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High End SS Preamplifier Ayre, EMM Labs, ML, or Pass

I have Clayton M300's that I'm looking to pair with a SS preamp to drive Von Schweikert VR-5 Anni's. Looking for opinions on Ayre KX-R/Twenty, Pre2, or XP-20/30 or other as potential options (ML). Interested in members opinions on possible options. Looking for that neutral, transparent, accurate tonal harmonic musical reproduction that isn't analytical, dry, lean, or fatiguing.  
cvman
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,476 posts
 
ursus13
Welcome! I, too, am strongly considering the Ayre AX-5 Twenty.  Per your experience,  I did not detect any fatigue after hours of musical enjoyment.
Happy Listening!


stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,531 posts
 
Another Ayre supporter......build, sound, support..all great
soundsrealaudio's avatar
soundsrealaudio
756 posts
 
What is your source?
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
Ayre has always had a slight dryness to me. I owned the K1-xe, and auditioned the KXR. I owned an all Ayre system at the time. I ended up going tubes with a BAT REX preamp.
Fast forward....around 3 years ago listened to an Audionet PRE G2, bought it and entire Audionet system. The best preamp I've owned or heard. Check the reviews.
browndt
97 posts
 
I concur, go with an excellent tube preamp. I have tried several of the preamps you mention but no SS preamp can equal 
say, an Allnic or ARC preamp. The BAT is also a good choice. 
Be careful, the types of tubes used have a HUGE impact on sound quality. 
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