Ayre V5xe

Is there really such a thing as "Best" in audio? I don't think so. There's just a lot of different stuff! You will get as many responses for amps as they're posters as is the usual case.
Use to be audio was about accuracy. Now it's about whatever rocks an individuals boat at the moment that will be termed "Best."
No more truism exists than in speakers. Amps are a little different because most of the time in "Top" amps, it is in the little things. And, truth be told, how do you know you are hearing your amp and not some synergy loss with cables or sources? Hard to define things.

I would suggest that you can´t go wrong with the V-5xe. It´s a steal at its price point and puts a shame on many costly competitors. I use in my solid state system a combination of Ayre C-5xe, Ayre V-5xe and K-1xe connected to Avalon Opus Ceramique and couldn´t be happier.
In opposite to Theo I prefer the V-5xe to the V-1xe which I used prior to the V-5xe (midrange clarity, speed and transparency are better with the V-5xe) which is very important if you use speakers with ceramique drivers and a higher sensitivity.

I agree with you that the V5xe is a steal for its asking price. So what would be a major upgrade for this amp. Whatever is must still at least have that same great soundstage and the musicality that makes you just want to sit there and listen. What I said might come across as if I prefer tube amp, yet I don't necessarily lean that way. Live music is inviting and warm like a tube amp, yet is sufficiently crisp, vivid, detailed and subtle like solid state equipment. Concurrently I don't feel like spending $15K for an amp either. Thanks.

What is the list price for a V5xe?