Ayre introduces the AX-8 integrated amp

I found this post on the Internet but its accuracy is unknown:

"The nearly identical-looking Ayre AX-8 integrated amplifier ($7,500) takes the QX-8 feature set and adds an all-in-one digital and amplification solution". 

I need better pictures of the Ayre AX-8 in order to comment on the case work.  It is possible we are seeing a very early case prototype.

I am hoping to get more information at the Los Angeles Audio Show. 

I am anxiously waiting for Ayre's official announcement for the Ayre AX-8 integrated amp/DAC.   I have some friends attending the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in Denver and am hoping they can audition the Ayre AX-8 at the RMAF and report back to me.  Of course, I am hoping the Ayre AX-8 will be on display.    

Please see below the === for the response I received from Ayre Acoustics on the Ayre EX-8 Integrated amplifier:

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"We're planning on being able to start shipping the Ayre EX-8 soon, hopefully by end of year depending on when we get some components, such as the chassis, in. We're very excited for it!

As far as features, it will have both USB and Ethernet streaming options as well as S/PDIF and optical inputs. Output is 100 Watts per channel into 8 ohms".

@twoleftears, I agree the Sumaudio 600i amplifier looks very interesting.  The Moon by Simaudio Neo ACE Integrated Amplifier-DAC-Streamer also looks interesting.  The ACE includes a high resolution DAC with DSD decoding up to DSD256 and 32-bit/384kHz PCM.  This units sells for $3,500 vs. $7,500 (??) for the Ayre EX-8 Integrated amp.   Any comments on the Moon by Simaudio Neo ACE?

I am considering replacing my Ayre AX-7e integrated and Ayre Codex DAC with a single amplifier and DAC combination unit.   These Ayre units are used in a 2 channel home theater system and the EX-8 unit price is very expensive for my application.  

I am assuming the release date for the Ayre EX-8 integrated amp has been delayed and I am guessing it maybe released sometime in the 2nd quarter.  I have no official information and am just guessing.  

@beetlemania,  Ayre currently sells the Ayre QX-5 Twenty DAC featuring the new ESS ES9038PRO DAC chip.  The  New Ayre 8 series DAC/streamer/headphone-amp will be part of the 8 series, as a successor of the Ayre QB-9DSD.  I am guessing the Ayre QX-8 DAC will be announced when the EX-8 amplifier is announced.  This is just a guess since I have no official information.

BTW, I own the Ayre Codex DAC and like it very much.  Please see:

https://www.ayre.com/qx5.htm

Please see copy of email from Ayre:

The Ayre 8 series

I know that the next question on everyone's mind is; "What is up with the 8 series!"

We are working hard to finalize the EX-8 (Digital integrated amp) and plan to begin shipping it the first week of February. Like the QX-5 it will have optional modules which can be added to expand the types of digital inputs available.

The QX-8 will be next, shipping in May, followed by the KX-8 and VX-8 which we will have as prototypes at the Munich show in May.

By the time we are finished with the 8 series in the fall, there will be 6 - 7 products in the line.

QX-5 Twenty Options

You can now customize your QX-5 Twenty!

S/PDIF (only) $6,950
USB               $7,650
Net                 $8,250
Full                 $8,950

+ Black Chassis $ 250

(Pricing is US Retail)

Additional email from Ayre:

“Ayre Moving Forward, Hello Everyone,

As you can probably imagine the last couple of months at Ayre have been emotional and somewhat disorganized. We all feel the loss of Charley and we will miss him greatly.

Fortunately, two years ago we began the process of re-organizing Ayre—at Charley's insistence—to be able to exist without him. It was a long process and there were a lot of difficult conversations. We thankfully had the help of our friend and consultant, Ian Kendrick, to assist us with this process.

All of this work has resulted in a very resilient company which will be able to carry on Charley's work for decades to come. We have both an advisory board and executive board in place to steer the company and two years worth of product designs that we are excited to bring to market.

While we can never replace Charley, we will be bringing in additional people and resources to our R&D department. These resources will help support Ariel Brown (VP and CTO), who worked side-by-side with Charley for the last 21 years, and Brendan Boyle (Software Engineer). This way we can continue to deliver the innovative products you expect from us.

Thank you for your continued support and help in keeping Charley's spirit alive!

The Ayre Team”

@beetlemania, Yes, I signed up for updates on the Ayre Acoustics web site.   Unfortunately, I looked on their web site and cannot find the section to sign up.  I suggest you either call them or send them an email.

Does anyone have pricing information on the new Ayre EX-8 integrated amplifier / DAC?   The unit is scheduled to be shipped during the first week in February.  

Will the Ayre EX-8 amplifier have analog inputs? I am currently using my Ayre AX-7e amplifier in my 2 channel home theater system and run RCA connections from my TiVo cable box to the Ayre amplifier and also run balanced XLR connections from my Ayre Codex DAC to my Ayre AX-7e amplifier.