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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
dbphd
gdnrbob
4,510 posts
 
@dbphd .
I just recalled a video on  Ayre's youtube channel with John Atkinson regarding the difficulties in building an integrated amp.
I think it is this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRGrvd_cTHI
In a nutshell, integrated amps rely upon a number of compromises in design.
And, if you don't want to contact Johnny, I suggest calling Ayre. Ryan usually answers the phone and would be the person with the best information you could possibly receive regarding Ayre products.
B
beetlemania
842 posts
 

Keep in mind that as is often the case with intergrateds, the AX-5 Twenty is not particularly well suited with sub 4 Ohm loads.
This is nonsense. Here are measurements of the Twenty version, recently published 

https://www.hifinews.com/content/ayre-ax-5-twenty-integrated-amplifier-lab-report
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,671 posts
 
dbphd
And all other AYRE owners,
Happy New Year!
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,671 posts
 
dbphd
question:
Does the DX-5 DSD player require firmware/software update(s)?If so, what is the current version?
Happy Listening!
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,671 posts
 

dbphd

 

Are you going to add the new CX-8 cd player to your AYRE collection?

I am trying to find a dealer/retailer that has 1 in a showroom.

 

Happy Listening!

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