Any Opinions About Ayre Acoustics K-5xeMP preamp?

[timequest]

I am running my PS Audio Direct Stream directly to my amp. I have read that running the 'DS' through a very good preamp will result in better sound compared to 'going direct.' I have read good things about the K-5xeMP, but I'm not familiar with it, and I don't know if it is indeed a "verry good" preamp..........The cost is certainly much less than many of the well known 'SOTA preamps.'

 

Since the gain of the DS is about 3-4 dB quieter than my previous DAC (the PS Audio PWDII), and because DSD files tend to be about 6dB quiter than PCM files, I feel that I need a little more volume capacity..................Would adding a preamp necessarily provide more gain.......more volume?

 

Thank you.

[LBob]

I have run the Ayre K5xe for quite a long while, going on 20 years now I think. Had it upgraded to MP about 3-4 years ago. I have no complaints and have had only 1 problem with it (volume control) which Ayre repaired for free even though it was out of warranty. I've had no reason to even consider another preamp and doubt that I will consider another. SQ is outstanding. Add the price point and it is a steal. I've never gone direct to the amp. I know that in theory it should sound better, but when I have heard direct vs a preamp I've always preferred the preamp. The direct method was lacking in dynamic range and sounded a little stressed on very loud passages. Again YMMV and this is just my opinion. Try one. You can always resell it if it's not your cup of tea. Good luck!