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Next upgrade, DartZeel or Ayre

Due to heat and space, I am considering DartZeel or Ayre as both are solid state and take up less space than my current system. I understand DartZeel pre and power work best together, similarly for Ayre KX-R and MX-R, so I will get the combo to achieve the best synergy. DartZeel has built-in phono, Ayre does not, so I will have to keep my Einstein phono stage if I go with Ayre.

Has anyone compared the combo? My current speakers are SF Amati Homage & Guarneri Memento with JL F113, either combo can drive my speakers well since I don't listen loud. I do like the extra power from Ayre which gives me more options for speaker upgrade later. But if DartZeel is superior, I am willing to live with the lower power rating and shop my next speaker within DartZeel's capability.

Any input is appreciated.
semi
pinkus
144 posts
 
Semi,

like you, I had never heard a SS component that sounded like tubes do...till I heard the Ayre AX-7E, which I bought. I was so impressed with the integrated, that I went ahead and bought the KX-R. Needless to say, I am very happy with the preamp, even though I was a diehard tube loyalist.

You really need to audition the MX-R. If it is anything like the KX-R, you will not be disappointed.
semi OP
649 posts
 
Pinkus, what tube gears and speakers were you using before you made the switch? I am surprised to hear even that tiny AX-7 can change your mind from tube bliss to solid state coldness.

I am willing to give up some tube magic for solid state convenience, but how much I am willing to give up is another question.

as for DartZeel integrated and mono block, both are out of the question now. integrated most likely will not be powerful enough. mono block will be too expensive even used.
bar81
791 posts
 
I don't know about that, the AX-7e, while a good unit (particularly if used as an amp only) is limited, as the price point would indicate. If you go with the KX-R you'll be giving up nothing.
semi OP
649 posts
 
There are a record numbers of super high end pre amps out there. Ayre KX-R, BAT REX, Conrad Johnson ACT 3, VTL 7.5 II, etc. among all, Ayre probably has the most plain look and smallest physical size.

Since I already own BAT 150SE (& 75SE, still debating which one to keep due to heat), will I be better off getting a BAT pre amp? I can't afford REX, but I can get a 52SE now. However, BAT pre seems to generate polarized opinions and many prefer ARC Ref 3 over 52SE.
henryhk
648 posts
 
I own the Darts and they are the best I've heard yet. The only drawback is precisely what you originally pointed out...power rating. So really inefficient speakers that need a lot of juice are out. This is not to say they are weaklings,,,any speaker with average sensitivity is fine but some like the YG Acoustics etc,,..you will need more. Strengths: bass slam far better than one thinks, great detail and transparency yet there is a certain sweetness to it kinda like tubes but different. Ayres i have auditioned, though in a system I am not completely familiar with though had heard them with speakers I've had some idea before). again great transparency but lacks the sweetness of the darts, the beauty of tonal color thing...however perhaps do provide more of the air thing. Both are really excellent.
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