This is the replacement for the 7 series so it's going to be a decent step down from the 5 series and nowhere near the ballpark of the - R series. It should be good value for money but I wouldn't expect anyone is going to be blown away by performance.
Ayre introduces the AX-8 integrated amp
Ayre Acoustics introduces the brand new 8 Series Components. The 8 series will fit into their product range below the new 5 series, taking the place of the discontinued 9 and 7 series and the older 5 series products. The price range of the 8 series is planned to be between $2,500 - $8,000 US Retail.
The first two products which are showing in Munich are the AX-8 integrated amplifier (with digital inputs including streaming) and the QX-8 digital hub (also with streaming) and like all Ayre components, they will be hand-built in Boulder, CO.
https://wizard-highend.blogspot.com/2017/05/ayre-ax-8-qx-8.html?m=1
http://ciamara.com/new-ayre-8-series-components-coming-fall/
The first two products which are showing in Munich are the AX-8 integrated amplifier (with digital inputs including streaming) and the QX-8 digital hub (also with streaming) and like all Ayre components, they will be hand-built in Boulder, CO.
https://wizard-highend.blogspot.com/2017/05/ayre-ax-8-qx-8.html?m=1
http://ciamara.com/new-ayre-8-series-components-coming-fall/