2. amps-preamps
  3. 1235887955

inexpensive preamp for Ayre V3 with Green Mountain

I am working on a budget with Green Mountain Europa speakers. They are great speakers and given the space I am working with, a really good match. My challenge now is to find the right amp/pre-amp combination that fits my budget.

I have settled an Ayre V3 amp and will spend most of my cash on it. I need an inexpensive pre-amp to provide volume control with a remote. Of the sub-$1000 solid state pre-amps, does anyone have a recommendation? I need 2 inputs, balance out, and a set of single end pre-outs for subwoofer. Current bargains on Audiogon include:
NuForce
Celeste Sim Audio
classe cp60
bryston bp 25
proceed Pre
Music Fidelity A3
Audio Refinement
Creek

Lots of options - opinions or feedback based on experience will be appreciated.

thanks!
drewh1
tabl10s's avatar
tabl10s
1,075 posts
 
I would wait and go with an Ayre pre since the pin configuration would be the same(XLR).
nrenter's avatar
nrenter
766 posts
 
Hey! That's my system! :) Thanks, Rufipennis.

The AX-7e is great. I would recommened finding a AX-7e, or negotiating a great deal on an AX-7 then sending it back to Ayre for a check-up and the upgrade. It sounds soooo nice with the GMA Callistos.

As Charles, says (and you can search for his post out on AA) he'd rather listen to an AX-7e w/ the L-5xe than the V-5xe / K-5xe without the L-5xe. Now, that's sayin' something.
drewh1 OP
115 posts
 
I love this site!

I posted a wanted ad and am going with an AX-7e. Next time I will listen to Roy the 1st time! I spoke with the guys at Ayre and they recommend the AX-7e over the V3 with some pretty clear and candid comments. Ayre seems like a great company, made in US, and so far great customer support and I am not even a customer yet.

Nrenter - let me know when you upgrade your GMAs, I will take those Callistos off your hands in a heartbeat.

I will post a follow-up when I secure the AX-7e and try it out. By the way, it will be used with Anti-cables.

Drew.
rufipennis
118 posts
 
Drew wrote: "Do you know if the 7e is much different from the 7?".
Well, I had my AX-7 and CX-7 upgraded to "e" status at the same time so I can't disentangle the contribution of each piece but . . . the upgrade is definitely worthwhile (although I never thought my original '7s were lacking in any way). After the upgrades, my system had notably more resolution, especially in the bass. Also, music became more liquid and, well, musical. I just saw an AX-7 on the 'gon that went for $1100 (I thought about telling some of my quasi-audiophile friends about it). Ayre charges just a few $hundred to upgrade older units (the exact amount dependent on the age of the unit). IMO, money well spent! Good luck!
drewh1 OP
115 posts
 
Thanks Rufipennis - your advice and help has been greatly appreciated.

I am going to try to find a 7e - Ayre charges $250 or $350 depending on age and still does the upgrade. I thought I missed out on the previous deal but when I add it up, I think it is less overhead to get the later model from the start.

Drew.
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