So, I am thinking about stepping up to the next level finally and going back to separates. I think I have it narrowed down to two choices-
Ayre Acoustics K-5xe MP preamp with a Rogue Audio Hydra/Medusa power amp
Rogue Audio Athena Preamp with a Musical Fidelity M6-PRX.
The Ayre/Rogue combo would be $7350-$8350 depending on which power amp I choose. The Rogue/MF combo would be $8500.
The MF power amp is an astounding value but I don't need that kind of power. In the shorter term I will be driving my Revel Performa3 M105 bookshelf speakers. I will upgrade in the future but I am thinking it will be to a new bookshelf/standmount like the KEF Reference 1s. I can't imagine needing more than 200w of power.
Alternatively, Stereophile hasn't reviewed the Rogue power amps but TAS did and they rave about it and it is a highly recommended component from them. I have heard both power amps and they are freakin' amazing. I like the touch of warmth I get from the Rogue but I heard the MF originally with an MF preamp, not a tube preamp which should add a touch of warmth.
I have set up a demo of a Rogue/MF combo but I can't arrange an Ayre/Rogue demo in advance and would need to do an in-home demo which would be painful. This series of purchases will get stretched out over the next 2 year since i am looking at spending $12 to $14K when you roll in the cost of a higher end phono stage and an A+ rated streamer/DAC. I will likely have to purchase the Power amp first and will use a Carver pre-amp for a few month while saving for the pre-amp.
Thoughts? How much risk am I looking at not getting to hear the exact Ayre/Rogue combo I am considering?
So, I am thinking about stepping up to the next level finally and going back to separates. I think I have it narrowed down to two choices-
Ayre Acoustics K-5xe MP preamp with a Rogue Audio Hydra/Medusa power amp
Rogue Audio Athena Preamp with a Musical Fidelity M6-PRX.
The Ayre/Rogue combo would be $7350-$8350 depending on which power amp I choose. The Rogue/MF combo would be $8500.
The MF power amp is an astounding value but I don't need that kind of power. In the shorter term I will be driving my Revel Performa3 M105 bookshelf speakers. I will upgrade in the future but I am thinking it will be to a new bookshelf/standmount like the KEF Reference 1s. I can't imagine needing more than 200w of power.
Alternatively, Stereophile hasn't reviewed the Rogue power amps but TAS did and they rave about it and it is a highly recommended component from them. I have heard both power amps and they are freakin' amazing. I like the touch of warmth I get from the Rogue but I heard the MF originally with an MF preamp, not a tube preamp which should add a touch of warmth.
I have set up a demo of a Rogue/MF combo but I can't arrange an Ayre/Rogue demo in advance and would need to do an in-home demo which would be painful. This series of purchases will get stretched out over the next 2 year since i am looking at spending $12 to $14K when you roll in the cost of a higher end phono stage and an A+ rated streamer/DAC. I will likely have to purchase the Power amp first and will use a Carver pre-amp for a few month while saving for the pre-amp.
Thoughts? How much risk am I looking at not getting to hear the exact Ayre/Rogue combo I am considering?