I just auditioned the k-5xe and k-1xe with b&w802d + V-1xe amp. The differences between the k5 and k1 is not subtle. The k1 just did a better job of presenting the music in more real manner. Voices were more 3-dimensional and palpable. The k1 had more weight to tbe music while at the same time having a very light air to it. I know that sounds contradictory but to me thats the magic of the k1 vs the k5. Is is worth more than twice the k5??? I am not sure yet. I will be doing an in home audition of both preamps shortly. I am also going to be looking into the Plinius M8, which I hear also has a nice warm, tubelike sound like the ayre products.
One thing I did not like about the k1 (i know this is minor) was the loud noise the volume knob makes when moving. I also did not like the overall look of the k1.
One thing I did not like about the k1 (i know this is minor) was the loud noise the volume knob makes when moving. I also did not like the overall look of the k1.