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In Reply to: RE: New vs. "Almost New" Ayre and Olympicas posted by kingist on May 20, 2015 at 22:14:53
I haven't heard the AX-5 Twenty, but I can tell you that the original AX-5 is a nice step up from the AX-7e, particularly in the bass but also resolution, speed, and overall transparency. If you haven't seen it, there is a thread comparing the two just down the page, started by Abe Collins.
I haven't seen an AX-5 Twenty on the used market yet, but an ad for an AX-5 just expired on Agon. Assuming it hasn't sold, it will probably be back up again soon. Asking price was around $5500 if I remember right. Previous AX-5s have been selling in the same ballpark so I think it's a fair price. I would think an AX-5 Twenty would fetch more like $7500.
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Top 3 amps that I've heard: Ayre MX-R, ARC Ref 150, and Ayre AX-5. I haven't heard the Twenty version but I have no doubt that it is a worthwhile upgrade. There have been several rave reviews of the KX-R Twenty compared to the original KX-R (which was getting plenty of raves in its own right). I have yet to hear an Ayre upgrade that was short of "must-have".
I don't know when/if I'll ever have the coin but the AX-5 Twenty is very much on my radar (Aadar?)
I fell for the AX-5 about 10 minutes into my first listen with my current speakers. Nothing else I had auditioned with these speakers came close. I was a little nervous about spending $10k but after an hour or so of listening it seemed worth it. And then my dealer offered to sell me their demo unit. There was a small nick in the faceplate and they seemed very motivated to move it, so I got a good price without any haggling. It ended up being a no-brainer purchase.
I have no problem with spending another $3k for the upgrade, especially considering how much they change. However, I am also thinking about the possibility of the selling the AX-5 and buying a VX-5 Twenty. My source has a hybrid volume control which sounds pretty transparent when switched in, so I can't help wondering whether using it to drive the VX-5 would be an improvement due to the simpler signal path. Then again, I don't know how much the pre-amp section contributes to the AX-5's magic.
I should think you want to audition the VX-5 first before pulling the trigger. The KX-R Twenty is, by accounts I've read, an absolute top-shelf pre-amp (I also had a chance to hear one and the system it was in was easily in the top two I've ever heard). I think the main differences between the KX-R and the AX-5 or KX-5 are: 1) more steps in the volume control - which is said to be stupid expensive to build; 2) faster circuit board material in the KX-R; and 3) the fancy chassis for the KX-R. IOW, the pre-amp section of the AX-5 Twenty is very nearly as good as anything money can buy.
Just wanted to bring you up to date on my system changes since we have the same system setup.
I contacted Pierre at Mapleshade Music and explained my desire to upgrade while keeping costs down (As an ex-dealer I am not buying into the marketing insanity so prevalent in our hobby.)
Very Skeptical as I was I took Pierre's advice and bought 2 4'' maple platforms for each Vandersteen IICE, as well as for my Ayre AX-7 Amp, and QB-9 DAC / Mac Mini.
I also took a chance with Mapleshade Golden Helix Speaker Cable and Jumpers.
I setup the speakers first and it took about a week of fine adjustments until I had them positioned correctly, the results were very surprising. Imaging and dynamics were vastly improved. The darkness of the Vandy's was gone and they became much cleaner and natural. Next and most noticeable was bass response.Bass response was always a bit shy, however the bass was now very tight, fast and correct without any lag. It actually sounded like I had a subwoofer in the room that matched the frequency response correctly.
Next up were the Mapleshade platforms under the Amp, DAC, And Mac Mini. I have always loved how involving and tubelike the Ayre AX-7 was but now the amp brought more clarity and resolution to the entire system. The spookiness factor was back from my old Linn active system although not quite as severe of course. I think that the AX-7 now properly setup and isolated is amazing.
Lastly The Golden Helix cables and jumpers were inserted and cleared up some congestion and brought much more clarity and punch to the system. I have several pairs of expensive speaker cables that could not keep up to these, hence they have been sold.
Since I have made this upgrade I see no need to change anything at all (maybe my DAC at some point). I have now had this running in for winter and the system is amazing and it feels great to spend money in the right places.
I am no way associated to Mapleshade Music whatsoever, all I did was take a chance with a modest investment of money and time.
I'm skeptical but maybe I'll investigate. (thanks for the tip)
One upgrade I recommend for you is the DSD for your QB-9. Not to play both DSD titles you might be interested in but for the improved sonics with PCM material. I promise you'll be happy. The problem, however, is the wait. There are stories of people waiting up to one year to get the upgrade!
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