Next upgrade, DartZeel or Ayre

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.

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.

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.

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.

I have heard the new Ayre monoblocks and they sounded awesome. Some of the best solid state I have heard. The dynamics were excellent, transparance & soundstage were wonderful, and it was the cheaper Ayre preamp being used. Take a look at the design. Just beautiful. For solid state, they may be the way to go.