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
@audioconnection that’s actually funny!

Are you saying I should get the k-1xe on Audiogon or the K-5x on eBay?
K-1xe is the superior sounding preamp of the two but it is older so if that is a deal breaker for you get the K5.

Dave
Or wait a couple of weeks.  These do definitely come up used with some frequency.
That k5x on eBay is a fair price and I would bet you could haggle them down even further.
That's the one I would be buying in your situation if your patience has limits...lol.
Mine usually does too....
Good luck