2. amps-preamps
  3. 1230583009

Is there life after a KXR? Help

I finally found the ultimate preamp. My own version of audio nirvana. The Ayre KXR. The trouble is I can't afford to keep it. So now I have to find a worthy successor. I'm especially interested in a tubed pre. If it has a great phono stage that's a huge advantage but not required. The rest of my system are Ayre MXRs, and Aerial 20t speakers. I've owned (and liked) an Ayre K-1xe, Levinson 380s, and I've tried using a Wadia system and forgoing the preamp altogether. I intend to buy something used. $10,000 is the top of my budget but I could eek out a tad more if I had to.
mmike84
curriemt11
220 posts
 
Mike,

I would suggest that you audition a Messenger with phono stage. This is the best preamp I have ever heard/owned, bar none.

Mike

P.S. I also own MX-Rs, driving SoundLab A-1PXs.
vladimir
346 posts
 
Herron VTSP-3.
mmike84 OP
309 posts
 
Bar81-

I struggled with that decision. In the end I decided the MXRs mate perfectly with my speakers and should therefore be kept together. They are both fabulous and I would have been disappointed to get rid of either of them.
bryceeboy
115 posts
 
I like the Bat option or you may want to look at the Atma-Sphere MP-1 that includes a killer phono stage. Why does Charly give a crap about anyone selling his stuff? I sold a pair of MXR's (couldn't drive my Soundlabs) and the dealer and Charly had a fit. If I buy something with my money and don't like it, isn't that my own decision not my dealers or Charly's at Ayre. Nice stuff way over priced. IMHO.
bar81
791 posts
 
If you didn't like it, fair enough. To claim it's overpriced, even with the caveat of it being your opinion, is not credible.

Mmike84,

Maybe try a used Einstein "The Tube" preamplifier?
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