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Help! Trying to choose between 2 integrateds that I haven't heard to pair w/Vandersteens

I think I’ve narrowed my choices to 2 integrated amps, to pair with my new Vandersteen 2CE Sig III speakers (latest generation):

1: Ayre AX-5 Twenty (I found a clean used one @ $7500 --they’re >$12k new)
OR
2: Aesthetix Mimas, $7000 naked, or $8200 with DAC. (review: http://aesthetix.net/docs/Aesthetix_Mimas_TheAbsoluteSound2019.pdf )

I lean to the Mimas because it does have a headphone stage, and they have a DAC module for $1200 that is said to be excellent. Also because of the tube preamp stage, and I sorta crave some tube in my system.

That said, AYRE is a classic matchup for Vandersteens (it and the Aesthetix use no negative feedback, fwiw) and gets excellent reviews. New vs new, it’s a step up from the Mimas

I did try the Simaudio 600i V2 and it was sweet, and built like a tank with 10 year warranty. I liked it, but wish I could have auditioned it in my home. It didn’t knock me out though.

I currently run an Audio Alchemy DDP-1 preamp/DAC + Odyssey Audio Khartago+++ amp, the best Khartago he builds. I am not unhappy, but want to take things to the next level. With the Ayre I’d need a separate DAC, and am thinking the Denafrips Pontus II or the new Holo Spring 3... OR?

Thanks for any advice, especially Vandersteen folks!

128x128patrickdowns
wlutke
709 posts
 
patrickdowns,
We have things in common!  I’m 67, tinnitus and recently swapped out my whole system.  I went from ARC REF3, Ayer V-5xe, Vandersteen 3A Sig to  Acoustic Zen Crescendo II (used), Pass Xa-25, Herron 360.  I first upgraded the Vandersteens to Acoustic Zen Crescendo II’s.  Fabulous speakers.  They did not play well with the Ayer.  Bummer.  Hoping you can avoid that.
mdemaio's avatar
mdemaio
62 posts
 
Ayre amps are often a good match with Vandys, but I’d throw in a third contender to the mix...

https://powermodules.com/aria-signature-integrated

With an outboard DAC, you’re in the same ballpark price-wise, and I’d argue that since digital is the one technology that is still evolving, it’s actually an advantage to keep the two components separate. I’ve heard the pairing, and it’s excellent. John at Audio Connection is the guy to talk to about Vandersteen matching (I am in no way affiliated with him or AC, in case that’s unclear).



patrickdowns's avatar
patrickdowns OP
497 posts
 
Thanks, mdemaio
I’ve spoken to John... he’s great. He loves the Mimas, btw. He also love Ayre and Belles, depending on budget.

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,757 posts
 
Congrats on getting the latest Model 2. Well, the Treo CT certainly have bass. Recently I have setup two pair w the Mimas. Jim White’s card based DAC is excellent value. I had a 20 series Ayre ( vxr), so no stranger to that brand sonics. Love it but the Aesthetix will have better “ drive a rod thru the center of the earth bass “. Everything above that is nits and season to taste. Two great choices, three if you add Belles ( i just have not heard David latest Sig series, post pandemic to do list )

on the issue of end game speakers in the Vandy line, either of tge Integrated you mention can ( and have ) been modifed w internal high pass filters for use w the powered bass models ( Quattro and up )

See you on Vandy forum 

best to you

Jim
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
"All I want is a system (one as simple as possible) that I can forget about and just enjoy the music with and stop worrying about hardware! Oy"

@patrickdowns,  based on your  stated criteria ( high quality sound and simplicity)  the Aesthetix Mimas (With DAC option)  is hard to beat in your budget range. 

"That said, AYRE is a classic matchup for Vandersteens (it and the Aesthetix use no negative feedback, fwiw) and gets excellent reviews. New vs new, it’s a step up from the Mimas"

Who/what determined it's a "step up " from the Mimas?
Charles 

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