ayre mx-r versus audio research ref150


have a set of vandy 5a's. running mcintosh (had prior to vandy purchase) tubes. don't like dry or bright sound in any way. also like a solid lower end - thus the vandy's. like liquid and relaxing but not syrupy and slow.

any advice on sound differences between mxr and ref 150 with either a audio research ref5 or kxr pre?

thx
uwbadger

Showing 2 responses by jfrech

uwbadger...you don't have to turn the Ayre off however...it's designed to be left on 24/7 ....but you are correct...it really takes 2 or 3 days from full power shutdown to optimal state...
I'm with stringgreen here. I bet you can't go wrong with either...but they are a bit different. I've really enjoyed my Ayre MXR's...and that was coming off 25 years with tube amps. I haven't heard the latest ARC 5SE+Ref 150...but the reviews/comments are awesome.

Good luck..let us know what you decide to do...