High End SS Preamplifier Ayre, EMM Labs, ML, or Pass

Vitus is top notch, no doubt and bullet proof


maybe I am old fashioned but I have about 6 K hours on my Ref5se..and as yet no real itch to put her out to pasture, after some tube rolling, etc...
Rather than burn a bunch of coin on a different flavor, I am inclined to put a serious HRS base under it...

so as a consequence, I tend to discount the inputs of the hyper-frequent gear changers......

Sure full disclosure, At one time I owned an Ayre VX-R. I do currently own an Ayre A to D converter, which I think hardly makes me an automatic KX-R recommendation zealot.

on the other hand, I have actually heard it in both versions over long periods of time in what I believe to be good systems.

now having said that, in this class of gear, why not consider DAG and ML ?

i know of an excellent dealer in Atlanta that carries: DAG, ARC, Ayre and Aesthetix..... wow, that should consume a full day of listening....

OP - I hope you enjoy  the journey and the music !!!

best to all on this thread

jim

I have heard the KX-R in pre and twenty configuration, lovely sweet extended airy with detail and no tubes to muck about with
Charlie is true genius and music lover, RIP
my guess is when he walked in the gate past St. Peter, negative feedback went down 3db in the holy city...

i should add the twenty would beon any shortlist to replace my Ref5se, if ever....