Ayre KX-5 Twenty

[Mrppv]

It seems I'm now part of the Ayre club. Just need someone to teach me the secret handshake

Letting it run in before making any real judgements on sound, but first impression is that there is more texture and dimensionality. I got this used, so maybe break-in will be shorter than usual.

Will take some time to get used to the volume control, though. The "thunk" sound for each step of adjustment is quite a bit louder than I expected. My other preamps have all been silent in this regard. I often listen to my whole library on shuffle, so need to constantly do volume adjustments.

[Mike]

Congratulations and welcome to Club Ayre (the secret handshake instructions will be mailed to you).

The VC does have a click and I actually like that. It lets me know my adjustment of the volume worked.

Are you considering the VX-5 Twenty amp? It's wonderful.

P.S. I'm living in complete denial about the MX-R Twenty and KX-R Twenty. As far as I'm concerned they don't exist (I keep telling myself that because I want them baaaaaad!)

[Mrppv]

Thanks Mike.

I probably should try the VX-5 and hear the synergy, although I do like the Benchmark quite a lot.

Yes, the MX-R Twenty is kind of off the radar because of the price, but it's hard not to wish.

[Mike]

Thanks Mike.

I probably should try the VX-5 and hear the synergy, although I do like the Benchmark quite a lot.

Yes, the MX-R Twenty is kind of off the radar because of the price, but it's hard not to wish.

Definitely give it a try. I love it. How about the QX5 DAC, have you tried it?


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[Kuoppis]

It seems I'm now part of the Ayre club. Just need someone to teach me the secret handshake

Letting it run in before making any real judgements on sound, but first impression is that there is more texture and dimensionality. I got this used, so maybe break-in will be shorter than usual.

Will take some time to get used to the volume control, though. The "thunk" sound for each step of adjustment is quite a bit louder than I expected. My other preamps have all been silent in this regard. I often listen to my whole library on shuffle, so need to constantly do volume adjustments.

Oh boy, that's going to be expensive - you will want the VX-5/20 as well.

Have both and must say they are not too shabby .


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[Mrppv]

^ Yes, it could easily become a slippery slope.

Haven't heard the QX5. This pre is my first experience with anything Ayre. When I got the Schiit Yggdrasil, it made me stop thinking about DACs for awhile.

[Dr Tone]

I'm bringing a KX-5 Twenty, VX-5 Twenty and Codex home on Saturday to compare against my Devialet D200.

I'm looking for low volume magic and I'm hoping for no comparison. Well maybe not my wallet as much.

[Kuoppis]

20 versions of the KX-5/VX-5? It's a huge difference.

Have the Codex at my summerhouse, love it.


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[joeinid]

Wow! Congratulations! I loved mine when I had it, only sold it to get the KXR-20. That feat is taking longer than I expected and I dearly miss my KX5-20. I also love the thunk, sometimes I can't always see the display on the pre and the thunk lets me know exactly what's going on.

[Mike]

I'm bringing a KX-5 Twenty, VX-5 Twenty and Codex home on Saturday to compare against my Devialet D200.

I'm looking for low volume magic and I'm hoping for no comparison. Well maybe not my wallet as much.

Looking forward to your thoughts.


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[Mike]

The MX-R Twenty's and KX-R Twenty don't exist.
The MX-R Twenty's and KX-R Twenty don't exist.
The MX-R Twenty's and KX-R Twenty don't exist.
The MX-R Twenty's and KX-R Twenty don't exist.
The MX-R Twenty's and KX-R Twenty don't exist.
The MX-R Twenty's and KX-R Twenty don't exist.
The MX-R Twenty's and KX-R Twenty don't exist.
.....damn it! I know they exist. I want them bad!


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[Mike]

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[joeinid]

[Mrppv]

^ Nice!

[Dr Tone]

Looking forward to your thoughts.


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I had sky high expectations...

But was let down.

1) The Devialet 200 destroys the VX-20 for low end control. I had major issue with flubby bass and room modes with the VX.
2) Instrument seperation and definition is better on the D.
3) The Ayre kit has a rich warmth to it which is nice.
4) I didn't find the Ayre much better at low volumes.

Now I need to get the 220 pro for demo to see if the upgrade is worth it.

[Kuoppis]

You don't feel Devialets sounding lifeless?


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[bzr]

I had sky high expectations...

But was let down.

1) The Devialet 200 destroys the VX-20 for low end control. I had major issue with flubby bass and room modes.
2) Instrument seperation and definition is better on the D.
3) The Ayre kit has a rich warmth to it which is nice.
4) I didn't find the Ayre much better at low volumes.

Now I need to get the 220 pro for demo to see if the upgrade is worth it.

Could've been the speakers?

[Kuoppis]

Hmmm. As such Sabrinas should be a rather easy load for the VX-5/20. Maybe something related to overall system synergy...


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[Dr Tone]

Could've been the speakers?

No the the Ayre HW & Sabrinas are considrered a good match. If anything it would be my room.

[Dr Tone]

You don't feel Devialets sounding lifeless?


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Lifeless isn't what I would use to describe the D. Maybe a little dry because of the extreme signal to NR. As I said the Ayre gear was richer sounding.

[Kuoppis]

Lifeless isn't what I would use to describe the D. Maybe a little dry because of the extreme signal to NR. As I said the Ayre gear was richer sounding.

Ok, maybe dry is another way to describe it.


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