Pass Labs XP 30 VS Ayre KXR Pre

Has anyone actually heard these two preamps in the same system and done a direct comparison. The first three responders sound so definitive. On what are their opinions based?

Both of these are supposed to be exceptional. The Ayre has been in the market for a bit and has very good reviews. The Pass is a new unit with an excellent review in The Absolute Sound.

Mike

I have not heard the Ayre but did audition the XP-30 at Reno Hi Fi a few months ago. I am a tube guy for preamps..but thought the 30.5 was an outstanding!!!, noise free and extremly neutral and involving line stage.

05-17-12: Peterayer
Has anyone actually heard these two preamps in the same system and done a direct comparison. The first three responders sound so definitive. On what are their opinions based?
Peterayer (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

My guess is NO and you can probably include the 5th.

you can throw it at someone without damaging it

Yep, this is my TOP priority in a preamp.

I did try both preamps in my system for more than a week for each unit. Each preamp was coupled with a Soulution 710 amp, YG Anat Ref 2 Studios, a Meridian 808.2, and some other source units. I also tried out a number of other preamps, ss and tube, over the last several years. I ended up buying the Ayre KXR. While the Pass XP-30, in my opinion, did not do as well as the Ayre in my system -- I sit eighteen feet from the loudspeakers in an accoustically difficult room-- I have the highest praise for Mark of Reno HiFi. From a customer's point of view he is one of the very best dealers out there.