Ayre introduces the AX-8 integrated amp


Ayre Acoustics introduces the brand new 8 Series Components. The 8 series will fit into their product range below the new 5 series, taking the place of the discontinued 9 and 7 series and the older 5 series products. The price range of the 8 series is planned to be between $2,500 - $8,000 US Retail.

The first two products which are showing in Munich are the AX-8 integrated amplifier (with digital inputs including streaming) and the QX-8 digital hub (also with streaming) and like all Ayre components, they will be hand-built in Boulder, CO.

https://wizard-highend.blogspot.com/2017/05/ayre-ax-8-qx-8.html?m=1

http://ciamara.com/new-ayre-8-series-components-coming-fall/

hgeifman
OK, I see what informed your opinion, thanks.

But, so what? It’s the same chassis because it’s their entry-level line. They have to save money to make it as affordable as possible while maxing performance at the price point (kinda like the plain wrapper lower end of the Vandersteen lineup). I fail to see how you can make any judgement about SQ from those pics. I’ll reserve judgement until I hear one. BTW, a December post over on Audioasylum from Ryan Berry indicates that the final spec will be 100 W into 8 ohms (also, it will be called "EX-8").

There’s no room in that chassis, with all the digital stuff, for an AX-5 type volume control. And if there was, it would add $$$. So now they’d probably have a $10K "baby brother" AX-5. Does that make sense for their product line? I doubt it. Charles Hansen used to post: "Price, performance, features. Pick any two."

What a crock, 80 Watts for $7500?  My Krell Vanguard Digital is exceptional and can be had for less...oh, it also has 200 w/ch!
@dave_b , I’m with you!  Perhaps this is why some here are jumping on the Belles bandwagon!?