Definitely using all my gear in Balanced mode.
The QX-5 Twenty DAC is a great DAC. Definitely not looking to upgrade that. Endgame for me.
I also use an Ayre preamp, K-1xe. It's an older model, but it is great. That will not be sold either. |
@techn_dude,
Interesting idea. And brave.
What do I do with my Ayre QX-5? I think I am too deep in this rabbit hole to do what you suggest |
Thanks @audioconnection
Yes I am. How did you know? |
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To be clear : I don’t want to change the sound of my system. I want to improve it
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I appreciate everyone chiming in.
Two things:
1 - I am not changing my speakers. I love my Revel F228Be! I had them on preorder since April, and just got them a few weeks ago. I used to have the Revel F208 for a while.
2 - I am just looking for a two channel amp. I am not going to switch to any Integrated
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I get it Techno Dude... In the perfect world I would scoop the Ayre monoblocks. But I do have to stay in my budget. Money is an issue for me.
Besides, does it make sense to spend double and triple the price of my speakers for an Amp to drive them? It defies the “laws” of Audio.
Thanks for the nod on Luxman. Reading some reviews on them today, outstanding! Pricey though |
I am very close to pulling the trigger on a Pass Labs X150.8
Same power as my Ayre V-5xe.
Is this really going to be an improvement, or just a lateral move?
Should I just go with Ayre VX-5 Twenty instead?
Thanks |
The only Pass Labs retailer is Reno HiFi in Reno Nevada. They do however in-home Demos, so I might try that. I would be in the hook for round trip shipping though if I don't like it. |
Yes @pesky_wabbit... the quest for the holy grail. You are lucky you don’t suffer from this disease
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@erik_squires I don’t know whether they are close. I only have the Ayre v-5xe looking to upgrade.
thats why I here, hoping to get some advice from people who have tried both VX-5 and X150.8
I know Ayre sound, and the VX-5 can only be better than my amp. But never owned any Pass. Just reading various reviews and forums posts
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Any opinions on Plinius SA-103?
It is rated lower at 125 watts at 8 Ohms, but in switchable A / AB operation |
Thanks @audioconnection JohhnyR. I think you nailed it. I should stop messing around and either:
1 - Stay with my Ayre V-5xe, or
2 - Upgrade to Ayre VX-5 Twenty |
So... what is your suggestion @audiotroy ? |
Thanks @audiotroy
1 - Yes. Cardas Clear Reflection (speakers and XLR ICs)
2 - Yes. Isotek Aquarius
3 - Yes. Cardas Clear, Cardas Clear Beyond, Cardas Golden Reference and Wireworld Silver Electras
4 - Simple stuff. Mapleshade bases
5 - My DAC is Ayre QX-5 has a streamer built in. Feeding via Ethernet using Roon. Roon Optimized Core Kit on a 7th gen i5 NUC
6 - I have no USB on my path (see #5 above). I do use the nice Wireworld Starlight Cat8
7 - Simple panels for first reflection points and some simple bass traps in corners
Price: about 5-6K used. Preferably less 😉
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That's a great @mboldda1 ! the BHK 250 looks very solid and interesting. I am all over researching it now. Maybe I should get one. From what I read, is awesome! |
I am leaning more and more towards BHK 250. @carlco great 👍 write up, much appreciated. I am more of a solid state guy, but I think the BHK 250 would be a good “hybrid” amp with the best of both worlds. I used to own the PS Audio M700s briefly for a couple of months, but the 250 is a different animal
It’s either the BHK 250 now, or the VX-5 Twenty. Based on what I have read and talked to people I know and trust, I have eliminated X150.8 and Plinius SA-103 |
@carlco that Aesthetix Atlas looks good, but I worry about resale value if I don’t like it, since the brand is fairly obscure.
I can get a brand new BHK 250 for about $1,000 cheaper than Ayre VX-5 Twenty used. I think I am going to go for it. I will not lose much if I don’t like it and then sell it |
I am very happy with my speakers @fstein . I love them. And have owned and listened many speakers.
Besides, how do you know ? Have you heard the F228Be speakers? They just came out and very few people own them. I was on the preorder list, and was one of the few to get it first. Even from dealers.
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You may be totally right on Ayre JohnnyR, but for the speakers, have you heard them?
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OP here... I owe you guys an update.
I went with Ayre VX-5 Twenty. I should get it in a few days.
thanks all for your help and advice |
Thanks @drrsutliff Rick. I really hope so |
Hey @techno dude. Where do you the VX-5 on sale? Are you talking about the general Ayre moving sale they are offering on all their products? |
I was exploring various options Techno Dude. Ayre rocks! I never understood what's wrong with you Ayre haterz |
@techno_dude : I bought my VX-5 Twenty a while back. I updated this thread then. I am very happy with the purchase |
