Do I have to brand match preamp and amp?


I recently got an Ayre v-5xe Amp for my two channel setup (with Revel f208 speakers and PS Audio Directstream DAC). At a good price locally.

I looked at the matching K-5xe MP matching preamp, but it’s too expensive brand new and nothing available used.

Do I have to get a matching brand preamp? Or something different would do. My budget for the Preamp is around two grand.

thanks!
128x128thyname
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
@audioconnection that’s actually funny!

Are you saying I should get the k-1xe on Audiogon or the K-5x on eBay?