Ayre k5xe^mp

[thisuldo]

Silly question?

I have a pair of v-5xe and c7xemp, all of which show a green light when in standby and the c7xemp display turns off. However the K-5xemp has a red led to indicate standby and the blue display is still illuminated. Is this right?

Seems a little odd to me.

[will]

The red light is just a mute indicator. The preamp has no on/off or standby.

[JHolmes]

Just registered and gained some kind of permission to come aboard!!

I recently put a K5xemp in my system and couldn't be happier. It replaced a VTL TL 2.5. which wasn't a terrible pre by any means. The audio shop close to me has an all Ayre system, including the QB9 DAC. They are using the Wilson Sasha's for loudspeakers. I just couldn't get over the clarity of the system, without sounding digital or processed.

BTW, I did purchase the QB9 also. I spent about 6 months toying with the computer audio system thing and once committed went for the QB9. Xlint sound!

Don't ask me about cables! my cabling is cheap mismatched and all over the place. I'm in the process of saving a bit of $$ to upgrade cables. Thinking of Morrow's mid level stuff, but that's another story..

Anyway, hello to all and hope all is good.

[Kippyy]

I also have a K5 pre-amp and think its awesome...
I demoed the KXR in my system to compare to it, and the changes were subtle, and I felt,not worth the additional 15K.
A giant killer indeed!
Enjoy your great gear.

[uwbadger]

Originally Posted by JHolmes

Just registered and gained some kind of permission to come aboard!!

I recently put a K5xemp in my system and couldn't be happier. It replaced a VTL TL 2.5. which wasn't a terrible pre by any means. The audio shop close to me has an all Ayre system, including the QB9 DAC. They are using the Wilson Sasha's for loudspeakers. I just couldn't get over the clarity of the system, without sounding digital or processed.

BTW, I did purchase the QB9 also. I spent about 6 months toying with the computer audio system thing and once committed went for the QB9. Xlint sound!

Don't ask me about cables! my cabling is cheap mismatched and all over the place. I'm in the process of saving a bit of $$ to upgrade cables. Thinking of Morrow's mid level stuff, but that's another story..

Anyway, hello to all and hope all is good.

Look at anti cables with ayre to save $$$

ayre dx-5, kxr, mxr, Vandersteen 5A

[JHolmes]

Originally Posted by uwbadger

Look at anti cables with ayre to save $$$

ayre dx-5, kxr, mxr, Vandersteen 5A

Thanks! and I'll look into them. Morrow mid level cables seem to get very good reviews. I spent all my $$ between the K5 and the QB9!! So whether it's AC or Morrow, I'll have to save a bit....

[harri009]

I would HIGHLY suggest Grover Huffman Cables. I just put Grover's XLR's throughout and they were an incredible improvement.

[guitardave]

I would second the Grover Huffman cables. They are very revealing and open sounding.

[Box860]

I just added the K-5xeMP to my system this weekend. It made much more a difference than I expected. It's clear that I was not getting the full benefit of the V-5xe until I added its preamp mate. Right away I noticed a marked improvement in bass and better, more precise imaging After 1 1/2 days of listening, I'm noticing a sweeter, more gentle high end. I think the sound overall sounds more natural and less hi-fi, particularly at the high end.

As for it's being a giant killer, the owner of my favorite audio shop thinks the unit is underpriced. He claims no other preamp in its price point comes close.

[Cheezewhiz]

Originally Posted by Box860

I just added the K-5xeMP to my system this weekend. It made much more a difference than I expected. It's clear that I was not getting the full benefit of the V-5xe until I added its preamp mate. Right away I noticed a marked improvement in bass and better, more precise imaging After 1 1/2 days of listening, I'm noticing a sweeter, more gentle high end. I think the sound overall sounds more natural and less hi-fi, particularly at the high end.

As for it's being a giant killer, the owner of my favorite audio shop thinks the unit is underpriced. He claims no other preamp in its price point comes close.

Congrats, I've always heard great things about this preamp. What did it replace? Did you compare other preamps before you chose the ayre?

David ... Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado