Ayre K-5xe preamp? How close to K-1xe?

Well, if you can, you should go to an Ayre dealer, and compare them yourself.

(That is the obvious answer, which probably is not an option available to you, or else you wouldn't have asked the question, right?!)

My advice is to post this query on Audio Asylum, in the Amp/Preamp section, and ask Charles Hansen directly, as he is a frequent contributer there.

(BTW, I love my K-1XE! And no, I have not heard the K-5XE. Sorry, but that would have been too easy!)

Good Luck!

I agree with Dmichael about not bothering with power conditioners. (I don't use them, and Ayre discourages using them with their equipment as well.)

However, I would recommend dedicated circuits for you equipment. These made a great improvement on the sound of my system.

Congrats on getting the K-1XE, btw. I am sure you will like it! (If you are into vinyl, the phono boards are very good, and well worth the price!)

My preamp and the power supply are well seperated by two or three feet. (The power supply is on the bottom shelf and the actual preamp is on the fourth shelf from the bottom. I "think" that the umbilical cord is about 4 feet long or so. (Maybe longer. It is behind my rack and I can't really see it without tearing it apart.
(The quick answer is to email Ayre and ask, or put a post on Audio Asylum's amp/preamp board, because Charles Hansen checks that board fairly frequently.

As far as the HT setup, I don't think there is a HT pass through on the K-1, but I could be wrong. (I have no desire to integrate my HT with my 2 channel stereo.)

As far as Tboooe's comments:

Yeah, it is a bit noisey changing the volume, but that is because of the complicated, but properly done, volume control. Because of this design, the remote volume control has virtually no sonic affect on the sound. (I would rather it be done right, and be noisy, than have it be done incorrectly, and be quieter.) Besides, when I am changinf the volume, it is usually because I need to make drastic changes to the volume. A single click or so is hardly noticable.

Personally, I like the looks. Of course I have the silver face mounted now. (I actually have both a silver, and a black face, as the previous owner preferred the black face and paid for the second face.) But then again, I like the look of my Lamm M2.1s too. To mea, a simple design is very elegant, rather than something more garish. (Although, I must admit, I did like the Manley Neoclassic 250 amps in the gold finish that my friend had for a bit.)

Congrats!

I am sure you will continue to enjoy the Ayre.
It is truly a top notch preamp, and one of the very best solid state preamps made, IMHO.

Now, all you need to do is buy the phono boards, and get an analog setup and your road to audio nirvana will be complete! (Well okay, my road to audio nirvana ended that way, FWIW!)

Have fun and I am glad you enjoy it!