Ayre K-1X Balanced Preamplifier, Like New, Complete, OVP : SOLD

Ayre K-1X Preamplifier with Built-in Phono Stage

ENG.
General : The Ayre K-1X is a superbly built and sounding preamplifier with integrated balanced Phono stage.

Engineering : The power supply is external and also completely discretely built. The Ayre K-1x itself is fully balanced and completely free of negative feedback. Negative Feedback provides better measurement data, but sonically units with Negative Feedback often sound less open and precise, becoming smeared and such. The optional built-in Phono stage is also a remarkably good Phono Pre. Fully adjustable to your cartridge, and it is completely balanced. Your cartridge can therefore be best connected in balanced mode. The most remarkable feature of this Ayre K-1X is the very special volume control. It is a mechanical stepped switch with 46 switches with silver contacts. It doesn't get better than this. There are 4 of them, 2 for each channel, so the volume control itself is also completely balanced. The beauty of this mechanical marvel is that the volume is also remotely controllable.

Sound : The Ayre K-1X is clearly a preamplifier of very high quality. First and foremost, the extremely high resolution stands out. Truly every detail is audible. The soundstage is HUGE. Truly grand. The Ayre K-1X is therefore extremely transparent and also super dynamic. At the same time, the Ayre K-1X sounds quiet and analog, not hyped, simply extremely good, and then presented calmly. As Power Cord we recommend the Gigawatt LC3 Evo, which combines very well with this Ayre K-1X preamplifier. This Ayre K-1X is the predecessor of the Ayre MXR and combines superb sound with a very long lifespan. This Ayre K-1X is in like-new condition, has the optional Phono stage on board, and comes with the original packaging.

Specifications of this unit :

Brand : Ayre USA
Model : K-1X
Type : Balanced Preamplifier
Serial Number : 2L0146
Technical Condition : 10/10
Visual Condition : 10/10
Ohm-Audio BV Warranty : 12 Months
Analog Inputs : 3 x RCA unbalanced, 2 x XLR balanced, 1 x Phono XLR
Phono Input : 1 x XLR
Digital Inputs : N/A
Analog Outputs : 1 x RCA Unbalanced, 2 x XLR Balanced
Original Packaging (OVP) : Included
Weight : 20 Kg
Color : Silver
Trade-in : Yes