2. amps-preamps
  3. 1195873100

Has anyone compared Ayre K-1xe to ARC Ref 3 or VTL

I have an Ayre K-1xe preamp with phono stage - which I love.

But I have since acquired an Aesthetix Io Signature, so I no longer use the Ayre's built-in phono stage, which occupies one of the Ayre's 3 balanced XLR inputs. The Io sounds noticeably better through the balanced XLR connections than the single ended connections.

More recently I acquired an Exemplar Denon 5910 with balanced XLR outs only. I also have an Ayre C-5xe, which also sounds much better through the balanced XLR connections than the single ended connections.

I asked Ayre to remove the phono card and return its associated balanced XLR input to line stage. Ayre refuses to remove phono cards from its preamps. So now I have to choose between compromising the sound of vinyl or digital through the C-5xe.

All of this sets the stage for me to sell the K-1xe. I'm considering replacing it with an ARC Ref 3 or a VTL 7.5. I would welcome thoughts from those with experience with these 3 preamps.

Thanks,

Ed
Ag insider logo xs@2xcipherjuris
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
I have heard all three, The 7.5 on loan in my system, and owned the K-1XE. These two are very close. I slightly prefered the little sweetness of the VTL in my system. (but not enough to switch from the K-1XE) However my wife and most of my friends liked the overall presentation of the Ayre better. IMO the 7.5 and Ayre are on an equal playing field.
The Ref3 I have only heard in my friends system. Many times, but never at my place. It is alot better than the LS25 MKII he had before it. I am not the biggest fan of ARC gear. But his system sounds good with the Ref3 in it. I am sure others will add more than I can.
If the K-1XE is really good in your system. Why not sell it and take the money and buy another one used? You can then run all three balanced. No money lost and your problem will be solved.
cmo
471 posts
 
Wht not check out an Aesthetix Callisto sig.?

Chris
hikejohn
69 posts
 
Hi,
I recently got a VTL 6.5 (considering the 7.5)...tried the ARC ref 3 and K1xe prior to getting the vtl...there is slight possibility that the forthcoming Ayre KX-R pre amp might be end target...but I do enjoy the detail/musicality of the vtl...seems like a very good match...the ARC wasn't as good at low end...

John
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cipherjuris OP
145 posts
 
Hi all,

Thanks for the your info and suggestions.

Re Calliston Signature -- this would be the best in my opinion, but only accepts 2 balanced inputs. They rarely come up on Audiogon and even more rarely have the remote control which I can't do without and I can't afford a new one.

Waiting to listen to the new Ayre KX-R may be a wise choice. But the configuration of the Ref 3 would be excellent in my system.

Was a little late this weekend on some Ref 3 opportunities on Audiogon. Still keeping open mind on Ayre, ARC & VTL.

Best,

Ed
hikejohn
69 posts
 
I have played with those components...ended up with VTL...next would be the K1xe...last would be the Ref...but guess it depends upon which version of the Ref 3 you are playing with...the one I borrowed I think was recent...but not sure....and of course I have one eye on the upcoming KX-R from Ayre...
More to discover