Ayre's KX-R preamp—Carved From Solid

CES 2008

Ayre's KX-R preamp—Carved From Solid

By Robert Deutsch • Posted: Jan 10, 2008

"Lightning strikes twice," says the blurb on Ayre Acoustics' new KX-R preamp, referring to the 1996 introduction of the Colorado company's original K-1 preamp, considered to be among the best preamps. The KX-R ($18,500 in aluminum finish) retains the zero-feedback, fully-balanced configuration of the K-1, but has a Variable Gain Transimpedance (VGT) circuit, with something called "equilock circuitry" for the gain devices. This was explained to me as a circuit design that does not attenuate the inputs at the front end, and thus improves the S/N ratio. The KX-R is a slim but heavy unit (41 lbs), and as you can see, it looks stunning.

Comments

Submitted by Stephen Mejias on January 10, 2008 - 9:02am.

Just as Bob said: Stunning. I fell in lust with the KX-R's smooth lines and sweet shine. Ayre has produced great products for a very long time, but their latest styling is just beautiful. It'll be interesting to see if they can trickle down this styling into more affordable products.

Submitted by Matt on January 10, 2008 - 2:01pm.

Sure, it looks cool but how does it sound? Also, the display implies it's connected to a "PX-R". Is that a new phono stage in the series?

Submitted by Charles Hansen on January 11, 2008 - 9:29am.

There is a setup procedure that allows each input to be named, either from an existing list or a custom user-created identifier. At some point (sorry, no promises as to exactly when), I am sure that we will build an "R"-series phono stage which will be called the PX-R so we decided to include that name in the list.

Submitted by Brad on January 11, 2008 - 12:43pm.

Given the outstanding performance of the monoblocks, when one considers upgrading from K1 or V1, and one's budget, which to upgrade to first? The KX-R, or MX-R. Thoughts anyone?

Submitted by Anfield on January 11, 2008 - 6:30pm.

Wow! KX-R, MX-R,and PX-R, is that a "CX-R" (cd player) in your plan?

Submitted by Charles Hansen on January 13, 2008 - 10:34am.

We will make some sort of digital source component for the "R" series, but at this point have no definite plans as to exactly what.

Submitted by Danielle Haney on January 14, 2008 - 5:41pm.

My god Charlie... it's absolutely stunning!!!!! When will these be shipping to dealers so I can go to Pearls in downtown Portland and take a listen?

Submitted by Matt Brush on January 15, 2008 - 4:06pm.

Danielle, we will be getting one in the near future. Don't be a stranger, stop in sometime!Cheers,Matt B. at Pearl Audio...by the way Charlie, fantastic looking piece. Can't wait to hear it.

Submitted by Ken Stevens on January 31, 2008 - 7:25am.

WOW! I thought the old K1 was totally outragous, but this makes the K1 look positively fuddy-duddy. I'll have to call you soon about this VGT and "equilock" stuff.Remember out deal Charlie - you stick to SS stuff and I stick with tubes.

Submitted by John Peters on February 3, 2008 - 8:21am.

Definitive Audio in Seattle has one on display through Wednesday, Feb. 6. It is absolutely spectacular in every regard. Most fun is the way that the input names and volume indicators flip up and down as the controls are rotated! Then there is the sound - both it's own, as well as that made as the volume controls work!

Submitted by giovanni battaglia on February 9, 2008 - 12:14pm.

send me one at home...

Submitted by Ethan on February 28, 2008 - 7:02am.

Looks stunning. Anyone knows if the KX-R has surround bypass (like the K-5xe)?

Submitted by Paul Sop on August 26, 2008 - 4:51pm.

Apparently it does have the surround bypass - yipee!