I had a K5xeMP. One of the few items I have ever been really sad I sold. It is an excellent preamp. There are better preamps, but not at the $1900 to $2200 that you are going to pay for it used. Not sure you will find a unit for under $3K that will top it.
Ayre K-5xeMP vs. Electrocompaniet - EC 4.8 MK II, or others?
I am looking to add a preamp to my current set up (Kef reference 1, Coda continuum TS power amp and Exasound e62 DAC - Kimber hero balanced cable) and wonder if anyone could provide advice, opinions or other options in the $3,000 range? The current set up is the best I've ever heard the kef's sound, however I feel am missing something. I am considering the Ayre K-5xeMP or the Electrocompaniet - EC 4.8 MK II. Open to tubes as well and curious about EAR, audiovalve and the Modwright LS 100.
I used to have a hegel h360 and found it laid back, thin and detailed. The Coda is warmer, with a more forward presentation and great macro and micro dynamics - this is a huge improvement for me over the hegel, but again something is missing...
Thoughts?
I used to have a hegel h360 and found it laid back, thin and detailed. The Coda is warmer, with a more forward presentation and great macro and micro dynamics - this is a huge improvement for me over the hegel, but again something is missing...
Thoughts?