Ayre and Pass generally thought to be a level above the parasound product which provides good value for the $. Both the ayre and pass products are excellent and if cost is an issue both make great integrated amps.
beyachad, I'm assuming you meant to say that you had a K-1x? (Or was it upgraded to the 'evolution' [K-1xe]?) I can't find a single instance online where someone has compared the K-1xe to the KX-5 Twenty. I don't mean to hijack the op's thread, but it would be immensely helpful to hear even brief impressions of how they compare. I'm looking to purchase a K-1xe with phono stage the next time I see one come up for sale, or a KX-5 Twenty. Until recently I had the K-3x.
I used to own a Pass X-1..I Bought it used. It was funny how much better I liked it than the Linn pre-amp it replaced. The sound has tons of air, space, soundstage, and detail while being very engaging.
Subsequently have moved to an Pass XP-20... A great pre-amp. If I were you, I'd get one to listen to. Only way to know.
Reno hi-Fi has a used X-1 for $1895.. They'll let you use it and if you don't like it, send it back!!
Thanks for the responses eveyrone! While I am interested, I'm still thinking up how my entire home entertainment center will turn out. I may be locked into the P7, if not financially, because of connectivity.
It's not bad at all, and gets highly praised, I was just wondering if things would get better. :)
I think before this I'll make some of my own silver/cotton balanced cables. That's a much less expensive, and time consuming project.
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