AudioAficionado.org  

Go Back   AudioAficionado.org > Manufacturers Forums > Audio Research

Audio Research State of the Art Audio Reproduction

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12-26-2012, 09:29 AM
uwbadger uwbadger is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 124
Default Kxr versus ref5se

Hi

I have a set of Vandersteen 5a's and recently acquired a used set of mxr's.

Opinions on adding a used kxr versus new ref5se

I like a fuller more natural and relaxed sound - not analytical or Hifi sounding.

I would like convenience of ss (would leave mxr and kxr in standby) but have always liked a tube in the "middle"

I am nowhere close to any dealer who sells both.

Thx
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12-26-2012, 10:18 AM
Masterlu's Avatar
Masterlu Masterlu is online now
AA Founder, Legend AV Owner



 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: South FL & Cape Cod MA
Posts: 78,484
Default

This thread in the ARC forum will get you an answer, I'm sure.
__________________
Ivan
FLORIDA
MX136, MC1.2KW(10) MC2KW(2), MCD1100, MS750(2) MVP881, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, HT-2 SUBS(2) HT3F(2) WS350(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) XCS350(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" MOTORIZED SCREEN, CINEMA-TECH SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Reference System: ACCUPHASE A300 AMPS, C3900 PRE-AMP, DP1000 CD/SACD TRANSPORT, DC1000 DIGITAL PROCESSOR, DG-68 DIGITAL EQUALIZER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, PS1230 POWER SUPPLY, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, WW PLATINUM CABLES
CAPE COD

MX150, MC501(2) MC1.2KW(10) MC2301(2) MR88, MVP881, MCD1100, MDA1000, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, ESOTERIC K-01X 30th ANNIVERSARY (BLACK) SACD/CD PLAYER, G02-X CLOCK, HT3F(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(4) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) KALEIDESCAPE STRATO & TERRA SERVERS 80-TB, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" SCREEN, SONUS FABER STRADIVARI, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, FORTRESS SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Analog Rig: CLEARAUDIO INNOVATION WOOD, UNIVERSAL ARM w/ Da VINCI' CART, 2nd UNIVERSAL ARM w/ GOLDFINGER STATEMENT CART, HRS-MXR REFERENCE RACK-GLOSS BLACK w/ M3X SHELVES, AESTHETIX RHEA SIG PHONO-PRE, BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Reference System: BURMESTER 911MK3 AMP(3), 088 PRE-AMP, 089 CD PLAYER, 100 PHONO PRE-AMP, 948 POWER CONDITIONER, ACCUPHASE DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, AVID ACUTUS REFERENCE SP TT, GRAHAM PHANTOM II SUPREME ARM, BENZ MICRO LP-S CART, GRANDIOSO P1X/D1X STACK, G1X RUBIDIUM MASTER CLOCK, N05 NETWORK PLAYER, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, SONUS FABER AIDA SPEAKERS, JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(2) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) WW PLATINUM CABLES

Library System: GRANDIOSO M1 MONOBLOCK AMPS, C1 LINESTAGE PRE-AMP, K1X CD/SACD PLAYER, G1 MASTER RUBIDIUM CLOCK, E02 PHONO-PRE, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, AERIAL ACOUSTICS 20T V2, AERIAL SW12 SUBS(2), CANTON REF K1’s, VPI HRX TT w/ SDS POWER SUPPLY, ORTOFON CADENZA BLACK CART, KLAUDIO RCM, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2, SHUNYATA OMEGA QR’s, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Esoteric/Bryston System: ESOTERIC C02-X PRE-AMP, P-02X TRANSPORT, D02-X DAC, G02-X CLOCK, BRYSTON 28B3 CUBED MONOBLOCK AMPS(4), BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2(2) EVEREST 8000 POWER CONDITIONER(2) ALTAIRA CG & SG HUBS, AMR-DP777-SE DAC, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, QUADRASPIRE RACK, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Accuphase/Canton System: ACCUPHASE E800 INTEGRATED, DP570 CD/SACD PLAYER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, PS530 POWER SUPPLY, CANTON REF K3’s, CANTON REF K5’s, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS MXR REFERENCE MAHOGHANY RACK w/ M3X2 SHELVES, WW GOLD CABLES
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12-26-2012, 03:41 PM
Still-One Still-One is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Milford, MI
Posts: 32,466
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by uwbadger View Post
Hi

I have a set of Vandersteen 5a's and recently acquired a used set of mxr's.

