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
A used Spectral amp might give you a thrill with nuance,dynamics and a sense of being closer to the performance. They’re bulletproof. 
First Thyname, I wouldn't necessarily run out and change the amp without exploring a few options:

1: Are your cables up to snuff what are you using?
2: Are you using power conditioning? 
3: Are you using power cords?
4: Are you using a stock rack any vibration isolation being used?
5: How are you feeding your dac? 
6: Are you using a hign end usb and ethernet cables?
7: Roon tuning any being used?

After we have looked at all of these factors would we then consider recommending any amp. Then the other issue is what kind of price point are you looking at?

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ


Thanks @audiotroy 

1 - Yes. Cardas Clear Reflection (speakers and XLR ICs)

2 - Yes. Isotek Aquarius 

3 - Yes. Cardas Clear, Cardas Clear Beyond, Cardas Golden Reference and Wireworld Silver Electras 

4 - Simple stuff. Mapleshade bases

5 - My DAC is Ayre QX-5 has a streamer built in. Feeding via Ethernet using Roon. Roon Optimized Core Kit on a 7th gen i5 NUC

6 - I have no USB on my path (see #5 above). I do use the nice Wireworld Starlight Cat8

7 - Simple panels for first reflection points and some simple bass traps in corners

Price: about 5-6K used. Preferably less 😉