2. amps-preamps
  3. 1235887955

inexpensive preamp for Ayre V3 with Green Mountain

I am working on a budget with Green Mountain Europa speakers. They are great speakers and given the space I am working with, a really good match. My challenge now is to find the right amp/pre-amp combination that fits my budget.

I have settled an Ayre V3 amp and will spend most of my cash on it. I need an inexpensive pre-amp to provide volume control with a remote. Of the sub-$1000 solid state pre-amps, does anyone have a recommendation? I need 2 inputs, balance out, and a set of single end pre-outs for subwoofer. Current bargains on Audiogon include:
NuForce
Celeste Sim Audio
classe cp60
bryston bp 25
proceed Pre
Music Fidelity A3
Audio Refinement
Creek

Lots of options - opinions or feedback based on experience will be appreciated.

thanks!
drewh1

Showing 5 responses by drewh1

drewh1 OP
115 posts
 
Stringreen,

You seem to have a lot of experience with Ayre - what is your opinion on the AX7 - I don't need a ton of power with the GMAs and although the V3 is a good deal used, I am concerned about it's issues with heat and power consumption - Plus, I hear you about pairing an Ayre pre-amp, I agree that I will have to wait to buy one.

I am thinking I could just wait to find a used AX7 and be done with it.

so what do you think -

Option 1 - V3, wait for preamp (I can use my Monarchy DAC24 as tube pre-amp in the interim, it does not have balanced outputs).
OR
wait for AX7?

Thanks for you feedback.
drewh1 OP
115 posts
 
Rufipennis,

Thanks man, I think you are absolutely right - I am on a mission to find a used AX-7. Do you know if the 7e is much different from the 7?

thanks for the concise opinion, I need to hear it.

drew
drewh1 OP
115 posts
 
I love this site!

I posted a wanted ad and am going with an AX-7e. Next time I will listen to Roy the 1st time! I spoke with the guys at Ayre and they recommend the AX-7e over the V3 with some pretty clear and candid comments. Ayre seems like a great company, made in US, and so far great customer support and I am not even a customer yet.

Nrenter - let me know when you upgrade your GMAs, I will take those Callistos off your hands in a heartbeat.

I will post a follow-up when I secure the AX-7e and try it out. By the way, it will be used with Anti-cables.

Drew.
drewh1 OP
115 posts
 
Thanks Rufipennis - your advice and help has been greatly appreciated.

I am going to try to find a 7e - Ayre charges $250 or $350 depending on age and still does the upgrade. I thought I missed out on the previous deal but when I add it up, I think it is less overhead to get the later model from the start.

Drew.
drewh1 OP
115 posts
 
FYI - I am on about 20 hours of listening to my Ayre Ax7e and feel pretty confident I made the right choice (I usually like to give my ears 50 - 60 hours to break in!).

thanks to everyone's input. I can sit back and enjoy the music for awhile now. I am going to review the Ayre under reviews if anyone is interested in the details.

Thanks,

Drew.
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