#11
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Since we're making KX-R Twenty comments here, my standard test when shopping for preamps was to connect my Wadia S7i directly to my amplifiers then compare its sound to its sound when running through the preamp.
It was always a game of minimizing the damage but there was always damage done. As an example, it took about thirty seconds of A/Bing to hear that an Audio Research Ref 5 SE would not serve me well. When I first demoed the KX-R, it blew me away because it actually sounded better going through the preamp. I couldn't tell you why, the soundstage seemed a bit enhanced and clearer, and it was distinctive, to the point where I could run one channel through the KX-R and connect the other directly to the amp and could always identify which was which. The funny thing is, I never knew that KX-R was a tad bright on the high end, never fatiguing, but noticeably - until I was able to demo my first KX-R Twenty. It was night and day and, as pricy as the upgrade was, the decision to upgrade was literally a no-brainer, the Twenty sounded that much better. |
#12
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Thx all for the words about the KXR-20 it is making me crave it even more keep them coming 😀
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#13
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Solecky, Just got to any dealer and demo their top three preamps (make sure they have a KXR on hand, lol). That alone will tell you how great it is. Even my friends who don't like the absolute detail that Ayre products give you, love the KXR
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Vandy Quatro&s, Laufer DAC/server, AQ cords |
#14
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I really liked my AX-5 Twenty. Solid piece of exceptional audio engineering.
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Audio Room: CH Precision I1, Esoteric k01XD, Lab 12 Melto 2, Luxman PD-171A TT, Roon Nucleus, Stenheim Alumine Three, Silversmith Fidelium speaker cables, Siltech 680 interconnects, Shunyata Sigma USB Cable, Audioquest Hurricane PCs, Shunyata Everest,CORE Design racks, Stein Harmonizers, HRS damping plates, Stillpoints and all that other silly stuff. Office: Luxman L-595A SE, Diapason Neos speakers, HiFi Rose RS150B, Nordost Frey 2 Interconnects, Tellurium Q Silver speaker cables, |
#15
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Congrats on the new facility Ryan, and so glad that you're here in this forum.
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#16
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Greg, it really is a nice unit. I don't think some folks realize just how good it is. It won't embarrass itself with some really high end systems if you need to save space or even dollars. The only reason I'll move on from it is for Vandersteen's mono blocks as they are a great match with my Quatro's based on what I've been told by someone who has heard them (not just Richard, lol). I'll need to audition them to see though.
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Vandy Quatro&s, Laufer DAC/server, AQ cords |
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