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
2,165 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...
beetlemania
834 posts
 
Can anyone give me a hint how EX-8 sounds like compared to AX-7e? I have read it sounds different...
I happily owned an AX-7e for about 12 years until I moved up to an AX-5 Twenty. I briefly heard an EX-8. maybe two songs. I thought it sounded excellent but unable to directly compare to the AX-7 because of the different speakers and room. The review at Darko audio briefly speaks to EX-8 and AX-7 comparison.
hgeifman OP
2,165 posts
 
I sold my Ayre AX-7e amplifier and purchased the SimAudio 340i integrated amplifier. It just arrived (Thursday) and is going through its 300 hour break-in phase. This amplifier is perfect for my use.

Regarding the TiVo remote, I entered the 1999 code into my TiVo remote and pointed it at the SimAudio amp. I hit the channel up button telling the remote to connect to the amplifier. It took about 4 seconds for the amplifier to go into mute (meaning no sound) and the TiVo remote was connected to the amp.

I tested the TiVo volume control and it worked perfectly. As a further test, I turned the amplifier off and back on again. Great news. The TiVo remote volume control works fine.

It is amazing to me that the TiVo remote works perfectly on some equipment (Ayre, SimAudio) and does NOT work on other equipment (Parasound, Bricasti). I guess every company uses different technology.

Thanks again for your help.
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