Ayre XK-R vs Pass Lab XP-20?

BigKidz,
I`ve seen several post by you suggesting DHT tubes -transfomer coupled preamps and can understand why you do so. There are very few of these types commercially available however. Is yours a DIY or sold as a kit?

I have a Pass X150.5 paired up with an Ayre Pre...it's a nice combo. Does not have the weight of my Cary, pre, though, but that could also be "fixed" with different speakers.

Mjmch2003,

No offense but I see you have the K5xe which is a good pre but not close to the KX-R. I owne the K5xe MP and auditioned the KX-R in direct comparison. I loved the KX-R but I could not swing the extra cost.

If I may suggest the MP upgrade if you have not already done so. It is well worth the $250-300 cost.

No offence taken, I really appreciate the feedback. Thank you. I'll call Ayre tomorrow. Any and all additional tips/tweaks are also appreciates.

Iv'e been using the XR-K , just kidding , for about 4 months now and my mouth is still agape , I won't get into mushy details . My last two preamps were very good ( ARC Ref 3 - and - Levinson #320S ) the Ayre is simply a step closer to the music and a step further away from electronic's , I'll go now , I'm starting to sound like a review I recently read ..
Regards