Ayre Synergy

MtnHam

MtnHam

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Joined
Jun 28, 2013
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290
Location
Northern California Coast & San Francisco
Several years ago I purchased a used pair of Aye MX-R mono block amplifiers to power my Sound Lab electrostatic speakers which require a quality amp do their best. I previously had used Parasound JC-1's which do a fine job, but run very hot and seemed to lack the finer finesse I was seeking. I also owned a pair of Wolcott P220's which are famous for driving Sound Labs well, but also produced more heat than I really wanted.

The MR-X's provided everything I desired. They are very capable of handling the demanding load of the SL's, run reasonably cool for a 400 watt amp, require almost no warm-up, and do not require I run the air-conditioning in the summer. I was using an Aesthetix Calypso pre-amp which was very pleasing, but was tempted to do the upgrade to the Signature status. Instead I purchased a used Ayre K-5xeME- the improvement was major. I feel I gave up nothing, but gained greater richness and fullness. Having read about and even visited a dealer to hear the Ayre KX-R, I was tempted to make the move. Last week I completed the purchase of a used KX-R and am thoroughly pleased. It's character is very similar to the K-5xeMP, but just delivers more, much more! If you are interested, you should read the Stereophile review (I attempted to supply the link, but was denied permission to do so as I am a newbie here.)

There is an obvious synergy between these components, as well as with the rest of my system. As Wes Phillips says, "If it's not the eighth wonder of the modern world, I say demand a recount." I would have to agree!
 
MtnHam said:
Several years ago I purchased a used pair of Aye MX-R mono block amplifiers to power my Sound Lab electrostatic speakers which require a quality amp do their best. I previously had used Parasound JC-1's which do a fine job, but run very hot and seemed to lack the finer finesse I was seeking. I also owned a pair of Wolcott P220's which are famous for driving Sound Labs well, but also produced more heat than I really wanted.

The MR-X's provided everything I desired. They are very capable of handling the demanding load of the SL's, run reasonably cool for a 400 watt amp, require almost no warm-up, and do not require I run the air-conditioning in the summer. I was using an Aesthetix Calypso pre-amp which was very pleasing, but was tempted to do the upgrade to the Signature status. Instead I purchased a used Ayre K-5xeME- the improvement was major. I feel I gave up nothing, but gained greater richness and fullness. Having read about and even visited a dealer to hear the Ayre KX-R, I was tempted to make the move. Last week I completed the purchase of a used KX-R and am thoroughly pleased. It's character is very similar to the K-5xeMP, but just delivers more, much more! If you are interested, you should read the Stereophile review (I attempted to supply the link, but was denied permission to do so as I am a newbie here.)

There is an obvious synergy between these components, as well as with the rest of my system. As Wes Phillips says, "If it's not the eighth wonder of the modern world, I say demand a recount." I would have to agree!
Click to expand...

From are newbie friend. - - - - - Ayre KX-R line preamplifier Page 2 | Stereophile.com
 
Ayre equipment is very very good. Only until I got my D'Agostino combo at a much higher price point did I decide to sell my Kxr/Mxr combo.
 
MtnHam said:
Several years ago I purchased a used pair of Aye MX-R mono block amplifiers to power my Sound Lab electrostatic speakers which require a quality amp do their best. I previously had used Parasound JC-1's which do a fine job, but run very hot and seemed to lack the finer finesse I was seeking. I also owned a pair of Wolcott P220's which are famous for driving Sound Labs well, but also produced more heat than I really wanted.

The MR-X's provided everything I desired. They are very capable of handling the demanding load of the SL's, run reasonably cool for a 400 watt amp, require almost no warm-up, and do not require I run the air-conditioning in the summer. I was using an Aesthetix Calypso pre-amp which was very pleasing, but was tempted to do the upgrade to the Signature status. Instead I purchased a used Ayre K-5xeME- the improvement was major. I feel I gave up nothing, but gained greater richness and fullness. Having read about and even visited a dealer to hear the Ayre KX-R, I was tempted to make the move. Last week I completed the purchase of a used KX-R and am thoroughly pleased. It's character is very similar to the K-5xeMP, but just delivers more, much more! If you are interested, you should read the Stereophile review (I attempted to supply the link, but was denied permission to do so as I am a newbie here.)

There is an obvious synergy between these components, as well as with the rest of my system. As Wes Phillips says, "If it's not the eighth wonder of the modern world, I say demand a recount." I would have to agree!
Click to expand...

Happy you are liking them! My wife could not get over the bright finish.
 
I also have ayre mxr20 kxr20 I am also very happy with this gear and I feel it is good value.
 
I'd love to hear Ayre KX-R and MX-R Twenty series on my Strads and Harbeth 40.1
 
I think Ayre works really well with warm speakers and is better designed than 99% of all SS amps. There is a very natural top end with extension/decay that doesn't happen much in solid state land. They used to be considered superb value- although the new pricing makes its harder to say that (60k for KXR-20/MXR-20).

Ayre can be a bit dry with lean speakers, but it still does the tube-like think better than most I've heard.
 
I'm a huge fan of Ayre products. They have that "it" factor in getting the sound just right.
 
KeithR said:
I think Ayre works really well with warm speakers and is better designed than 99% of all SS amps. There is a very natural top end with extension/decay that doesn't happen much in solid state land. They used to be considered superb value- although the new pricing makes its harder to say that (60k for KXR-20/MXR-20).

Ayre can be a bit dry with lean speakers, but it still does the tube-like think better than most I've heard.
Click to expand...

You make a good point I agree Ayre gets the sound right better than a lot of SS and Tube amps due . Your point on the price is valid as well in Canada the price with exchange will be more like 34 to 36 thousand per unit so not 60 but 72 at the high end. Many USA gear makers will find it harder to sell in Canada I would think. The Canadian makers should have a better chance at the USA market. Might be time to look for a made in Canada label.
 
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