CODA amp No.8, Bryston 4B3, or Ayre VX-5 Twenty


- CODA amp No.8 (version 2, 250W@8ohm)

- Bryston 4B3 (300W@8ohm)

- Ayre VX-5 Twenty (175W@8ohm)

Have you had experience with either of these amp? Can you please share your thoughts and recommendations. I’m going to buy one of them for my system:

- room: 26’ L x 18’ W x 9’ H (living room with open breakfast area)

- speakers: 2-way Human 81 DK (8ohm, 89dB, 8" woofer, 1" tweeter)

- preamp: Wyred4Sound STP-SE Stage 2 upgrades

Thanks very much!

Henry

henrynguyentx

@henrynguyentx I should have added that I suspect you are also on the right path with the Coda #8 stuff... Coda, in general. I went back and forth with Doug Dale at Coda quite a bit. In fact, I made an offer on a "factory refurbished" unit but we couldn't get together on price. As I recall, he suggested the version with highest Class A bias (I suspect he likes that versus the flashy number of lower Class A versions). I’ve seen good feedback about their preamps as well.

As my Wilson Duette are also a 2-way with 8" woofer / 1" tweeter, know that the Ayre VX-5 Twenty will make them JAM... plenty of power for that speaker, with same sensitivity as yours.

@hsounds Regarding the AX-5 integrated / power difference... which other Ayre amp were you comparing it to?  Was it the VX-5 Twenty?  I have interest in the AX-5 Twenty and EX-8 2.0, as. single box solution. 

Hey, Yes it was the Vx-5 20. I will tell you not to get the EX-8 unless you need a hot plate to cook your eggs on. The VX-5 20 is a way better component than the 8 series. 
As  far as the VX-R amp. You can order one from Ayre through a dealer. They do have some chassis left to create the build. 

Hey, The only bad thing about the AX-5 20 is there is no pre outs for subs. You can use REL and connect the black/ Neg wire to the chassis.