Ayre AX-5 Integrated Amplifier

Great amp! During the last three years I have been listening to my Leema Tucana II, which is considered by many as sort of a benchmark IA in its price class (about 4.600 EUR). My speakers are Elac FS 609 X-Pi and sources are a top-spec LP-12 (Keel, Radikal/Dynamik PSU and Ekos SE) and Olive 4HD via Naim DAC with XPS-2 PSU.
I have had an early production AX-5 playing in this set at home for a full month. It blows away the Leema in almost every respect, which it ought to considering the price difference.. Main strengths are: low and high level dynamics seem really infinite, transparency, staging, extremely detailed but most of all: hugely natural, full bodied and flowing sound! Great bass range too. Needs loads of burn-in time; and this goes for each separate input, because each one has its own FET input stage. All in all: I love it!

Most people who hear the Ayre AX-5 are going to be blown away unless their system is flawed to begin with. It's an amazing piece of gear and as I said to Mike Ayre, for what it is capable of delivering in listening enjoyment, Ayre has underpriced it.

Most people who hear the Ayre AX-5 are going to be blown away unless their system is flawed to begin with. It's an amazing piece of gear and as I said to Mike Ayre, for what it is capable of delivering in listening enjoyment, Ayre has underpriced it. I've had mine for several months and it just keeps getting better.

I just picked up an AX-5 to replace my AX-7e. I have to say the difference between the two is shocking. I did not expect such a dramatic and noticeable difference. The sound is so much better, it's almost like I'm listening to different speakers... much bigger and fuller soundstage, deeper low end and the vocals are more present and clear.

The Ax7e sounds downright thin in comparison. I was planning on doing an A/B test when I received the new integrated but frankly, they sound so different - I decided there was no point. My better half agreed.

I'll admit that I'm partial to the Ayre sound. Even so, the Ax-5 exceeded my expectations. I'm very happy with the purchase and would highly recommend you listen to this integrated. It's special.

I am looking at the AX-5 and the Rowland top integrated. Anyone compare the two?