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!
128x128thyname
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?".
thyname's avatar
thyname OP
3,107 posts
 
Of course. That’s what happens every single time I buy something 
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
That one was a steal, hence the reason why it is already sold...lol.

I have same issue all the time, just pulled the pin on a Lyngdorf and something else I had been wanting for a while pops up on eBay about 3 hours later....go figure.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Brand match for best and most coherent sound do this asap!!
thyname's avatar
thyname OP
3,107 posts
 
I already did. Arrived yesterday. Ayre K-1xe
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