Has anybody here any experience with the AYRE AX-5 Integrated amplifier?
I am currently using a Classé CP-65/Classé CAM-350s/Ayre P-5xe Phono combination on the amplification side. Overall, that amounts to quite a lot of 'boxes' and ideally I would like to reduce the clutter. My listening space is small! A friend uses a 9k Lavardin integrated and has really good sound from a very small amplifier, visually anyway.
I have read the AYRE AX-5 reviews and all have been very favourable and the fact that it has 4 Balanced Inputs suits me well. This amplifier was on display in Munich at the High End Show last May but that was it, it was not part of any system from which one could appraise its sound.
If anybody here has any information or impressions on how this amplifier sounds, I would like to hear what you have to say. For the record my other components are SME 20/SME V/LYRA SKALA; HYPERION 938 SPEAKERS; AYRE C5xeMP digital player and an ALESIS MASTERLINK ml-9600 digital recorder. I am currently using MOGAMI Balanced interconnects.
AYRE AX-5 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
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Note that Tir Na HiFi does not take any responsibility for transactions arranged or carried out here. It is up to the seller and buyer to check each other out! Please be sensible folks, and if there is something you think is wrong, let a mod know, OK?
To make it as clear as we can, here are some simple guidelines:
a) like any forum, the success of tirnahifi is entirely dependent on discussion. All members are encouraged to participate in discussion of music, hifi, etc.
b) tirnahifi is not designed to be, nor intended to be, a marketplace. Any member who uses the site merely for selling will be looked on suspiciously.
c) those members who choose to sell on the site should be aware that the mods do keep an eye on the stuff for sale, plus the demeanour of the seller. Sometimes we may lock/delete/ban a sales thread on this basis.
d) honesty is paramount in all selling transactions. Commercial sellers who label themselves as such are accepted at the discretion of the moderating team.
e) All ads have to include information about age, price, provenance, etc.
f) THE MODERATING TEAM RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REMOVE ANY ADS AT THEIR DISCRETION.
g) Commercial sellers should approach any of the moderation team in advance of posting. First time commercial posts without moderator contact will be removed.
Re: AYRE AX-5 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
Cloney Audio used to sell Ayre -- maybe you could arrange a demo ? James
"Change is Possible" [Parking Meter in Dundrum Shopping Centre]
Re: AYRE AX-5 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
I know I heard it a long time ago and it was on a mental list of mine for ages, but for how it compares to others I can't really say. I have to be honest and say that I would consider the CAM-350s as very high-end, and they rate as some of my favourite amps...
Nerdcave: ...is no more! 
Sitting Room: Wadia 581SE - Rega Planar 3/AT VM95ML & SH - Bluesound Node II - Copland CSA 100 - Audioplan Kontrast 3
Kitchen: WiiM Pro - Wadia 151 - B&W 685s2
Sitting Room: Wadia 581SE - Rega Planar 3/AT VM95ML & SH - Bluesound Node II - Copland CSA 100 - Audioplan Kontrast 3
Kitchen: WiiM Pro - Wadia 151 - B&W 685s2
Re: AYRE AX-5 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
They still do as far as I know, James! They probably would not have a demo model in house though. It would also mean a 300 mile round trip for me which might not be so tempting. I intend to contact Noel in due course but I will need to move my beloved Classé amplifiers on first .. or not. The 350s still sound very nice and are in top condition. What's more they were built in Canada whereas the latest Classé equipment is mostly made in China, as far as I know.james wrote:Cloney Audio used to sell Ayre -- maybe you could arrange a demo ? James
I may give Nigel Crump of Symmetry in the U.K. (he's the U.K. importer for Ayre) a call in advance of doing anything. I did that previously and I found him very helpful. I then bought the P5xe and the C5xeMP from Noel.
Re: AYRE AX-5 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER
Hi Satrus,
Best of luck but you should probably try to compare both amps at home before making the change.
James
Best of luck but you should probably try to compare both amps at home before making the change.
James
"Change is Possible" [Parking Meter in Dundrum Shopping Centre]