2. amps-preamps
  3. 1254429799

Preamp w/ xlrs in the ht-bypass loop

Hello, I'm looking for a two channel preamplifier with a pair of balanced inputs that are included in the home theater bypass loop. I've done a little bit of research and there isn't that many that do this or they're a little over my budget. Mark Levinson has a few but I'd be looking at about $4000 used which is a little more than I was looking to spend and I'd rather buy new anyway. The one that would fit the bill perfectly is the Ayre K-5xe. However, I read the manual and I would need to pull the plug every time to engage the bypass. And the way my rack is set up, that's apples to apples as it would be the same, if I went back there to switch the cables myself. Anyway, if some of you guys could lists some models to check out, I'd appreciate it. The features that I need are simple, with the first three being mandatory, and I'll list them below.

1) Two balanced inputs included in the ht bypass loop- as mentioned above.

2) Has to be fully balanced- I'm not looking to sacrifice anything for the convenience of home theater bypass.

3) Has to be SS- I'm not running tube gear and I do not want to mix and match. I realize this limits the field.

4) I'd like to spend $3000, hopefully less- I'd like to buy new but I'm open to used

5) Less is more- I'm only running a CD player and the amplifiers for my fronts. So that's one pair of balanced outputs and two pairs of balanced inputs. I'll take another set of balanced inputs for a computer DAC, down the road, but it's not a priority. Staying with "less is more," I'd really prefer it to be completely analog. I'm trying to avoid anything that may introduce noise; even those big florescent displays are a concern.

6) Remote- a remote would be nice but not a must

I'm willing to audition anything that includes the first three features on this list; the rest is a bonus. I appreciate the help.
bostongeorge34
tholt
551 posts
 
I admit not reading the above responses thoroughly but the passive/active Wyred 4 Sound STP preamp fits the bill.

Very, very transparent but with body, overly built, active after 63db of gain (passive up to it) and assignable inputs, one of which can be HT bypass. I believe it has 2 sets of balanced ins/outs, but surely at least one.

I auditioned one and for around $1700 it's very, very good. Seems like there's nothing that hasn't been thought of. Had it not been for other circumstances I'd own it and be happy, which I can't say often at all.
bostongeorge34 OP
7 posts
 
Hello Larry, thanks for confirming that for me. I definitely had read the manual wrong as I thought I would need to "rinse and repeat" every time that I switched between the two. The Ayre is probably at the top of my short list now. Anyway, could you tell me about your experience with the K5xe? What made the Ayre stand out to you, coming from other demos and previous equipment?

Hi Stringreen, I think I have it figured out now but I'll still give Arye a call to discuss their HT bypass loop in greater detail. I imagine that you programmed your K1xe the same way.

If anyone knows anything else I should check out, please let me know. Thanks again
lewinskih01
909 posts
 
HT bypass is not something I actively been searching, but if my memory is not playing tricks on me, then the Rowland Capri meets your criteria. Actually I think it meets all of your criteria, including the less is more.

Haven't heard it, though, but have seen very good comments around here.

My two cents. I hope it helps.
larryski2
37 posts
 
George

Lewinskih01 is correct about the Capri, and it is one that I also considered, along with a couple of ARC pre-amps. I chose the Ayre because:

1. I wanted sold state, as I didn't want to be bothered by the following that I associated with tubes:
a. Warm up time.
b. Tube replacements over extended times.
c. Heat - it gets hot enough in Dallas.
2. An excellent support group from both Ayre and my local Ayre dealer.
3. I believe that Ayre offers an excellent full spectrum line of quality equiipment, and that will allow me to ultimatey fill my rack with an entire Ayre lineup. The exception being a video processor.
4. Most importantly, I just liked the Ayre better with my speakers than any of the others that I looked at.

No disclosure necessary, I'm not associated with Ayre in any way.

Good luck
bostongeorge34 OP
7 posts
 
Larry, you pretty much echo my reasons for preferring a solid state preamp. Well, that and I'm hoping for good synergy from the front end on down. I'm glad to hear that the Ayre worked best with your speakers than the rest.

Hello Lewinskih01, I fully admit that I had ruled out the Capri, at first, because I thought the design would be based off their Class D ICEpowered amplifiers. Then I read a lot of reviews, which are all glowing, and saw that was not the case. Unfortunately, I would need to run it unbalanced for HT Bypass so I am looking elsewhere, for now.
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