Best Balanced Solid State/Tube Preamps

In your opinion, what are the best tube/solid state preamps to audition to go with my Ayre V-5Xe and Modwright Platinum Truth 999ES CD/DVD player?

kmiller502-28-2006 9:49pm

mimberman Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 299 posts 03-01-2006 at 02:14am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I own the Aesthetix Janus, which I love, but I've heard they have issues when used with Ayre amps, FWIW.
kmiller5 OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 86 posts 03-01-2006 at 07:28am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Yes, I meant tube OR solid state. I love the Modwright unit, but I don't think I am getting anywhere close to the full potential of the Ayre V-5Xe amp using the single ended connections. Hence, I want a balanced preamp. Ayre is certainly on the short list. I just wanted to hear other suggestions before I go audition. Currently, I am using an Arcam AV8 pre/pro and I have to believe that I am losing a great deal not having a dedicated preamp. Let me know if you think otherwise.
kurt_tank Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,189 posts 03-01-2006 at 04:28am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete The Ayre K-1XE seems like the natural selection to go with the Ayre amp you have.
Post removed Aug 12, 2015
mitch2 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,973 posts 03-01-2006 at 05:55pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I wish I had a preamp that combined the best of both. Such a beast probably exists, but I suspect at a much higher price. Tvad, my dilemma exactly - Tim