ss amp synergy w/wilsons

Jfrech,
Did you buy the KX-R too or just the MX-Rs? I'm currently using the MX-Rs with a VK 51se(also started as VK 50se). This combination seems to work pretty well but I haven't had the chance to try the KX-R in my room yet. Did you find the KX-R to be a significantly better match with the MX-Rs? I'm also wondering if I should try other top preamps in that price range(Messenger, Doshi, Tron Syren). I'm not really sure if I might miss the tubes in the linestage.

I had MAXX 1's with Krell KCT and 750 monoblocks and Transparent cabling and I thought they match was excellent. Wilson used Krell equipment years ago before Krell got into loudspeakers. I have a pair of Rowland Model 6's with batteries driving my newly acquired MAXX 2's and while they had no problem making the MAXX's sing the bigger MAXX speaker sounds better with more current. However, the JR model 6's would easily drive your Watt/Puppy 7's. I took a chance on the Electrocompaniet Nemo Monoblocks recently and got a good deal and I can tell you they have better sounding bass than my Krell 750's did and are more musical to my ears and best of all much more affordable. I also had VAC 220s on my old MAXX and think Wilson's sound best with a solid state amp.

amazing how people differ so much in their preferences. appreciate you guys sharing your experiences, all very helpful.

Sonofjim,

I have been trying several combinations. I've owned BAT for well over 10 years. 50SE/51SE, VK200, VK60, 75SE, 150SE's...

The things I keep coming back to is the Nagra PLL/VPA's and Ayre KXR/MXR.

The KXR is really a killer preamp. Silent. My BAT equipment is quiet. Ayre KXR is silent. There is a difference here. Allows resolution to pour out but mains a VERY natural presentation and tonal balance. The Ayre has a nicer top end than the BAT. The BAT better depth and better bloom in the mids.

The combo I seem to be falling in love with is the Nagra PLL and MXR's. The PLL is more dynamic, bigger wider deeper stage, more transparent than the BAT. The PLL also has a much more realistic top end than the 51se, to my ears anyway. The MXR's seem sweeter/natural/delicate on the top and ditto for the bass (vs the 150se's) except here I'll add more control and that "ease" everywhere.

I think the Nagra PLL has more body and depth in the mids, where the KXR is more silent and more resolute.

Honestly, BAT, Nagra, Ayre, it's all good. System matching, speaker placement, etc are all critical to getting just that right sound for you.

Richard Stacy: The Ayre amps are a great match. I never thought I'd be ready to swing to SS vs tubes. The Ayre's are that good...

Hope this helps !

I like Krell with Wilson.