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Ayre KX-5/20 & VX-5/20 v AX-5 Twenty

Downsizing in preparation for a move to an apartment in a retirement community, and thinking about replacing my KX-5 and VX-5 Twenty separates with an AX-5 Twenty integrated.  I've never heard the AX-5 Twenty, but it gets excellent reviews.  Sources are Ayre QX-5 Twenty Roon endpoint and DX-5 DSD disc player; speakers are KEF Reference 1s supplemented below 50 Hz by a pair of Velodyne HGS-15s with bass management.  Can anyone compare the separates with the integrated, or provide advice?

db
Ag insider logo xs@2xdbphd
Ag insider logo xs@2x
dbphd OP
1,624 posts
 
Bob, Ryan prefers Cardas Clear Light USB, and that's what I'm using from an ultra Rendu to QB-9 DSD in a secondary setup.  I also use balanced Cardas Clear Light cables in my primary setup.

jafant, my DX-5 was already a DSD, bought sort of locally (seller Beverly Hills, we're in Montecito, aka Santa Barbara).   I sent it to Ayre to have the chassis changed from black to silver to match the rest of my Ayre stuff.
jafant
19,034 posts
 
dbphd

Very nice Silver chassis. I do like the elegant look of black casing as well.
You cannot go wrong w/ an AX-5 - Twenty. It is a superb Integrated especially matched w/ your DX-5 DSD.  

Let me know when you find one for purchase.
Happy Listening!
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dbphd OP
1,624 posts
 
jafant,

I'm leaning toward keeping my KX-5 Twenty and VX-5 Twenty.  Sources will remain QX-5 Twenty for Roon and DX-5 DSD for discs.  I'm undecided about the Thorens TD 124 and Technics SL 1200.  I may keep them as icons rather than operational sources.  The Ayre P-5xe phono stage functions well, but the Audible Illusion M3A needs to be serviced.

db
gdnrbob
4,422 posts
 
I think you should keep your current equipment. There is nothing there that could be improved upon. In fact, I think you’d be doing yourself a disfavor by moving to integrated.
The only upgrade would be moving to the M/KXR Twenty’s and the new QB 9 Twenty. And, even that would be a subtle change.
IMHO
B
jafant
19,034 posts
 
dbphd

Right On!  Keep me posted if you want to sell your DX-5 DSD player.

Happy Listening!
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