CJ preamp good match with Ayre amps?

Go for the ET3 SE. It will be a better match. Also consider Herron.

I would keep it in the family--http://www.ultraaudio.com/equipment/ayre_k5xe.htm

Is the SE really worth the extra cash... also with regards to Ayre preamp... i would really like to get a tube preamp.

Ayre gear is fully balanced. CJ gear is not. The Ayre components I've heard sound better when used balanced. Not to say the CJ preamp won't work and sound fine, just that the system may fall shy of what is possible. I have not heard either so this is just an 'on paper' consideration.

My memory tells me that there is an input/output impedence mismatch. It's been a few years.

Larry