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Ayre KX-5/20 & VX-5/20 v AX-5 Twenty

Downsizing in preparation for a move to an apartment in a retirement community, and thinking about replacing my KX-5 and VX-5 Twenty separates with an AX-5 Twenty integrated.  I've never heard the AX-5 Twenty, but it gets excellent reviews.  Sources are Ayre QX-5 Twenty Roon endpoint and DX-5 DSD disc player; speakers are KEF Reference 1s supplemented below 50 Hz by a pair of Velodyne HGS-15s with bass management.  Can anyone compare the separates with the integrated, or provide advice?

db
dbphd

Showing 4 responses by dbphd

dbphd OP
1,633 posts
 
Bob, Ryan prefers Cardas Clear Light USB, and that's what I'm using from an ultra Rendu to QB-9 DSD in a secondary setup.  I also use balanced Cardas Clear Light cables in my primary setup.

jafant, my DX-5 was already a DSD, bought sort of locally (seller Beverly Hills, we're in Montecito, aka Santa Barbara).   I sent it to Ayre to have the chassis changed from black to silver to match the rest of my Ayre stuff.
dbphd OP
1,633 posts
 
jafant,

I'm leaning toward keeping my KX-5 Twenty and VX-5 Twenty.  Sources will remain QX-5 Twenty for Roon and DX-5 DSD for discs.  I'm undecided about the Thorens TD 124 and Technics SL 1200.  I may keep them as icons rather than operational sources.  The Ayre P-5xe phono stage functions well, but the Audible Illusion M3A needs to be serviced.

db
dbphd OP
1,633 posts
 
Bob, Ryan has been very helpful with my DX5 DSD.  

Your previous point is a good one.  The current setup is QX-5 Twenty for Roon, DX5 DSD for discs, KX-5 Twenty preamp, and VX-5 Twenty amp, four pieces of equipment instead of three, not a big deal.  I'm using a rack under the projection screen that accommodates three pieces side-by-side with the amp on top for ventilation.

db
dbphd OP
1,633 posts
 
Bob, I use some blue Cardas balanced cables between preamp and amp.  I think I read somewhere that the tighter connection between preamp and amp of an integrated was beneficial.

I use SubDudes under the HGS-15s.

db
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