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Amp upgrade from Ayre V-5xe

I am loving the Ayre sound (V-5xe Amp, QX-5 Twenty DAC / streamer). My speakers are the new Revel F228be

While I think V-5xe is great, I am thinking of upgrading to the newer VX-5 Twenty. Just because.... I hear my sirens calling :-)


For you Ayre owners, is this a worthy upgrade?

Or should I consider another solid state Amp? Pass Labs come to mind

Thanks!
128x128thyname
thyname's avatar
thyname OP
3,107 posts
 
I am very close to pulling the trigger on a Pass Labs X150.8

Same power as my Ayre V-5xe.

Is this really going to be an improvement, or just a lateral move?

Should I just go with Ayre VX-5 Twenty instead?

Thanks
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@thyname Only way to know is to bring the Pass 150.8 into your system. You already know how your Ayre sounds (and the Ayre ’Sound’). This will allow you to compare the two. It’s how I’d approach it.
techno_dude
382 posts
 
Can you borrow the amp from the store to try it first in your room?

The 150.8 should be an improvement over the V5xe. But not as big improvement  as if you would go Luxman or Gryphon.
thyname's avatar
thyname OP
3,107 posts
 
The only Pass Labs retailer is Reno HiFi in Reno Nevada. They do however in-home Demos, so I might try that. I would be in the hook for round trip shipping though if I don't like it.
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
I recently covered shipping to audition the Ypsilon Audio Phaethon. Well worth it. 
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