Ayre AX5 Twenty

For comparison sakes here are the measurements for the earlier model:

Ayre Acoustics AX-5 integrated amplifier Measurements | Stereophile.com

Notice that it's only able to produce 220 Watts into only 1 channel rather than the 500 Watts into 2 channels that a 125 Watt stereo amp that could ideally double down and double down.  And it's becoming unstable doing so into that 1 channel driven 2 Ohm load. 

The original AX-5 was a fine amp. The Twenty version sounds even better (it’s in my top 5 ever heard) while being much more tolerant of difficult speakers. Anyone looking at the AX-5 should either get the Twenty version or plan to have an original version upgraded at the factory.

I have both the Ayre AX-5 Twenty and EX-8.  The EX-8 is an outstanding system in a box and is particularly suitable when space is tight (as is the case in my cabinet in the family room).
The AX-5 Twenty shares the same qualities as the EX-8 but is more effortless and detailed without sounding etched.  I can't imagine anyone not being happy with either but space/size/cost is not a primary consideration, I'd pick the AX-5 Twenty.

I bought the original AX-5 in 2013 then had Ayre upgrade it to the "Twenty".  It certainly ran cooler and sounded better on all fronts.  I use it in our family room with Sonus Faber Guarneri Evolutions.  It is quite detailed, balanced and its most impressive feature is its low volume level performance.  There is no loss of detail when operating at low volume settings.  I have sent it back to Ayre twice for Volume control issues for which they've provided outstanding service.  

I was so pleased with the AX-5 Twenty that I acquired the Ayre KX-R / VX-R in 2018 for my listening room powering Sonus Faber Il Cremonese.