CODA amp No.8, Bryston 4B3, or Ayre VX-5 Twenty

I have heard Ayre VX-5 Twenty and the Coda No.8, among many other outstanding amps, in my system. To my ears the Ayre really shined. It is the most musical power amp I ever heard.

I can only speak for the Coda #8, I have version 1. It was a huge upgrade for my system from NAD. The word that comes to mind is ‘sweet’, when I think of the sound. I no longer play really loud music, but based on the power supply design I am guessing it can drive just about any speaker with ease. 
 

What amplifier are you replacing? What kind of music do you typically play?

Thanks very much for your sharing! I plan to replace my current amp Odyssey Khartago (110W@8ohm). To be honest, there is nothing wrong with my system, the music is sweet & beautiful to my ears. But I have an itch to upgrade, to experience something new...

Hey, I have heard a lot of amps and have owned the full Ayre separates including the QX-5 DAC/ Streamer. The Ayre amp is really nice. For $14k it should be. I’m thinking you should sell the W4sound and get the Luxman 509z for the price of the Ayre amp. If you are buying used for $6k I think you could still get an integrated that does the same with 120 watts vs 175 watts. Your speakers are 89 db at 8 ohms. I get it about separates. What I did not understand is the Ayre AX-5 integrated is only 125 watts and played louder at the same exact volume as the separates which was 175 watts. I called Ayre. The old CEO told me it is the way it is supposed to be. No way!  Needless to say all the Ayre separates are gone. You need to try these pieces in your home before you buy. Try before you buy. 

Just make sure the amp you select is compatible with your preamp in terms of input sensitivity, gain, and impedance.