Simaudio Moon 740P preamp vs. Ayre KX-5 Twenty

I went to a Simaudio dealer today. Listened to 740P and a bunch of other Moon gear. Impressive! Although I realize it’s impossible to evaluate a Preamp given it being hooked up to unfamiliar gear and speakers. But it looked handsome and very nicely built. They did have it connected to a monstereous Moon power supply 

Got it @david_ten ... I often think the same.... going Integrated from the start would have been wise before I am deep in this rabbit hole. Something like Gryphon Diablo and such. Too late now

I would have suggested a system level approach vs a component based one. Thinking holistically of your preamp and amp choice, together as one, even a 'trio' of 'one' inclusive of the DAC vs. approaching it a component at a time. 

It's something I'm tussling with: that is how to approach our hobby vis a vis choices / changes to my system in the future. 

What would your recommendation have been @david_ten ? I have not bought the Preamp yet

In fact even after selling the amp and the DAC he kept the preamp for quite a while before going back to a tube preamp. Or quite a while for him anyway. 

Thanks. Had I known you were also considering a preamp, my recommendation on how to move forward would have been different (in your other thread).

@jackd  makes the point, succinctly... 

I have a friend that all three "Twenty" pieces and he thought the preamp was the best of the three pieces.

In any case, I wish you all the best in the journey and what lies at the end of it.

I have a friend that all three "Twenty" pieces and he thought the preamp was the best of the three pieces.

Oh I am keeping the QX-5 Twenty @david_ten . But I am thinking of running it through a Preamp . Everyone says sounds better that way. Gotta try to know , right?

Understand. I didn’t realize at the time you were asking about the amps in your thread that you were also considering moving from your QX-5 Twenty DAC (the digital volume control). All the best in your search.

@daI did. The VX-5 Twenty. I am here inquiring about the matching preamp. The KX-5 Twenty 

@thyname  Didn't you just receive your new Ayre amp? What's prompting you to consider another after a few days?

Why don't you like tube preamps? I am asking because I am thinking of trying a tube preamp.
Thanks!