Amp for Kef reference 1 -Ayre Acoustics AX-5 0 Match?

The main thing here is that the OP has a set of speakers he really likes and is looking for recommendations for an integrated in the $4-$5K range. The Belles meets that criteria, the others he mentioned, including the Coda are more than he wants to spend. Let's not sidetrack his thread.

Coda  is 6k we have a demo for5k

5k is prettyclose dont you think?And we sell this combo and it sounds amzing with kef ref 1s

to the OP , what a great position to be in. $4-$5k should get you a fine amplifier to power your KEF. How loud are you listening ?

On the subject of precision in language and opinion, was it indeed a Belles Signature ? Also, Nelson who i hold in highest reverence ain’t no spring chicken...

starting to think ..none of us are....

cshadow

Pick up the AYRE AX-5, send it to Colorado and have Ryan (and crew) upgrade to the AX-5 Twenty Series. You will not become disappointed.
The sound is simply superb!

Happy Listening!

My experience is that the Kef Reference 1s drift to the forward/revealing side of the audio spectrum and need a little power.  Most Ayre amps I have heard are also a bit forward/revealing.  That integrated will do the job, well in terms of handling the speakers but you may find the sound profile a s bit more forward that you would like.  

The Boulder would definitely be a better option and if you can get it for $4-$5K, I would buy it.  It will have a much more natural sound.  

A bit above your budget $6495, but will have the right tonal profile and provide oodles of power for those speakers is the AVM A5.2 which has a warmer sound profile closer to Pass or Naim.  It is a class D with a tube based input stage and 185w of power.  I have customers driving Martin Logan 13As and Magico A3s with this integrated. 

If you can be patient and wait till February, the AVM MA30.3 mono-blocks will be coming which are 150w into 8ohms.  They are half width components and will fit on one shelf.  Like all AVM products, they have a smoother, sweeter sound that will go well with Kef Reference gear and are $4495 for the pair.  

Alternatively, see if you can find a Pass integrated used.  New gear will be pricey but used will put you in a sweet spot in terms of sound and obviously Pass quality is second to none.  

You might also find a Constellation power amp used in that price range.  That would be another amazing choice.  

I am obviously an AVM dealer, I have no affiliation with any other brand mentioned here.