The "base price" version, minus the MC/MM phono section ($1000) and remote ($250), is an even more reasonable $3250...but in…
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The challenge for Ayre's Charley Hansen was formidable. Having already designed a world-class preamplifier—the highly acclaimed $7100 K-1 (see Wes Phillips' review in March 1997)—Hansen set out to offer audiophiles "80 to 90%" of the K-1's sound and build quality at a price more of them can afford. Not that the new K-3 is a piece of "budget" gear. It's not. But at $4500, the fully loaded K-3, complete with phono section and remote control, is within reach of many.
I listened to the EAD DSP-9000 Mk.3 HDCD processor directly out through its built-in analog/digital volume control. This is a switched resistive array that uses 0.1% Vishay resistors for large volume steps (6dB increments), and digital attenuation for smaller ones (0.2dB). Thus there is never more than one high-quality resistor in the signal path at any given time, and no more than 1 bit of degradation. The EAD fed either the Conrad-Johnson Premier 12s or the VTL MB-450s. Through the Ayre, the biggest difference I could hear was gain.
The K-3 was dead, dead quiet. If it imparted any…
Sidebar 1: AC Power Cords
I want to neither overstate nor understate the effect power cords have on the sound of electronic components. Many manufacturers who've visited me have laughed at some of the boa constrictor–like power cords I have on hand—until they've heard them attached to their products. They do make a difference.
That said, how can one accurately assess the "sound" of a piece of electronics without assessing the "sound" of the power cord to which it attached? Good question! The Ayre sounded fine with the supplied cord, but substituting a Yamamura Quantum cord (over…
Sidebar 2: Specifications
Description: Full-function, solid-state control preamplifier. Maximum voltage gain: 16dB to balanced outputs, 10dB to unbalanced outputs (line); 40dB, 50dB, 60dB (phono stage). Line input impedance: 10k ohms (each phase). Phono input impedance: adjustable—50k ohms (default); 100, 250, 500, 1000 ohms supplied; other values available. Output impedance: 300 ohms (each phase). Power consumption: 30W.
Dimensions: 18" W by 3.75" H by 11" D (main unit); 10" W by 3" H by 8" D (power supply). Weight: 25lb (11.5kg).
Serial number of unit reviewed: 3A 0126.
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Sidebar 3: Associated Equipment
Phono Cartridges: Transfiguration Temper, Lyra Clavis DC, Parnassus DC.T, AudioQuest Fe-5, Grado Reference, Goldring Excel XV, van den Hul MC 10 Special.
Tonearms: Graham 2.0, Immedia RPM, Simon Yorke Series 7.
Turntables: Simon Yorke, VPI TNT Mk.IV.
Preamplifiers: Audible Illusions Modulus 3A, Sutherland PH-2000, FM Acoustics 122.
Power Amplifiers (tube): Conrad-Johnson Premier 12, VTL MB-450.
Loudspeakers: Sonus Faber Concerto Grand Piano, Aerial 8, Audio Physic Virgo, Audio Physic Rhea powered subwoofer.
Cables: Yamamura…
Sidebar 4: Measurements
A full set of measurements for the Ayre K-3 were made in its balanced configuration, with selected measurements repeated for the unbalanced mode. Unless otherwise noted, the measurements presented are for balanced operation.
The Ayre's impedance at its line output measured 558 ohms at 1kHz in the left channel, 561 ohms in the right (279 ohms unbalanced, left channel), with insignificant variations with changes in the level control. The line-level input impedance measured 21k ohms (10k ohms unbalanced), again virtually independent of the level control.…
Apart from the Beatles and Hendrix I heard in my audiophile father's basement, one of my earliest rock'n'roll memories involved a multipurpose record player at school. In third grade, six of us were moved as a separate group to a round table to watch a filmstrip in a darker part of a large, open-plan classroom. A clunky old record player in a self-contained carrying case with a half-dozen headphone jacks sat on the table. We each plugged in a pair of headphones to hear the soundtrack for the filmstrip we were instructed to watch—unsupervised. Ben discreetly pulled out his older brother's LP…
A look at the back panel reveals that the Model-One is not merely a record player with speakers attached. Inputs include optical (TosLink) and coaxial (RCA) S/PDIF, both of which can deal with data up to 24 bit/192kHz; an Aux input via RCA plugs; and a mini-USB input/output. Outputs include line-level via RCA and a subwoofer-out for those who want more bass. (Andover offers a stackable, matching Model-One subwoofer for $799.)
The Model-One features Qualcomm aptX Bluetooth, the low-latency version. Android users get high-quality Bluetooth, and AAC is the codec for Apple devices, so it's…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Integrated music system with belt-drive turntable, phono preamp, amplification, DSP, DAC, headphone amp, and built-in speakers. 200W total amplification (2 × 70W to woofers; 2 × 30W to tweeters). Acoustic frequency range: 55Hz–30kHz ±3dB (under lab conditions). Turntable motor: 24-pole AC synchronous driven by digitally synthesized 2-speed electronic control. Platter: 12" acrylic with felt mat. Speeds: 33.3/45/78rpm, adjustable ±3%. Wow and flutter: <0.2%. Tonearm: 8.6" single piece, carbon fiber. Phono cartridge: Ortofon 2M Silver. Inputs:…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Digital source: MBL N31 CD player/DAC.
Integrated amplifier: MBL N51.
Loudspeakers: MBL 126 Radialstrahler.
Headphones: HiFiMan HE400S, Sonus Faber Pryma.
Cables: AudioQuest, Ansuz Acoustics, and Morrow Audio (interconnects and other cabling).
Accessories: AudioQuest Niagara 1000 Low-Z Power Noise-Dissipation System, Critical Mass Systems Maxxum equipment racks, Zanden Audio AT-1 proprietary foam bass traps/tubes (corners, 2×), AP-1 proprietary foam acoustic panels 4 × 35.5" H by 23.75" W by 1.5" D (removable and custom attached to PVC…