2. amps-preamps
  3. 129789-10204

Ayre owners and preamp options: seeking advice

I bought a new Ayre VX-5 twenty a while back and have it paired with the Ayre K-5xeMP pre.  Was contemplating updating my pre which is currently fed by a phono pre (Ayre) and a DAC, both balanced inputs.  Has anyone modded a k-5xemp with a few select parts and improved it?  Alternatively, has anyone added a tube pre to their Ayre amp?  Which ones mate well?  Lastly, upgrading to their new KX-5 twenty would be an obvious choice but I'm not yet ready to make that investment.  Thoughts?
jc4659

Showing 3 responses by randy-11

randy-11
1,913 posts
 
When the engineers at Ayre mod the device and come out with a new model... then buy it.

Otherwise, you can always try a new setup.  The amplification chain is not going to improve at the same rate as a DAC.

if you just have a burning desire to tweek, then moving speakers around and room tmts can keep you busy for a looooong time.
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
Ayre announced a new DAC at Munich - it has a 100W amp built in

may not be an upgrade for you

and here is something on a dealer's page:
http://ciamara.com/new-ayre-8-series-components-coming-fall/

I haven't seen anything on the 5 series
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
if your DAC is several years old, I'd definitely try another one - that technology is rapidly evolving

the Ayre integrated is 80 W/ch into 8 ohms

Ayrelock analog linear power supply

Double-Diamond amp circuit

"unexpected price" is TBD
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