2. amps-preamps
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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!
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uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
@gdnrbob

Think op meant he had bought the K-1xe so the K-5xe is still for sale...if that is what you are wanting of course!
thyname's avatar
thyname OP
3,107 posts
 
Yes, OP here. I bought the K-1xe. The K-5xeMP is available. Thanks
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
Congratulations! Great decision. You will love that preamp for years to come. Feel free to PM me with any questions or whatnot.

Dave
thyname's avatar
thyname OP
3,107 posts
 
Thanks @dlcockrum ! Now the wait begins. Hopefully the seller ships it tomorrow.

I am still a little skittish because of its age, but even Gary at Ayre thought it was a good gamble
chefhat
19 posts
 
The only thing you have to match is the output impedence of the pre-amp with the input impedence of the power amp. The input impedence of the power amp needs to be at least ten times the output impedence of the pre-amp. The ratio can be higher, e.g. 11:1 or 15:1, but not lower e.g. 8-1, otherwise signal loss and noise may be present.

For example, a pre-amp with an output impedence of 1k ohms needs a pre-amp with an input impedence of at least 10k ohms
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