I don't have the exact same combo (I have an V-5xe and K-5xemp) and inquired directly to Ayre about making the switch t0 an AX-5 twenty (my concern was whether this was more or less a lateral switch). They felt that the AX-5 twenty was definitely an upgrade.
Ayre KX-5/20 & VX-5/20 v AX-5 Twenty
Downsizing in preparation for a move to an apartment in a retirement community, and thinking about replacing my KX-5 and VX-5 Twenty separates with an AX-5 Twenty integrated. I've never heard the AX-5 Twenty, but it gets excellent reviews. Sources are Ayre QX-5 Twenty Roon endpoint and DX-5 DSD disc player; speakers are KEF Reference 1s supplemented below 50 Hz by a pair of Velodyne HGS-15s with bass management. Can anyone compare the separates with the integrated, or provide advice?
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