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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!
128x128thyname
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
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
The only thing you have to match is the output impedence of the pre-amp with the input impedence of the power amp.

Since he is matching an Ayre preamp with an Ayre amp, I don't think there should be any impedance mismatch.

Another K-5xe MP preamp just posted today, at an even lower price.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis8fb1d-ayre-acoustics-k-5xe-mp-excellent-condition-solid-state

Next thing you know there will be a thread titled "Why so many Ayre K-5xe MP preamps for sale?".
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