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Ayre K-1xe vs Audio Research Ref 3

I currently have a Audio Research Ref 3 and am wondering if anyone has directly compared the Ref 3 to the Ayre K-1xe. What were the strengths and weaknesses of each? Which was better? I have read the other posts on audiogon and am looking for some additional comments.
kmiller5

Showing 2 responses by mtdking

mtdking
157 posts
 
The K1Xe doesn't have much gain so you need to make sure it can drive your amp.

I've had both and think the Ref 3 is hard to beat. Works with any amp and gives you that tube magic.

The K1Xe for the money is very good plus you never have to replace tubes. But I don't think it is at the level of a Ref 3.
mtdking
157 posts
 
Kurt_tank,

The REF 3 can output 30 volts on it's balanced output at 600 Ohms.

The K1XE Outputs 10 Volts on it's balanced output at 600 ohms which 600 ohms on a solid state preamp is very high.

Gain specs mean nothing look at output voltage. Gain is relative to your input. SO if I had a CD Player with a output of 10 Volts how can the K1XE have 10 DB of gain? The K1 would have 0 DB of gain right? Output voltage is the only way to gauge true gain.

Ayre's CD Players have a high output voltage so not much is needed for gain. ARC Ref CD7 is even higher. I'm not saying that is a bad thing at all but If you put a K1 on a MAC amp it will drive it unless you have a source that has a ton of output voltage. Trust me I tried.

To be honest I own a VTL 7.5 so I have nothing to gain here. Just trying to help a guy out. Preamp and amp matching is very important.
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