Used Ayre amp market pricing

"cedargrover: The V-5xe is listed in the AudioGon Blue Book, but too tall for my use. I think I saw a VX-5 Twenty listed at Audio Mart for $6400. I hope the VX-5 is less pricey -- presumably it's an older model".

　

"The V-5 was replaced by the VX-5. One of the things that makes the models sometimes confusing to look at it the upgrades. Every time a product is updated, they change the model number to reflect what was improved. (Example from oldest to newest: K-5, K-5x, K-5xe, K-5xemp.). The upside to all the different changes is that you can take any Ayre product and have it upgraded to its most current status. I have 2 V-5's in my main system. The original V-5 is almost 20 years old, but over the years the upgrades keep them competitive. Its great if you can't afford to go out and get the current version of an Ayre product. Get an older one and have the piece of mind that you can always upgrade so you're not stuck with something.　 　 "

ebm: A little forbearance might be warranted, because I just bought a K-5xeMP and a VX-5 seems an ideal amp to pair it with. It would fit in my cabinet with adequate ventilation above the amp. I've downloaded the VX-5 owner's manual and a couple of reviews that suggest it's the amp I want.

　

"The K-5 is the matching preamp to the V-5. But one thing to note is that the K-5 is part of the 5 series, so it can be considered an equally good match with any 5 series component, including the VX-5. Once you get your system together, you won't be worrying about these small details. You'll be listening to music.

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mgreen,

Thanks for your insight.  In an effort to declutter the living room, I sold a Parasound A 21 that was too tall to fit into the equipment cabinet so sat on the floor.  Having three JC 1 monoblocks sitting on the floor of our music/HT room is one thing, having an A 21 sitting on the floor of the living room is another.

The V-5 series seems to be over 7" tall, whereas the VX-5 seems a bit over 4" tall.  To me, that's not a small detail.  I admit my only experience with Ayre components is my C-5xeMP that I think it has a superb non-HiFi sound I hope to capture with their preamp and amp.

BTW, as part of the declutter I took down the bass manager and subs.  The unaided KEF LS50s are quite satisfying for the jazz and baroque music I prefer. 

db

re decluttering:  A pair of 20-watt Cary 572 SE CAD monoblock tube amps do sit on either side of the equipment cabinet in the living room, but they are only about 8" wide, seem decorative, and sound surprisingly good driving the KEF LS50s.

Finding an audio component to fix into a specific space with height limits is not easy.   And, yes,the cost for the VX-5 will be lower than the price for the VX-5 Twenty unit.   The difference is usually the retail price difference between the two units 

The dimensions for the Ayre AX-5 Twenty power amplifier is 17.25" W x 18.75" D x 4.875" H.

Are you saying that its 4.875 height is too tall for your space?   If yes, what is the maximum height you need?

The sound quality for Ayre Acoustics equipment is excellent.  We need to find a model that fits your space (if possible).

hgeifman asks, "Are you saying that its 4.875 height is too tall for your space? If yes, what is the maximum height you need?"

The slot is 8" high, so a height of 5" would provide the 3" ventilation  Ayre recommends -- these amps are reported to run quite warm.  The cabinet is completely open front and back, and I'd be willing to drill 2" diameter holes along the side.  I might try an inexpensive V-3 that has a height of 5.5".