Ayre K-5xe preamp? How close to K-1xe?

My preamp and the power supply are well seperated by two or three feet. (The power supply is on the bottom shelf and the actual preamp is on the fourth shelf from the bottom. I "think" that the umbilical cord is about 4 feet long or so. (Maybe longer. It is behind my rack and I can't really see it without tearing it apart.
(The quick answer is to email Ayre and ask, or put a post on Audio Asylum's amp/preamp board, because Charles Hansen checks that board fairly frequently.

As far as the HT setup, I don't think there is a HT pass through on the K-1, but I could be wrong. (I have no desire to integrate my HT with my 2 channel stereo.)

As far as Tboooe's comments:

Yeah, it is a bit noisey changing the volume, but that is because of the complicated, but properly done, volume control. Because of this design, the remote volume control has virtually no sonic affect on the sound. (I would rather it be done right, and be noisy, than have it be done incorrectly, and be quieter.) Besides, when I am changinf the volume, it is usually because I need to make drastic changes to the volume. A single click or so is hardly noticable.

Personally, I like the looks. Of course I have the silver face mounted now. (I actually have both a silver, and a black face, as the previous owner preferred the black face and paid for the second face.) But then again, I like the look of my Lamm M2.1s too. To mea, a simple design is very elegant, rather than something more garish. (Although, I must admit, I did like the Manley Neoclassic 250 amps in the gold finish that my friend had for a bit.)

That should be perfect as far as putting it where I want on my shelves. Thanks for the info, Kurt. I have made a couple of phone calls to Ayre and talked with Steve and Michael. They are both so nice and helpful. I will call or email them about using it with my home theater setup. When I listen to audio I listen to two channel, but I think you can integrate it with HT, even without the processor input. There is a "Unity Gain" position on the volume control per the manual, and I think you would just set the Listen control to "video" and the volume to the unity gain position. At least that is what my dealer thinks, but he does not have the K-1 in stock. If that is not right, someone please enlighten me.

I have heard the K-5Xe with and without using a Runnings Springs Audio Haley. The dynamics and sound floor were definitely improved. One key characteristics of the Running Springs is that it does not limit current, however.

Go to the Ayre website, (Ayre.com) and you can download the K-1X manual which should answer all of your questions on the unity gain setting for HT pass through. You won't go wrong with any of their products, their customer service sets the standard of how it should be done, and their policy of honoring the warranties for second, third, and fourth generation owners adds additional value to their owners.

I got the Ayre K-1xe and I am so happy with it! Best hifi investment I ever made. And it is very compatable with my Home Theatre gear. It is broken in now and I am using it with the Ayre C-5xe player, two Linn Klimax 500 Solo amps, Wilson Sophia 2s, and an Aerial SW-12 sub. It is my dream system and has taken me a lifetime to acquire it, but in every way I am thrilled and delighted with it.