Yes, teh AX5 is high current and is over 100 watts into 8 and keeps doubling until 2ohms. It can drive nearly anything. I've heard it drive Vandy 5's perfectly. It's also one of those that sound louder than it is. I've head it in a large room and never stressed even at loud levels. Magico is much more efficient than the large VAndy's. I bet it would be magic. |
The Ayre will give you the best of tube and SS. Just read the positive comments above. If your speaker can get better it will. I've heard so many products this year as I'm redoing my system. I left the tube world for good and bought the Ayre AX7e and even though folks feel it's thin, It really isn't. Only in comparison with the 10k AX5e ;).... I like Rowland stuff too, don't get me wrong. I just think the Ayre gets it right. I have heard the 5 at Audio Connection as Jonny has them on a few different speakers. I heard them on the Vandy 5s. I admit I liked the Ayre separates much better, but it wasn't so much better than I couldn't be very very happy with the 5 and save a ton of money, cables and pieces of gear. Yes, this can run anything within reason and just sound right. |
Don,, what else was in the system? I've heard the brand new H200 vs the AX-5 and it wasn't even close to any of us in the room. Even the guy who had the Hegel was bummed that he just got it (yes it was broken in). He brought it in to audition new speakers at a different dealer. It's funny how many 'other' products I've been able to hear while at a dealer that doesn't even sell said product, lol.
the Ayre just had much more space around the instruments. The bass seemed to go even lower and tighter/more accurate. It just seemed to everything a bit better. We listened to it on the larger Dynaudio (forget the model, but it retails for over 15k), the Paradigm signature 8, Wilson Sasha (both made the Sasha's much more enjoyable than any other time I've heard it) and some floorstanding Revels (again, didn't catch the model). I've also heard the 5 sound awesome on some Proac D2's at Audio Connection as John had it in the front of the store at the time. Again, just my ears, but side by side the Ayre was just more musical for me. I did love the Hegel though. Isn't the Ayre much more money? |
Yea, I've never liked Wilsons. Say too bright and no coherence. I'm just not into them either, but plenty seem to be. It reminds me of the Klipshorn in the 70's. Everyone thought they were the best you could possibly have. Like the Wilsons, they were dynamic and loud. |
Heading down to Audio Connection in NJ tomorrow. Can't wait to see John and his staff. Time to try out the AX5 with Vandy's. My Treo's are in and I am PUMPED to get them. Also going to buy AQ Castle Rocks for them as John loves them together and that's what I auditioned them with months ago. Hope I can do an A/B with the AX7e which is what I now have. If John sees this, I'm sure he can share his thoughts as he hears them on Vandys, Maggies, Proac and BMW's along with others that his customers have. |
Don, that's cool. For me the Hegel stuff can be a bit bright and forward compared to Sim, Ayre, Pass and a few others. The Hegel can do a lot of great things though. I have hear the 300 on Magico's and although not my cup of tea, they did a lot of really nice things.
I now have the AX7e for sale as I just got the AX5/20 and even the first time we turned it on, it was surreal. This new amp is the game changer. I think if folks go listen to it and can afford it, they will probably want one. |
Ayer is. I don't know about Hegel |
Need to get that copy I guess. Yes that's the list price. Best integrated I've ever heard by far. Great value in my mind. :) |
That it is. Teh only reason I may be selling is to upgrade to the new Vandersteen mono blocks. This is still, to my ears, the integrated to beat under 20k. |
I always demo before purchasing. YEs, I'll have the VAndy amps in the house to audition.
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Yes I still have the AX5/20 integrated. Loving it. I had the Vandersteen crossover built into it. I'll probably get his new 15k mono's in teh house and make the switch if they really are as good as a friend has told me they are. |
They have even made minor upgrades over time. Just a great piece. Ayre has a 7 year plus lifespan on their components. They just make upgrades like cars that do mid life cycle refreshes. Don't know how that will be handled now that Charlie is gone (RIP), but they have other great minds at Ayre and I know that they had a bunch of other projects that he was working on. I know that after I got my amp back from the install of the crossover, they sounded even better. Subtle, but real changes for sure. |
They have some cool things guys. I can't say anything as I'm not sure anymore what they will release, but they were working on some crazy cool stuff. nycjlee, I am talking to a few folks about making me either a Lightspeed volume control as the crossover is built in and I only have a digital input, or a remote relay volume control with only TOTL parts and a great box that will be shielded and the boards would be mounted on vibration control etc... I'm speaking with a builder about this now. It's teh only way I can afford the amps. lol |
LOL...hi Jafant. Hope you are well. Yes the amp is incredible. I'm about to post mine as I just got a pair of Vandersteen Mono blocks for the Quatro CT's....I'm sooo pumped, but will miss teh Ayre as it's been a beast. I'll have to send back to Ayre to remove the built in crossover and they will make sure it's working perfectly. It will be missed for sure. |
