Ayre KX-R or PS Audio BHK Pre

Yep, you should hear them both in your system and room and decide from there.  I have never heard an Ayre preamp, so I can offer no opinion on that, but I now own the BHK preamp and I have found it to be seriously worthy, with the nice advantage of being able to "voice" it with selection of the pair of tubes used.  Now, it could be interesting to hear an Ayre preamp in comparison....

How could you not jump at the Ayre..  I'd also send it to Ayre and have it upgraded...they do a wonderful job.

Thanks for the input guys. I feel an update is needed from my side. 
I am not based in the US. The Ayre unit is with my dealer and the PS Audio unit would have to be imported. So having an in house demo is not possible. Our mkt is really small and the dealer does not have any "demo" units. The particular Ayre unit I am looking at is basically brand new, just opened to see everything works. It carries a full factory warranty. 
The only way for our small Audio community to buy stuff is based on reviews and input from fellow enthusiast like you. From what I am able to understand is that while the PS Audio unit is excellent and would compete well with any pre twice its price, the Ayre is on another level. I am thinking if I get the price I want I will step into the Ayre and hope for the best. 

It is very rare to hear of any complaints from Ayre owners.  Good Luck!

Hello srafi, 
 I can understand your dilemma given your logistics.  The Ayre is accessible  (your local dealer) and THE BHK isn't. Ayre has a longstanding reputation and very loyal customers.  It isn't a reach to decide in favor of the Ayre for these reasons. It's a safe choice. 

I however wouldn't make the assumption the Ayre is on a different level, that is only determined from actually listening to both components.  The BHK has excellent reviews and owners feedback.  Very likely it has a different sonic character given its implementation of tubes.

I don't doubt that the Ayre could make you feel very content.  Its certainly possible the BHK could do the same or perhaps even more so.  You just don't honestly know without hearing them. 
Charles