that k-5xeMP here a few days ago at a great price. The guy did not even know it was MP version.... by the time I checked and confirmed with Ayre on serial number, it was gone.)))

 You're about to blow it again

(((The one on eBay is “x” version, not even “xe”.)))

 Its still a killer unit and matches your amp can upgrade with Ayre later use w seller as a bargaining chip.
Its sure seems hard for you to see the big picture.
Sorry but you will thank me later 
 Best,
 JohnnyR