Ayre V5xe

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?