The VX5-20 is an amazing amp. Has the same DNA of the MXR-20 but in my opinion is not the same. I feel that the VX5-20 is a little more forward and ultimately not as sweet, but only upon comparing to the MXR-20, do you ever realize the difference. It’s not obvious and the VX5-20 has a wonderful tone, is dead silent like its older sibling and draws you into the music. I would take any Ayre piece over anything else at this point. Don’t feel that you settling by getting the VX5-20. The MXR-20 has a little more refinement and is more subtle in its presentation but both amps satisfy fully.
All Ayre strikes the perfect balance between tubes and solid state. I know that comparison is thrown around a lot but it really is some of the best solid state around, period.
