2. amps-preamps
  3. 153483-2164

Parasound JC 1 monoblocks with Ayre KX-5 Twenty preamp?

I've been using an Ayre KX-5 Twenty preamp with a VX-5 Twenty stereo amp to drive KEF Reference 1s (Blade 2s may be in the future), but I have three unused JC 1 monoblocks. I'm wondering about replacing the Ayre amp with a pair of the JC 1s.  The JC 1s brought life and great LF extension to the KEF Reference 107/2s I used before the Reference 1s.  But not sure how the Ayre preamp and JC 1s would play together.  Advice sought, before I unpack and move those heavy amps upstairs.

db
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6 responses Add your response
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
That sound like a fun project.
For my main system, I have Ayre (MX-R's and KX-R) for the summer.
And Atma Sphere (MA-1's and MP-1) for the winter.
Now that I can afford it, I find it nice to change things around once and a while.
Bob
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dbphd OP
1,628 posts
 
I like the purity of sound from the Ayre preamp and amp, especially as sourced by the Ayre QX-5 Twenty processing files from Roon and the Ayre DX-5 DSD spinning discs.

The KEF Reference 1s are supplemented by a pair of Velodyne HGS-15s crossed 4th order at 40 Hz by SMS-1 bass control.

I’m trying a vinyl/tube setup as well, using Audible Illusions Modulus 3A preamp and Cary CD 572 SET monoblocks. Not sure where this will go.

db
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erik_squires
16,056 posts
 
Having heard both at the same dealer, Ayre all the way.

However, pick what you like. :)
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dbphd OP
1,628 posts
 
Bob, after rereading reviews of the Ayre KX-5 Twenty and VX-5 Twenty, I think the advice in your first paragraph is what I needed, and that I should leave well enough alone -- now what about substituting Wilson Sophias for the KEF Reference 1s?  Oh, but that's not so easy to do given I don't have the Sophias, only a six LS50s and four mid-80s KEF Reference 102s.

db
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
There is nothing like Ayre's zero feedback and fully balanced designs.
And, I think you have one fine system, as it stands.

The only way to know is to try, but if moving those amps upstairs will be too much work, I would leave things as they are.
Bob
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