Ayre AX5 Twenty

I have one here that was a customer trade.  Anything I can answer for you?  

If you are looking at the AX5 Twenty, you should also look at the Ayre EX-8. I personally liked it better than the AX-5 Twenty but that's just my opinion based on a side by side comparison using my Harbeth speakers. I recommend listening for yourself though as they are both great amps and your listening priorities may be different than mine.

I ended up buying an Aesthetix Mimas integrated to replace my Ayre AX-7e and Ayre Codex which I preferred to the Ayre amplifiers.

Good Luck!

plenty of online reviews out there

excellent piece

A rather expensive integrated considering it’s power output,    that has been rather well received by reviewers. It should be noted that original AX5 measurements suggest that it is not an ideal candidate for low impedance speakers. 

Here are measurements for the Ayre AX-5 Twenty. https://www.hifinews.com/content/ayre-ax-5-twenty-integrated-amplifier-lab-report

That’s plenty of power for all but a handful of speakers and preferences. Of course, it’s always best to listen in your own room/system whenever possible.

 I love mine: my best piece and my final amp.

For comparison sakes here are the measurements for the earlier model:

Ayre Acoustics AX-5 integrated amplifier Measurements | Stereophile.com

Notice that it's only able to produce 220 Watts into only 1 channel rather than the 500 Watts into 2 channels that a 125 Watt stereo amp that could ideally double down and double down.  And it's becoming unstable doing so into that 1 channel driven 2 Ohm load. 

The original AX-5 was a fine amp. The Twenty version sounds even better (it’s in my top 5 ever heard) while being much more tolerant of difficult speakers. Anyone looking at the AX-5 should either get the Twenty version or plan to have an original version upgraded at the factory.

iconicaudio

Another +vote for an excellent Integrated amp, especially, on the demo/used marketplace.

Happy Listening!

I have both the Ayre AX-5 Twenty and EX-8.  The EX-8 is an outstanding system in a box and is particularly suitable when space is tight (as is the case in my cabinet in the family room).
The AX-5 Twenty shares the same qualities as the EX-8 but is more effortless and detailed without sounding etched.  I can't imagine anyone not being happy with either but space/size/cost is not a primary consideration, I'd pick the AX-5 Twenty.

I bought the original AX-5 in 2013 then had Ayre upgrade it to the "Twenty".  It certainly ran cooler and sounded better on all fronts.  I use it in our family room with Sonus Faber Guarneri Evolutions.  It is quite detailed, balanced and its most impressive feature is its low volume level performance.  There is no loss of detail when operating at low volume settings.  I have sent it back to Ayre twice for Volume control issues for which they've provided outstanding service.  

I was so pleased with the AX-5 Twenty that I acquired the Ayre KX-R / VX-R in 2018 for my listening room powering Sonus Faber Il Cremonese.

@at0310t and the VX-R, especially Twenty is a fabulous amplifier. Genius that Charlie was - RIP.

at0310t

 

Good to read that AYRE and Sonus Faber are sonic matches. What other gear including cabling is in your Systems?

 

Happy Listening!

Anyone have any experience with AX5 driving Magnepan 1.7's? Does it produce enough current to drive Maggies?