Difference w/ Ayre Amps

The other difference is twice the output devices 32 vs 16.

For double the price you don't get double the improvement, but when you get to this price range & above, it's all about diminishing returns.

The main things the 1 will give you over the 5 is more authoritative bass & better mid resolution. The increased power gives you more headroom too, so the presentation is a tad more dynamic. The main difference between these two amps is the 1 has a toroid while the 5 has an iron core, plus the 1 has twice as many power outs as the 5. At least that's what I recall from looking under the hood. Oh, and I believe the 1 weighed in at 95 lbs. and the 5 was about 55 lbs.

I had both pieces as the x version and only upgraded the 1 to e status. I think the 5 is a sleeper but I could be happy w/either piece.