Ayre KX-5 Twenty and VX-5 Twenty combo ......

[joeinid]

[Randy Myers]

Dang... Joe is 1000 x mortal.... holy crap.....

[joeinid]

Dang... Joe is 1000 x mortal.... holy crap.....

Well, I am a legend in my own mind

[bzr]

Joe's got photos to prove it!!

[Anatta]

The VX-5's 2 MOhm input impedance makes it an ideal partner for tube pres.

[Kuoppis]

The VX-5's 2 MOhm input impedance makes it an ideal partner for tube pres.

That's interesting, would you like to elaborate?

Background: looking for alternatives to bring tube warmth into my system.

[Anatta]

2 MegaOhm input impedance is a very easy load (very low current demand) that would not stress the output stage of tube pres so they'll be able to work in optimal conditions, giving most extended frequency response and least distortion.

[FlexibleAudio]

The VX-5's 2 MOhm input impedance makes it an ideal partner for tube pres.

True dat. That might be the highest input impedance I have ever seen. If you want a tube pre it may not get any better. You could drive that with a flashlight bulb.

[Kuoppis]

Thanks guys for the explanation, that is good to know. That means a tube pre could be a feasible alternative in my setup, should I be willing to consider swopping out the KX-5/20 (currently not very likely though).


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[enatai252]

I just picked up the Ayre KX-5 Twenty and VX-5 Twenty combo. I have to say that even without being broken in, it sounds great. Smooth, non-aggressive, slightly sweet, powerful bass and dead quiet.

I have the KX/VX Twenty combo in my study. I chose the black finish and use dCS Rossini DAC/clock as only source. Access music files via Ethernet and use Tidal. Speakers are WA Alidas in Aston Martin Orange. The pre/amp combo in Twenty guise is really hard to beat even at higher price points

i have the the big brothers of all these components in my main listening room- Alexia, MXR/KXR Twenty and dCS Vivaldi DAC/clock/umpsampler

while i lose some scale and depth in the study system (primarily speakers and placement limitations), the natural pace and rhythm is there and the organic sense of space around each artist is present. Very enjoyable system. Quick pic attached....listening chair is on opposit wall

[joeinid]

Very nice. I love the Ayre combo. It has more than enough power for me and is reasonably priced for how it sounds. I never even considered the black. It's beautiful.

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[FlexibleAudio]

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[Dr Tone]

Just dawned on me that I should try the VX-5 Twenty first being driven with the Devialet. A true comparison of just amplifier stages. If I like what I hear I can sell the Devialet and use my lowly Simaudio 230HAD as DAC and line stage until I'm ready to dish out more money for the QX-5 and/or KX-5 or something else completely.

Baby steps.

[Dr Tone]

VX-5 accept bananas? Hard to tell from the pictures of the back?

[joeinid]

Sadly no, only spades. But, it's a great, solid connection.

VX-5 accept bananas? Hard to tell from the pictures of the back?

[Dr Tone]

Sadly no, only spades. But, it's a great, solid connection.

Well that pretty much killed my weekend plans.

[Mrppv]

Am seriously considering an Ayre pre. Joe- you find any limitations with the KX-5 Twenty volume adjustments being 1.5 db each step? Interesting that the lower priced K-5xeMP has finer control, with more steps, at 1.0 db each.

[Kuoppis]

Am seriously considering an Ayre pre. Joe- you find any limitations with the KX-5 Twenty volume adjustments being 1.5 db each step? Interesting that the lower priced K-5xeMP has finer control, with more steps, at 1.0 db each.

Have owned both. The K-5 xe MP is a fine pre-amp, but IMHO in the Twenty version the KX-5 takes the art to the next level. There is a class difference.

Whether the 60-step control of the KX-5/20 suffices will largely depend on the efficiency of your loudspeakers.


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[Kuoppis]

Double posting.

[joeinid]

Hi,

I have zero issue finding the right volume step for whenever I am listening. If fact, it has been one of the, if not the, finest preamps that I have ever owned (and I've owned some superb preamps). I absolutely love it. Sweet, detailed, not a hint of sibilants, dead quiet and superb tone.

Only makes me wonder how the KX-R/20 would sound , wait, don't answer.

Am seriously considering an Ayre pre. Joe- you find any limitations with the KX-5 Twenty volume adjustments being 1.5 db each step? Interesting that the lower priced K-5xeMP has finer control, with more steps, at 1.0 db each.

[Mrppv]

Thanks… speaker sensitivity is 89.

Ayre's site lists 66 steps for the K-5xe mp and 46 steps for the KX-5 Twenty. Half-decibel would probably even be better.

[Mrppv]

^Was writing that before I saw your reply. Glad to hear it isn't an issue.

[the professor]

It's really really good Joe!!!

Hi,

....

Only makes me wonder how the KX-R/20 would sound , wait, don't answer.

[Kuoppis]

Thanks… speaker sensitivity is 89.

Ayre's site lists 66 steps for the K-5xe mp and 46 steps for the KX-5 Twenty. Half-decibel would probably even be better.

You're of course right, the KX-5/ 20 volume control operates in 46 steps of 1.5 db.

I'm with Joe on his one, have not experienced it being a problem. Actually quite the opposite, especially with the phono pre.

My speakers' sensitivity is 88db, the pre is a good fit.


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[joeinid]

Oh boy!

I guess ONE MORE piece of gear can't hurt .

I had the original non-twenty version of the KX-R and did not appreciate what I had back in the day. Now, I am much wiser. I hope.

It's really really good Joe!!!

[Mrppv]

I'm with Joe on his one, have not experienced it being a problem.

Good to know; thanks

[JayNudel]

I actually was concerned about the 1.5db volume control steps when I bought my KX-5 Twenty, but it hasn't turned out to be an issue. The acid test in my house is whether the wife gripes about it, and she's loving it.