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Ayre MX-R Twenty upgrade

I just received my MX-R amps back from Ayre post upgrade. The upgrade is unbelievably apparent. With just a few hours of running the most noticeable improvements are in dynamics and bass. The soundstage has widened as well. I am finally hearing what Wilson X-2.2 bass is capable of. Associated equipment is Ayre KX-5 preamp, Ayre QB-9 DSD, and Shunyata Zitron cabling. I highly recommend the upgrade. It's really shocking how much more dynamic, clear, and powerful the sound is.
spearl8
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Congrats. My dealers MXR's are in for a upgrade. I'll get to hear them before I send mine in...sounds like it's a very cool thing !
spearl8 OP
37 posts
 
Thank you. Ayre's upgrade process is really fair to the customer- the difference in retail price between the old and new models. Ayre has provided excellent customer service over the years. Overall could not be happier with the upgrade and all of my Ayre equipment.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
upgrades are 3k for the AX5 and the others are 1k.
rufipennis
118 posts
 
Anyone out there compared the AX-5 to the AX-5 Twenty?

I've heard the AX-5 and thought it was nearly as good as the original KX-R/MX-R. All of these upgrades make me agree re: "I really feel that Ayre now makes the best SS gear you can get."
smoffatt
205 posts
 
I am seriously considering replacing my ARC Reference tube separates with an Integrated and an AX-5 Twenty is on my very short list along with Simaudio 600i and one from Pass perhaps. Need around 100w/ch to drive a pair of Verity Audio Parsifal Encore. Room is 16' x 25' x 8'.

I have very limited experience with SS as i have been with tube electronics for the past 30 years. Would still need a phono preamp but i could keep my Ref Phono2 with the likes of an AX-5. There are so many SOTA SS integrated nowadays.

If anyone can chime in on the performance of an AX5 i would appreciate.
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