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ayre mx-r versus audio research ref150

have a set of vandy 5a's. running mcintosh (had prior to vandy purchase) tubes. don't like dry or bright sound in any way. also like a solid lower end - thus the vandy's. like liquid and relaxing but not syrupy and slow.

any advice on sound differences between mxr and ref 150 with either a audio research ref5 or kxr pre?

thx
uwbadger
erndog's avatar
erndog
261 posts
 
What did you end up with?
lcross
6 posts
 
I have the Ref 150 paired w Ref 5 and Vandy 5a carbons. This is a magical combination. Best of luck to you.
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
uwbadger...you don't have to turn the Ayre off however...it's designed to be left on 24/7 ....but you are correct...it really takes 2 or 3 days from full power shutdown to optimal state...
mikey8811
194 posts
 
Hi uwbadger

Any update on what you ended up with and why?

I am also making a decision between thee two.

Pre is Cary SLP 05 and speakers Vienna Acoustics Kiss.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
2,164 posts
 
i had Vandy 5a and listened to 5 amps extensively: Aesthetix in stereo, mono, Ayre in mono and stereo Vx-R and the ARC Ref 150. Also gave the HD 220 and DS series a quick listen.
picked the stereo Ayre and love it. Have since upgraded it to 20 series after 3 plus years. Ayre support awesome.
i would say each of the five amps had virtues. The vxr and mxr in my mind sound identical and worked best for me as i did not want amps on floor.
hope this helps.
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