There is only one reason not to update your K-1x to "e" status ==> buy the new KXR and sell the K-1x. Unless you want to do that [[I have the KXR, and believe it to be the most complete product Ayre has ever made, although at its not insignificant cost]], the best "deal" in preamplifiers is, IMHO, the K-1xe. I simply can't imagine you not believing the upgrade to be an across the board improvement. If you have any questions about it though, you really should call Michael Wiedmeier of Ayre (303.442.7300 x223), as he can tell you all you want to know -- he's been responsible for coordinating all upgrades there for many moons. Cheers. - Pete -
Ayre K1X vs K1Xe
I own and love the K1X. I've had it for 3 or so years and have no itch to change. It was the most solid upgrade I've done to my system ever. I have tried lots of gear over the years and have really settled in with what I own now. If I learned anything with all the gear swapping I did was that usually you just get different sound not necessarily a better one.
That said I am curious to know what effect the E upgrade would have on my preamp. I'm not looking for just a little more air or extension but if I'm missing something important here I'd like to know.
Thanks, Ryan
That said I am curious to know what effect the E upgrade would have on my preamp. I'm not looking for just a little more air or extension but if I'm missing something important here I'd like to know.
Thanks, Ryan
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My K-1x is being upgraded as we speak. I also think it's addition was the single biggest difference in my system any component (except speakers of course) has ever made. I'll report back in a week or so of the sonic changes. Kurt_Tank- Can you elaborate on the phono gain of the V-1xe. I just bought a Clearaudio turntable w/ modded RB300 arm and shelter 501 MkII cartridge (0.4mv). I'm considering upgrading the arm and cartridge in the future. What were your discoveries in gain to mv rating and did you mess with the resistance too? Is it just trial and error or are there guidlines you could share? |
MMike84, Glad to see you're upgrading the K-1x to a K-1xe! You won't regret it, IMHO. Regarding the 1o db additional gain that I mentioned: Here is a link to a similiar thread on AudioAsylum from a couple years ago. Similiar AudioAsylum Thread As you can see, Charles Hansen states that the gain to the phono stage has been increased by 10db. This means that you can use lower output MC cartridges without having noise issues. I believe that means that since the maximium gain (in db) for the phono stage is now in the mid 70's, you could probably use any cartridge without worries about background noise issues. As an example, a phono stages that only has a gain in the 55 db range, (for example the ARC PH-3, a good phono stage actually, as it preceeded my Ayre), can realistically only handle cartridges with a minimum output of 0.5 mv, give or take, or else the background noise can become objectionable. In fact, I used a Koetsu Rosewood Signature, and there was a bit of background noise, which ultimately lead me to upgrade my preamps. Whereas the Ayre can easily use lower output cartridges like the Dynavector XV-1S I currently use (0.3mv), or the Platinum Koetsus (0.2 mv) or even the Allaerts which only have an output of 0.1 mv (although my guess is that would tax virtually any phono stage!). Feel free to ask me more questions if you have more. |
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