2. amps-preamps
  3. 156064-388

My Ayre AX-7e Integrated amp vs. an upgrade to the Ayre EX-8 Integrated amplifier

I am considering replacing my 15+ year old Ayre AX-7e amp with the Ayre EX-8 amp. Based on my research, so far, the EX-8 looks very interesting but I am VERY concerned about how HOT it gets. How hot is the Ayre EX-8 amplifier after being on for several hours? I plan on placing the amplifier inside my Salamander Designs Wooden Cabinet (front door closed, back and sides are open) My Ayre AX-7e amp gets warm but is never a problem.

Another owner reports "his EX-8 is noticeably hotter than the AX-7e”. I am very concerned since the unit will be located in my Salamander Designs Wooden Cabinet. And, since he reports, "his EX-8 is as hot as his BAT tube amp", I now have a major concern with the EX-8.

This is a 2-channel home theater system only. My LG OLED TV connects (DH Labs Glass Master Toslink Cable) to my Bricasti M3 DAC to my Aye AX-7e amp to my QUAD 12L2 Classic Signature Bookshelf Speakers. I have another main audio system for CD’s, streaming, etc. In May 2019, Ayre Acoustics ’tested’ my AX-7e amp a number of times with every parameter of its performance and specs. It worked and sounded fine. They did adjust the bias and zeroed out the DC.

I am open to other integrated amplifier suggestions with a budget of $5,000 to $6,000. I prefer a balanced amplifier (XLR inputs). I demoed the Parasound HINT 6 Integrated amplifier, in my home system, and the Ayre AX-7e sounded MUCH, MUCH better. The only reason I am looking is because my Ayre AX-7e is 15+ years old and I am concerned about its age. Should I be concerned (maybe not)? AND, maybe, a newer amplifier might sound better (?).

COVID-19 has closed the audio stores in the Bay Area so visiting them is not possible. I also emailed Ayre Customer Service and asked them about how hot the EX-8 gets and if it would be okay inside the Salamander cabinet. Thanks.

hgeifman
hgeifman OP
2,271 posts
 
I am passing on the Ayre EX-8 integrated amp because it gets much too hot for my Salamander cabinet.  The Electrocompaniet ECI-6 Integrated Amplifier looks very interesting but has limited distribution in the USA and does not work with my TiVo remote.  

I am now considering using the volume control of the Bricasti M3 DAC and a power amplifier instead of an integrated amplifier.  I am looking at the SimAudio MOON 330A power amplifier.  

I used the TiVo remote search mode to the Bricasti M3 DAC and was UNABLE to make a connection.  I asked Bricasti to send me the IR code for the M3 and I will input it directly into the TiVo remote.    

I will also use the TiVo Remote search function, again, and attempt to connect to the Bricasti M3 DAC.   I am hoping this works.     
hgeifman OP
2,271 posts
 
I was unable to get my TiVo remote to work with my Bricasti M3 DAC.  I considered the Luxman L-507uX Mark II but it also does not work with my TiVo remote.   As I said above, the ELECTROCOMPANIET ECI 6 Integrated Amplifier looks great but has limited distribution in the United States and does not support my TiVo remote.   I tested the PARASOUND HINT 6 amp and it does not support my TiVo remote and, to my ears, does not sound good.

I tested my TiVo remote on my SimAudio 700i V2 amp and it works perfectly (Tivo connected in about 3 seconds).   I am now looking at the SimAudio 340i Amp.   This amplifier might be the perfect amplifier for my needs.  
joey54
434 posts
 
If you can stretch your budget a bit you should look at the Aesthetix Mimas Integrated. It's the best sounding integrated I have heard and you can add an internal DAC and phono stage if you want to. Good Luck!
hgeifman OP
2,271 posts
 
@joey54, Thanks for the suggestion to look at the Aesthetix Mimas Integrated amplifier. I agree this amplifier looks great and I am sure sounds awesome. It is a hybrid design and I prefer a solid state amplifier for this application. In addition, I am unable to determine if my TiVo remote would control the volume on the Aesthetix Mimas amplifier. In this case, the TiVo remote controlling the volume on the amplifier is a ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE.

Since I already using the excellent Bricasti M3 DAC, an internal DAC and phono stage are not required.

Please remember this is a 2-channel home theatre system and an expensive amplifier is not required. Thanks again.
gimza
2 posts
 
Hi everone.
Having Ayre 7 series amplifier and CD for a 5 years. It sounds great. I love this colorful and sweet midrange sound.
Can anyone give me a hint how EX-8 sounds like compared to AX-7e? I have read it sounds different...
More to discover