Downsizing from Ayre MX-R monoblocks

Unless you're in a pinch or desperate situation, I'd keep the amps, they're making a great synergy in your setup.

I didn't have those but had the V-1xe which I sold almost 4 yrs. ago. I've been on quite the merry-go-round since then trying to find something that I could be happy with.

I sold off that entire system to downsize but there really is no replacement for big power.

I currently have a Primare integrated after going through no less than 7 amps, 6 preamps, 4 sources & 3 sets of spkrs.

BTW, I've heard at least 10 sets of Ushers (both at shows & in homes, including my home audition) and have never been able to enjoy them.

One last thing. After I sold the V-1xe, which was the first piece I sold from my previous system, I bought another V-3, since I'd had one many yrs. before & it sounded good. Well, I hooked it to my VR's & just started laughing! It didn't even come close to the big amp. I simply unplugged it & sold it.

Happy hunting!

I think ( Driver ) pretty much said what I was thinking . There is no easy way out of owning a big rig , if there was we would all own smaller systems . I have heard few amps at any price that would be as good as Ayres MXRs or KXR . But good luck , and let us know how you make out .

What speakers are you driving, and what is it about the sound of the Ayre are you most looking to retain? Have you ruled out tubes (for example ARC) or class D, or class A for that matter? My personal suspicion is that you're not going to duplicate the sound of the big Ayres especially in a different brand, but you might find happiness in a completely different direction.

Tbooe,

I agree with Auxetophone, more information would be very helpful. What speakers do you plan to use? There is a used Ayre stereo amp in the shop here and we listened to it some with several tube preamps and one solid state. My recollection was that the amp had some warmth to it. We thought it sounded nice (the shop here is very predominantly a tube and vinyl clan).

I suspect that your best chance of achieving the sound you want (I'm recalling the warmth of that Ayre stereop amp)with an integrated in the price range in which you are looking is going to be with tubes. As mentioned in an earlier post, the ARC should be on your list, but I would add a Rogue Tempest III (they're about $3000 new). Last year I moved from solid state to tubes (Rogue M-180 monoblocks) and they met my criteria for low end control, but with the mids and highs of tubes that I have come to prefer. I also did some tube rolling to dial in the sound to my satisfaction.

To help narrow this down, though, are you considering tubes are looking to stay solid state? And what speakers are you going to drive?