Quote:
Originally Posted by enatai252
What is your source and preamp. The VX5 is very good. I have one as well along with a VX5 twenty, a VXR twenty and three MXR twenties( upgraded from MXR). I am quite happy with the base VX5 used with a classe CP800 and naim streamer in a bedroom system with Thiel speakers The VX5 twenty is used in the study with Wilson Surround 2s on the wall and a ARC ref DAC as source and preamp. The MXR and VXR are used in theater with Wilson Alexia's, Mezo and Alidas With KXR twenty and Datasat R20 as preamp processor and Vivaldi as main source. I think it all depends on the total system as to whether an upgrade makes sense. The twenty definitely improves the bottom end and improves on an already very rich and natural sounding presentation. The VXR/MXR are step function improvements but require high quality source components to maximize value
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Thanks for the reply, source is Macbook Air >> Jkenny MK3 SPDIF converter >> NAD M51 (next to be upgraded) >> ARC REF 3 or AYRE KX5.
I am really really liking the ARC Ayre combo, its just sublime.
I also like the KX5 sounds but its not as thick & 3D as the ARC pre. The KX5 seems to be more laid back in its presentation and slightly less organic. Dont get me wrong, the KX% is a very fine pre amp for the money, and It does a better job with house, rock & roll and hip hop etc... but the ARC pulls away on accoustic music and heavy vocols music like Roberta Flack, Folk music and the like.
As it stands I only have two gripes with my current setup;
1. It runs very hot, even when turned off the amp is very warm to touch. However if this is the price i must pay for the sonic purity i get in return then I can live with it, esp in the winter.
2. I like to listen to my music somedays really loud, and I am loving what I hear thus far but on certain types of music my lil vx5 sometimes runs out of steam. e.g. AC/DC @ 125db or hard house at the same volumes.
I guess my question is are the models above just more of a good thing with the same sonic charectistics and just more power or does their flavour change as well?
thanks in advance
SJ