Yes. I had AX-7e and now use K-5xe + V-5xe (both are for sale as I try to finance a new home). The pre-power combo is MUCH MUCH better than the integrated which is nice but delivers approx. just 70% of the performance of the separates. If you modifiy both units the integrated falls back another 10%.
Ayre Integrated Amp vs. Ayre 5 Series Separates
I own the Ayre AX-7e Integrated Amp and a friend suggested I consider the Ayre K-5xe preamp and V-5xe power amp. I have the Ayre CX-7e CD player (using blaanced output) and ProAc 2.5 speakers. I like the Ayre integrated but more power might be useful. Has anyone switched from the Ayre Integrated Amp to the Ayre 5 Series separates? How does the Ayre Integrated compare to the Ayre 5 Series Separates? I plan on listening to the Ayre separates shortly but am interested in hearing your comments. Thanks.....