Ayre Acoustics AX-5 Twenty

I am not hearing anything "dark" with the Ayre gear.  It's a perfect match for my Totem Element Metal speakers.  

It's all about synergy so take anyone's advice (mine included) with  a grain of salt.  

I have been through several integrated amps over the last 2 years including Luxman L-590 AX, Accuphase E-470 and E-600, Gato AMP-150 and Esoteric F-05.   The Ayre AX-5 Twenty sounds better than all these thus far.  

Who knows! It may sound like a $50,000 amp.  It’s been my experience that at a certain level there is less of a correlation of price to sound quality.  

You should listen to as many amps as you can and if possible, work with a dealer that can let you do an in-home audition.