Opinions on adding a used kxr versus new ref5se

I like a fuller more natural and relaxed sound - not analytical or Hifi sounding.

I would like convenience of ss (would leave mxr and kxr in standby) but have always liked a tube in the "middle"

I am nowhere close to any dealer who sells both.

Thx
I would go for the K-XR in a flash especially to pair with the MX-R
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12-26-2012, 04:19 PM
Kingsrule Kingsrule is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,358
Default

Agree on the K-XR
I think its the best piece Ayre makes.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12-26-2012, 10:32 PM
jdandy's Avatar
jdandy jdandy is offline
Merry Christmas to all



 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: North Central Florida
Posts: 53,224
Default

uwbadger.......I agree with Jim and g997. The Ayre KX-R preamplifier is a perfect mate for the pair of MX-R power amps. I don't think you will gain anything with the REF5se that will improve upon the KX-R/MX-R package.
__________________
Dan



STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario
LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113
VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12-26-2012, 10:34 PM
uwbadger uwbadger is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 124
Default

Thx

So far 3/3 for the kxr!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12-26-2012, 10:45 PM
doggiehowser's Avatar
doggiehowser doggiehowser is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 2,411
Default

One thing that's impressive with the Ayre is how it implements the volume control to create good dynamics even with the knob at low levels.

The 5SE improves on this aspect over the old Ref5 but its nowhere as sophisticated as the way the Ayre implements it.

I feel however that if the gain and sensitivity of the speakers allows you to get to the optimal level on the 5SE which I find is from 30+ on the display (vs 40+ on the 5), the volume control feature is almost equalized. In that respect, the 5SE then shows a more 3 dimensional soundstage and a lusher midrange. The Ayre however gets the last bit of dynamics and detail which the ARC sacrifices for the tube magic.

My friend opted for the Ayre while I opted for the ARC he says that he wants consistency of performance whereas he thinks the tube performance will degrade with time.
__________________
AcousSignThunderTA5000PurpleHeartNS WandMasterPearwoodII PSA DSD BHK ThielCS3.7SS2.2
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12-26-2012, 10:55 PM
uwbadger uwbadger is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 124
Default

I often listen at low levels as will be in family room next to kitchen. Sounds like kxr better at low levels.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12-27-2012, 03:49 AM
Tomictime Tomictime is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 87
Default

I have Vandy 5a with 7 Filters along with VX-R and Ref 5se with near 700 hours. I have taken to leaving the VX on when I know I will listen that eve. It takes a good 8 hours to turn magical. Not sure if the KX takes as long. the SE is magic after the breakin and warm for an hour. I listened to both a fair bit and went with ARC. Both are stellar.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 12-27-2012, 07:32 AM
Ritmo Ritmo is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 4,053
Default

I would stick with the all Ayre components. These are beautifully made and have terrific synergy.
__________________
Mike
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Audioaficionado.org tested by Norton Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:13 PM.



Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.10
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
©Copyright 2009-2023 AudioAficionado.org.Privately owned, All Rights Reserved.
Audio Aficionado Sponsors
AudioAficionado Subscriber
AudioAficionado Subscriber
Inspire By Dennis Had
Inspire By Dennis Had
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Wyred4Sound
Wyred4Sound
Dragonfire Acoustics
Dragonfire Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
Esoteric
Esoteric
AC Infinity
AC Infinity
JL Audio
JL Audio
Add Powr
Add Powr
Accuphase - Soulution
Accuphase - Soulution
Audio by E
Audio by E
Canton
Canton
Bryston
Bryston
WireWorld Cables
WireWorld Cables
Stillpoints
Stillpoints
Bricasti Design
Bricasti Design
Furutech
Furutech
Shunyata Research
Shunyata Research
Legend Audio & Video
Legend Audio & Video