Ayre KX-5/20 & VX-5/20 v AX-5 Twenty
I've heard both of the systems you are considering, but not at the same time and not with your Kef's so it's very difficult to provide meaningful feedback for you... however, I remember being impressed with the Ayre integrated. From my memory it offered everything that the separates did. My concern would be in the amplifier section since it does make less power than the VX-5. However, since you are using your Velodyne's for the low end, that makes life much easier for the amplifier even though I see that the Ref Ref's dip down to the 3 Ohm range. My guess is that you likely won't miss much in going to the integrated unless you are really nit-picking the minutia in your recording. My other thought is that you may lose a little bit of the "tuning" that your Cardas cables are offering between the pre & amp... again probably subtle. Let us know your experience if you audition the integrated, and good luck! |
@OP, I would still think separates would be a better choice. When you think about cramming all that equipment into one case, there are bound to be trade-offs otherwise, why would they exist? As for interconnects, I would get some Audioquest cables. They work well with Ayre. When in doubt, call Ayre. They answer the phone. (If I recall, try to connect with the Operator, as that will forward the call to Ryan. Otherwise, you will most likely have to leave a message). Bob |
Bob, Ryan has been very helpful with my DX5 DSD. Your previous point is a good one. The current setup is QX-5 Twenty for Roon, DX5 DSD for discs, KX-5 Twenty preamp, and VX-5 Twenty amp, four pieces of equipment instead of three, not a big deal. I'm using a rack under the projection screen that accommodates three pieces side-by-side with the amp on top for ventilation. db |
Another person you should contact is John Rutan (Audioconnection). PM him. He sells Ayre, and probably knows KEF. He can provide free, accurate advice, and do it without trying to sell you something. I normally hesitate referring someone to a dealer, but Johnny is a rare bird. And, if you look him up here on Audiogon, you’ll see he is a straight shooter. Bob |
Bob, Ryan prefers Cardas Clear Light USB, and that's what I'm using from an ultra Rendu to QB-9 DSD in a secondary setup. I also use balanced Cardas Clear Light cables in my primary setup. jafant, my DX-5 was already a DSD, bought sort of locally (seller Beverly Hills, we're in Montecito, aka Santa Barbara). I sent it to Ayre to have the chassis changed from black to silver to match the rest of my Ayre stuff. |
jafant, I'm leaning toward keeping my KX-5 Twenty and VX-5 Twenty. Sources will remain QX-5 Twenty for Roon and DX-5 DSD for discs. I'm undecided about the Thorens TD 124 and Technics SL 1200. I may keep them as icons rather than operational sources. The Ayre P-5xe phono stage functions well, but the Audible Illusion M3A needs to be serviced. db |
I think you should keep your current equipment. There is nothing there that could be improved upon. In fact, I think you’d be doing yourself a disfavor by moving to integrated. The only upgrade would be moving to the M/KXR Twenty’s and the new QB 9 Twenty. And, even that would be a subtle change. IMHO B |
dbphd Make no mistake, the AX-5/20 is a killer integrated amp at its price-point. If power is a requirement, keep the separates. Yesterday, I took delivery of an AX-5. Last year, I spent several listening sessions w/ this integrated matched w/ my DX-5 spinner plus the QX-5 /20 for comparison. I purchased the DX-5 last Spring and now own its partner in crime, AX-5. Now it is time for the best part of our hobby- Cabling! Happy Listening! |
Keep in mind that as is often the case with intergrateds, the AX-5 Twenty is not particularly well suited with sub 4 Ohm loads. https://www.stereophile.com/content/ayre-acoustics-ax-5-integrated-amplifier-measurements |
@dbphd . I just recalled a video on Ayre's youtube channel with John Atkinson regarding the difficulties in building an integrated amp. I think it is this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRGrvd_cTHI In a nutshell, integrated amps rely upon a number of compromises in design. And, if you don't want to contact Johnny, I suggest calling Ayre. Ryan usually answers the phone and would be the person with the best information you could possibly receive regarding Ayre products. B |
Keep in mind that as is often the case with intergrateds, the AX-5 Twenty is not particularly well suited with sub 4 Ohm loads.This is nonsense. Here are measurements of the Twenty version, recently published https://www.hifinews.com/content/ayre-ax-5-twenty-integrated-amplifier-lab-report |
