Ayre AX-5

[dsisssup]

Just got a line on an AX5.  Some time ago Johnny Mentioned that it might do a better job than my AR ref-110 (tubes).  Can anyone share experience with  the AX5 and the connection of the external filters .  I have the M5 HPB filters.

Jordan

 

[GdnrBob]

I know that the AX-5 has a Twenty upgrade. If it is just a non-Twenty, then I wouldn't bother. Looking at HifiShark, AX-5 Twenty's go for $5-5.5 K.

I have no experience with AR, but know they are very good companions with Vandersteen speakers.

My 2 cents:

Both amps are very good, perhaps some sound differences, but nothing significant to warrant a change.

And, I would wait for a nice pair of Mr. V's M5 amps to come up for sale. Probably more money, but worth it in the long run.

B

[TomicTime]

i don’t think it’s a clear upgrade without a serious discussion of what you feel the 110 isn’t doing…..

[ctsooner]

I’m not sure how often are going to see any M5’s on the used market. Niche product and the upgrad is 7 speakers with matching amp. Jmho. 

[Patrick D]

21 hours ago, dsisssup said:

Just got a line on an AX5.  Some time ago Johnny Mentioned that it might do a better job than my AR ref-110 (tubes).  Can anyone share experience with  the AX5 and the connection of the external filters .  I have the M5 HPB filters.

Jordan

 

A dear pal of mine has the AX-5 / Twenty Ayre amp powering his Quatro CTs and loves it. His preamp is an Audio Research Reference pre. He has the Vandy crossovers.

[nrenter]

So…the Ayre AX-5 is an integrated amp. There is not a “pre-amp out” / “amp in” option so the use of external Vandersteen crossovers is not (really) an option. However, you can send the AX-5 back to Ayre and have the appropriate crossover (basically a set of capacitors) inserted into the circuit. It’s a great option, but Richard (and others) believe a battery-biased crossover is more transparent. I haven’t been able to compare so I’ll trust their claim. I have no complaints (as my AX-5 / Twenty, as well as my previous AX-7e, have an Ayre installed crossover). 

Interesting a dealer would showcase the AX-5 / Twenty using an external pre-amp. I guess you could connect a pre-amp to an AX-5 (using external crossovers) if the input was configure for HT bypass. 

[Patrick D]

6 hours ago, Patrick D said:

A dear pal of mine has the AX-5 / Twenty Ayre amp powering his Quatro CTs and loves it. His preamp is an Audio Research Reference pre. He has the Vandy crossovers.

OOPS! Sorry...brain fart. He has the VX-5 / Twenty AMP. Not the integrated.

[GdnrBob]

23 hours ago, ctsooner said:

I’m not sure how often are going to see any M5’s on the used market. Niche product and the upgrad is 7 speakers with matching amp. Jmho. 

It has been said:

Patience is a virtue.

Good things come to those who wait.

And, 

Buying used saves a bit of cash (mine).😉

Though, at $15K, the M5 amps are quite a bargain.

(If only my big client didn't move to another state, I'd have the amps and preamp on order...)

B

[dsisssup]

On 11/9/2022 at 7:15 PM, Patrick D said:

A dear pal of mine has the AX-5 / Twenty Ayre amp powering his Quatro CTs and loves it. His preamp is an Audio Research Reference pre. He has the Vandy crossovers.

Yeah I understand AX-5 does a fine job with the Quatros.  I'm moving slow because my Ref-110 does a great job as well.

[TomicTime]

i don’t think it’s a clear upgrade without a serious discussion of what you feel the 110 isn’t doing…..;-) i agree…. i had an Ayre VX-R Twenty and …. the Ref110 is a fine amp….. I would explore putting it on an HRS platform and a few other tweaks to tubes…before i switched it out…. just my $1.50

Best

Jim

[GdnrBob]

Great points @TomicTime.

And, I'd use that money to get some of the higher end AQ cables. The current SOTA cables are pretty much out of anyone's price range, but you should be able to get the models one step or two down the AQ line at a more reasonable price.

Something like William Tell's for the speakers should be available used at a good discount.

And, the WEL's for interconnects.

bob

[TomicTime]

i have the top three AQ IC’s in the system for evaluation…for a week now… Thunderbird, Firebird and Dragon, all in XLR….. while they are quite good, fantastic really  and like an electronic component change… i would still strongly advise working your source and speakers… FIRST….. You can spend less $ and get more by moving UP a speaker in the Vandersteen line….assuming you have competent fairly neutral wire now…then get an optimized high pass amplifier ..  Just my two cents….

I understand others will have different circumstances, priorities, desires , conclusions, WAF…..  etc….