Ayre MX-R Twenty vs Pass Labs Xs-150 ? ...... Thoughts ? .......
- Thread starter joeinid
- Start date
VT Skier
New member
Maybe Mike can give you an idea about the MX-R after RMAF. I'm sure Ayre will have a room.
I heard them extensively at CES. A friend had asked me repeatedly to listen, go back and listen, listen again, etc. Like my reaction to all Ayre gear....meh. Nice, but so is lots of other stuff. I've yet to hear a product of theirs that gets my attention. At this level, at this price, you want something that stands out. Something that's different. Something that's just not more of the same old, same old AB. Audiophile stuff: Clean, articulate, dynamic, yada, yada, yada, yes, yes, yes. But I never fell into the music. I never became emotionally involved whatsoever. As I mentioned in my show report, the SET amps from Triode, LA audio and other rooms were a relief to the resolution to the extreme rooms. For me, Ayre is another good left brain amp.
In contract (since you specifically asked about the Ayre vs Pass), read this little snip it about designing the XS gear: http://www.renohifi.com/Pass/pass_xs_brochure_2014d.pdf
KeithR
Active member
To be fair, if you're a SET lover you are never going to like Ayre (although Dudley seemed to like Ayre). Triode, LA Audio, Cary etc. are pretty opposite side of the spectrum many would say. I've owned a Triode 845 and found it old school, euphonic Japanese sound that wasn't even dynamic despite weighing 90lbs. That sucked as it looked beautiful and had lots of great features.
That also said, I did not like the VX-5 in my system. It was still 2D, although it had a very natural top end and decayed more like a tube amp. Bass was good on the newer version. The Dart is in a different league- i believe because its a simpler circuit (not dual differential balanced).
I will say if you haven't heard Ayre with SF, you might try it out, Joe. Its very, very good. There is a reason Ayre is often used with Vandy, SF, etc. The slight dryness is synergistic with those warmer speakers. Probably why ARC is used with them as well.
KeithR
Active member
I bet my Dart 108 would have been good on the Strads.
You know its interesting Joe, I read recently that a forum member thought Pass XA sounded better than Dart as Dart was "clinical" (on Evolution speakers, even!)- you never know what these amps sound like unless you try I guess. I would hardly call Dart clinical, but to each their own. Do you find it as such (per memory) compared to your current Pass gear? Just curious.
- Thread Author
- #8
Dartzeel 108 clinical? Absolutely not. Natural, very even across the board, ever so slightly warm, not bass heavy but very articulate (meaning if there is bass there you WILL get it in spades).
XA60.5's are warmer and sweeter (perfect for me) plus all the above.
XA60.5's are warmer and sweeter (perfect for me) plus all the above.
KeithR
Active member
Thanks, Joe- that makes sense. I've always thought if there is a Dart weakness, it was ultimate slam in the bass- but the bass detail is out of this world.
- Thread Author
- #10
Absolutely, I was trying to remember that, but yes. I never felt that it (Dart) was lacking in the bass dept.. Treble and mids are way more important for me. My Pass is a little rounder and fuller but not rock solid and that's okay by me.
asiufy
Guest
- Joined
- May 17, 2013
- Messages
- 623
That's my opinion as well. Some people are put off by that, they want BIG BASS.
BUT, with recordings where there's abundant bass, the 108 will do its job perfectly.
If somebody didn't like the 108 with EA speakers (as good a combination as any!), I'm lost for what would sound good for this person...
I still remember how my 108 destroyed Goldmund monoblocs on EA MMthrees. That was one of my top audio experiences, btw.
alexandre
Solecky
Member
I am extremely happy with my MXRs-20s. Have not heard pass though.
- Thread Author
- #13
Thanks Solecky,
I still need to hear the MX-R 20's in my system but I fear the Xs gear might be too hot for me. I love your Salon2's and heard them again today. Awesome speakers.
I haven't heard that model Ayre but I did get to hear an Ayre VX-5 hooked up to an ARC LS27 and an Atma-Sphere MP-3 preamp along with my AVA preamp. I was not impressed. My Pass X250 amp was more dynamic and musical with much better bass. I found the Ayre to be too laid back.
I auditioned the MX-R with Wadia source, Wilson Alexandria 2, Ayre pre amp and the most expensive Transparentcables from 2009. This was also fully 2 dimensional. And instruments and voices were too big in proportion. To be honest I would not even want this for free in my house. In 2009 I compared Ayre amps with Pass Labs amps. The Pass Labs has a wider and deeper stage. I always say: without depth you are out of competion in the world of highend. They have some depth, but even Primare had a wider an deeper stage than Ayre creates. The Ayre is also missing the tembre in the mid freq. Pass Labs gives. This is an essentail part for soundrealism. When you listen to classical music you are aware how much better Pass Labs is able to give you the whole palette of colors in the mid freq.
Thanks Bo and I agree.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
When I take a look at the lists of the stuff people own here at Audioshark. I can see that many are not always aware of the properties of the tools they use in their set. The properties of the tools togheter and the acoustics of the room create the overal sound and how the image is projected.
+2 This is the same thing I heard when I auditioned the Ayre MX-R and the Pass XA series amps. The Ayre MX-R is an excellent amp but the Pass XA Point 5 and Point 8 series are best in class at this price point, in my opinion.
Ken