2. amps-preamps
  3. 154000-1608

Considering going back to Solid State

I have had and Audio Research REF5se now for a few years and love it. Let me be clear, I love the sound and am not wanting to trade back to SS for anything it does wrong. But I am wanting to simplify and get away from tubes and the heat and concern for hours, etc.

So I am seeking advice in the 10-15K range on solid state pre-amps that would be comparable in performance to what I now have. Considering the Ayre 5 series, SimAudio Moon, McIntosh as a few considerations. Which brings me to you, any experience that you have had making a similar comparison would be helpful.

The rest of the 2 channel side is a Mc402 Amp and Revel speakers, how ever in the next month I plan to either buy the Sopra 2's or the Sonus Olympica Nova III, all cardas wiring in case this helps.


Thank You in advance

Theo

128x128theo
photomax
169 posts
 
Maybe look into Boulder?
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,461 posts
 
I own now a Ayre KX-5 twenty preamp, it replaced a Pass Labs XP-10. 
I am very impressed with the Ayre. 
FYI, my amps are tube.

ozzy
scott888
3 posts
 
Teajay's review is up now on StereoTimes... not that I've been checking regularly, or anything...
theo's avatar
theo OP
2,684 posts
 
I did read the Stereo times review and I think it warrants further investigation, thank you scott888. Yes the Ayre KX5 twenty is on my short list, being 40 miles from Boulder and having positive dealings with Ayre on C5xe adds favor as well. I realize that I will hear differences in going back to solid state, and once I decide which Pre-amp I would buy, I will re-evaluate then decide. There has some great suggestions here. One of my biggest problems is there are no local dealers for Pass, Coda, Balanced etc. so that makes it tough to audition any of those. And coincidentally I spoke with the Boulder dealer yesterday.

and the search goes on.


dweller's avatar
dweller
3,781 posts
 
theo - If you can afford new, Music Direct owns BAT and gives you a 60 day (I think) window to return -no questions asked.
You might want to check with Upscale Audio who usually has "open box" units at a discount.
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