I bought a used Ayre Acoustics KX-5 Twenty preamp for just over $5K. Fully balanced and dead quiet, it is very dynamic at lower volume settings. I can't believe what I was missing before. I've got it paired up with a Parasound JC-5 amplifier pushing a pair of Infinity Kappa 9's. There's a lot out there to choose from because many people are dumping expensive preamps in favor of bypassing and using a DAC with a volume control. I'm not in that camp, get a good preamp like the KX-5 Twenty you won't regret it.
PREAMPLIFIER UPGRADE QUESTION
My system consists of the following:
1. Martin Logan Impressions 11A
2. Rogue RP-1 preamplifier
3. Lumin U@ mini streamer with Chord Qutest DAC.
4. Bryston 4B3 Cubed power amplifier
I just purchased the Bryston amplifier and it has brought my speakers to life. From dull and listless to vibrant and alive.
I would like to upgrade my preamp and my three choices are as follows:
1. Rogue Audio RP-9-tubes
2. Bryston BR-19 which is fully balanced.
3. Conrad Johnson ET6 or ET6SE
My cables are Cardas Clear Cygnus
Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.