2. amps-preamps
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Amp for Kef reference 1 -Ayre Acoustics AX-5 0 Match?

Curious if anyone has heard the Kef reference 1’s with the Ayre AX-5? I also have an Exasound e62 Dac that has a great volume control and could be used as a preamp.

Want to get as much out of the Kef’s as I can (at 85 db they are a bit finicky and need high current) and looking for an awesome power supply - don’t need a built in DAC or streamer.
I’ve also considered the Coda CSIB as well as the boulder 866.
Any other suggestions, insights or comments would be much appreciated. Looking in the 4 - 5 grand range




cshadow

Showing 1 response by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
5,123 posts
 
Going direct to amp from a DAC is not my preference. I had done that for a few years. 

The following preamps improved the sound for me.

- BAT VK42 SE
- Benchmark HPA4
- Even my Peachtree NOVA 150 integrated was better than DAC direct

The sound at low volumes tend to be awful with DAC direct. I listen a lot very late at night and I hated it with a DAC direct. With a preamp the volume at low levels was so much better. The HPA4 is the best at this.

I use a great headphone system now late at night but with my new speakers and the HPA4 I sometimes just turn the volume down (no headphones) since it sounds very good.  I would never do that with DAC direct.
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