For sale is my Ayre K1xe Preamplifier with Phono Stage and Remote control. I thought this would be my “end of the line” preamp but a recent move to an undersized room has me starting over with a much reduced equipment footprint. Might be Charlie Hansen’s best preamp and it rarely comes up for sale.I purchased this trade-in from Audio Eden in 2016 as a K1 with the phono stage and remote control and several months later sent it to Ayre for the upgrade to the XE version. No other modifications have been performed. It is in very good physical condition with only a few minor blemishes on the front edge of the power supply and a couple of small nicks on the remote as depicted in the photos. It is in excellent operational condition and functions as new. The internal phono stage is exceptional with gain and loading adjustments using resistors to accommodate any MM or MC cartridge. A variety of resistor values will be included with sale to get started and I will install resistors for your cartridge if you specify output and loading specifications. I won’t attempt a review here other that to offer that it’s the best preamp I’ve heard and truly regret having to sell it. If you’re not familiar with the now classic K1xe, please refer to the many reviews to get a sense of the high regard it has garnered and still retains. The OEM packaging is included to ensure safe shipping. Also included will be Remote Control, power cord and resistors for cartridge gain and loading. Shipping, Insurance and PayPal fees will be responsibility of purchaser. “Characteristics emerge through a process of comparison within our perception: Bottom line: The Ayre K-1xe ($7000, $8600 with phono stage) is a world-class preamplifier that can stand its ground with the best I've heard. When you reach that performance level, subtle differences and features make all the difference in the world. That said, the fact that, entering its second decade of production, the K-1 is still a world-beater means it offers even greater bang for the buck. And, having heard it, I want it. Listen to one, and I suspect that you will, too.—Wes Phillips”
https://www.stereophile.com/content/ayre-acoustics-k-1-preamplifier-wes-phillips-june-2007 Features and specifications can be found at https://www.ayre.com/products/archive/k-1xe/
*Ultra-high-quality solid-silver contact stepped
*Zero-feedback, fully-balanced discrete circuitry
*Inductor-input audio power supply filtering
*Ayre Conditioner (patent pending) power line RFI filter
*Special high-speed circuit board material
*Reference quality phono option features adjustable gain and loading
*Remote control option
Gain – Line
16 dB to balanced outputs
10 dB to unbalanced outputs
Gain – Phono
Adjustable — 40 dB, 50 dB (factory setting), 60 dB
Input Impedance – Line
10 kohm (each phase)
Input Impedance – Phono
Adjustable — 50 kohm (factory setting) to 100 ohm
Output Impedance
300 ohm (each phase)
Power Consumption
20 watts
Dimensions
18″ W x 12″ D x 6.25″ H
(45.7cm x 30.5cm x 16cm) – Main Unit
13″ W x 8″ D x 3.75″ H
(33cm x 20.3cm x 9.5cm) – Power Supply
Weight
45 pounds (20kg) – Complete Unit Additional photos available upon request.
Thanks for looking and please email with any questions.
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