Used Preamp Decision

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mjg
mjg Posts: 86
in 2 Channel Audio
I have been searching for either a new preamp or a good quality used unit(solid state) to replace a Audio Mirror T-65 tube pre. So far on the used side I have narrowed it down to either the Ayre K-5XEMP or Pass Labs X1. New either Parasound P5 or Emotive XSP1 gen 2. I don't think the 2 new units will come close to the Ayre or the pass. Amp is Bryston 4B-ST and speakers are Salk Song Towers. Anyone tried any of these pre's? Especially interested to see if anyone has had the chance to demo both the Ayre and the Pass. Other suggestions are also welcome. Thanks in advance for any input.

Maurice
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Comments

  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,079
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    Get the X1 if you can, thank me later. The Parasound and especially the Emotiva shouldn't even be in the same paragraph of consideration. Not all that familiar with Ayre equipment, but the Pass is the best on the list.

    Good luck

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,094
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    I have an X1, and it will not be leaving my rig any time soon.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,640
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    Another vote for the Pass. I have a local friend who tried out the Emo, the Parasound and ultimately picked up a used X1 and is happier than a clam in mud as the saying goes.

    From my own experiences with his system, the pass outperformed the Parasound and the Emo in every regard.
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
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  • FTGV
    FTGV Posts: 3,649
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    The Pass and Ayre are both expertly engineered products. The the choice between them is likely a system/ personal taste thing.
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 24,559
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    FTGV wrote: »
    The Pass and Ayre are both expertly engineered products. The the choice between them is likely a system/ personal taste thing.

    Agree Fred. Ayre makes darn nice stuff. Out of my budget but a guy can dream right. ;)
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,132
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    Marvin @marvdai has Ayre
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • mikeyb128
    mikeyb128 Posts: 2,885
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    I've listened to several systems running Ayre, it sounded dam nice, the build is top notch, and I'm a huge fan of their styling.
    2 channel:
    Bryston 4B3, Bryston BDA3, Cary SLP05, Shanling CDT1000SE with parts conneXion level 2 mods, Nottingham analogue ace space 294, soundsmith Carmen MKii, Zu DL103 MKii, Ortofon MC 20 MKii, Dynavector XX2 MKii, Rogue Audio Ares, Core power technologies balanced power conditioner, Akiko Corelli power conditioner with Akiko Audio HQ power cable, Nordost heimdall 2, Frey 2, interconnects, speaker and power cables, Focal Electra 1028 BE 2, Auralic Aries Femto, Black diamond racing cones, ingress audio level 1 roller blocks, JL Audio E110 with Auralic subdude, Primacoustics room treatments.
    Theater:
    Focal Aria 926,905,CC900, SVS PB ultra x2. Pioneer Elite SC85, Oppo BDP93, Panamax M5400PM, Minix neox6, Nordost Blue heaven LS power cables.

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  • kharp1
    kharp1 Posts: 3,453
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    As a straight pre I didn't think the P5 was bad, but, it wasn't incredible either. The DAC left a lot to be desired. I would definitely go with the Pass. I have no experience with Ayre for full disclosure.
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  • mjg
    mjg Posts: 86
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    Thanks to all who responded. I have an offer on a X1 on Audiogon now. Hope to own it soon. Will let you know my thoughts when it gets in the house.

    Maurice
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