2. amps-preamps
  3. 156064-388

My Ayre AX-7e Integrated amp vs. an upgrade to the Ayre EX-8 Integrated amplifier

I am considering replacing my 15+ year old Ayre AX-7e amp with the Ayre EX-8 amp. Based on my research, so far, the EX-8 looks very interesting but I am VERY concerned about how HOT it gets. How hot is the Ayre EX-8 amplifier after being on for several hours? I plan on placing the amplifier inside my Salamander Designs Wooden Cabinet (front door closed, back and sides are open) My Ayre AX-7e amp gets warm but is never a problem.

Another owner reports "his EX-8 is noticeably hotter than the AX-7e”. I am very concerned since the unit will be located in my Salamander Designs Wooden Cabinet. And, since he reports, "his EX-8 is as hot as his BAT tube amp", I now have a major concern with the EX-8.

This is a 2-channel home theater system only. My LG OLED TV connects (DH Labs Glass Master Toslink Cable) to my Bricasti M3 DAC to my Aye AX-7e amp to my QUAD 12L2 Classic Signature Bookshelf Speakers. I have another main audio system for CD’s, streaming, etc. In May 2019, Ayre Acoustics ’tested’ my AX-7e amp a number of times with every parameter of its performance and specs. It worked and sounded fine. They did adjust the bias and zeroed out the DC.

I am open to other integrated amplifier suggestions with a budget of $5,000 to $6,000. I prefer a balanced amplifier (XLR inputs). I demoed the Parasound HINT 6 Integrated amplifier, in my home system, and the Ayre AX-7e sounded MUCH, MUCH better. The only reason I am looking is because my Ayre AX-7e is 15+ years old and I am concerned about its age. Should I be concerned (maybe not)? AND, maybe, a newer amplifier might sound better (?).

COVID-19 has closed the audio stores in the Bay Area so visiting them is not possible. I also emailed Ayre Customer Service and asked them about how hot the EX-8 gets and if it would be okay inside the Salamander cabinet. Thanks.

hgeifman

Showing 8 responses by hgeifman

hgeifman OP
2,113 posts
 
All,  Thanks for the information.  As noted above, I also emailed Ayre Customer Service (Gary) and asked them about how hot the EX-8 gets and if it would be okay inside the Salamander cabinet. Thanks again..
hgeifman OP
2,113 posts
 
@jafant, Thanks for recommending the Ayre AX-5 amplifier. I considered this wonderful amplifier but its $15,000 price is expensive (for this application). I found one for sale on Audiogon and decided to pass.

I did receive a message to look at the Electrocompaniet ECI-6 Mk integrated amplifier . The ECI- offers 2 x 125 Watts and is based on the successful ECI-5 MK II. It has an even better power supply and a more sophisticated preamplifier module. Its list price is $5,400. My retailer emailed them to see if my TiVo remote will work with the Electrocompaniet ECI-6 Mk. Electrocompaniet has limited distribution in the USA and that is a concern. Does any have any comments on the Electrocompaniet ECI-6 amplifier? Thanks..
hgeifman OP
2,113 posts
 
Ayre Customer Support reports "The Ayre EX-8 amplifier does run quite hot and we have gone to a vented lid similar to what the AX-7 uses for ventilation. This helps a ton.  We still recommend the Myrtle Wood blocks for the additional ventilation air space and great sound".

Any comments on the Electrocompaniet ECI-6 MRK II amplifier?   Based on my limited research, it looks very interesting.  Thanks..
hgeifman OP
2,113 posts
 
I am passing on the Ayre EX-8 integrated amp because it gets much too hot for my Salamander cabinet.  The Electrocompaniet ECI-6 Integrated Amplifier looks very interesting but has limited distribution in the USA and does not work with my TiVo remote.  

I am now considering using the volume control of the Bricasti M3 DAC and a power amplifier instead of an integrated amplifier.  I am looking at the SimAudio MOON 330A power amplifier.  

I used the TiVo remote search mode to the Bricasti M3 DAC and was UNABLE to make a connection.  I asked Bricasti to send me the IR code for the M3 and I will input it directly into the TiVo remote.    

I will also use the TiVo Remote search function, again, and attempt to connect to the Bricasti M3 DAC.   I am hoping this works.     
hgeifman OP
2,113 posts
 
I was unable to get my TiVo remote to work with my Bricasti M3 DAC.  I considered the Luxman L-507uX Mark II but it also does not work with my TiVo remote.   As I said above, the ELECTROCOMPANIET ECI 6 Integrated Amplifier looks great but has limited distribution in the United States and does not support my TiVo remote.   I tested the PARASOUND HINT 6 amp and it does not support my TiVo remote and, to my ears, does not sound good.

I tested my TiVo remote on my SimAudio 700i V2 amp and it works perfectly (Tivo connected in about 3 seconds).   I am now looking at the SimAudio 340i Amp.   This amplifier might be the perfect amplifier for my needs.  
hgeifman OP
2,113 posts
 
@joey54, Thanks for the suggestion to look at the Aesthetix Mimas Integrated amplifier. I agree this amplifier looks great and I am sure sounds awesome. It is a hybrid design and I prefer a solid state amplifier for this application. In addition, I am unable to determine if my TiVo remote would control the volume on the Aesthetix Mimas amplifier. In this case, the TiVo remote controlling the volume on the amplifier is a ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE.

Since I already using the excellent Bricasti M3 DAC, an internal DAC and phono stage are not required.

Please remember this is a 2-channel home theatre system and an expensive amplifier is not required. Thanks again.
hgeifman OP
2,113 posts
 
I sold my Ayre AX-7e amplifier and purchased the SimAudio 340i integrated amplifier. It just arrived (Thursday) and is going through its 300 hour break-in phase. This amplifier is perfect for my use.

Regarding the TiVo remote, I entered the 1999 code into my TiVo remote and pointed it at the SimAudio amp. I hit the channel up button telling the remote to connect to the amplifier. It took about 4 seconds for the amplifier to go into mute (meaning no sound) and the TiVo remote was connected to the amp.

I tested the TiVo volume control and it worked perfectly. As a further test, I turned the amplifier off and back on again. Great news. The TiVo remote volume control works fine.

It is amazing to me that the TiVo remote works perfectly on some equipment (Ayre, SimAudio) and does NOT work on other equipment (Parasound, Bricasti). I guess every company uses different technology.

Thanks again for your help.
hgeifman OP
2,113 posts
 

@crustycoot, I use my TiVo remote to control the volume on my 2-channel home theatre system.  I was unable to get the TiVo remote to connect the new Ayre amplifier I WANTED to purchase.  The Manufacturer said it should work and so did my retailer. TiVo Support referred me to my cable company.  Several calls to my cable company were not helpful. I called my cable company again, fully explained the amplifier connectivity issue and the support person suggested a new TiVo remote.  A great suggestion!

I opened the new remote package and noticed the instructions had a section for setup codes for 30+ audio amplifiers.  The list included Marantz, Denon, Carver, Pass Lab, Denon and many more.  I immediately called my retailer who suggested the Marantz codes were the same as the Ayre amplifier I wanted to purchase.  

I entered the setup code on the TiVo remote and it immediately connected to the Ayre amplifier.  I learned a very valuable lesson to read the manual.  I hope my lesson helps others.

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