Ayre Up-Grade

[wvcartier]

I currently have an Ayre Ax7e integrated amp. I was thinking up up-grading to a Ayre ax-5 twenty. Will there be much of a difference in sound? It seems they both have a similar DNA? When, I upgrade would I be better off with a KX-5 pre-amp and VX-5 amp? I know that would be a substantial financial investment. I want my next system to be my forever dedicated stereo. I just want to make sure that I am not sinking a lot of money into something, when I already have it.

 

[lovinthehd]

Doubtful there'd be any audible differences if they're both accurate. They could of course be "voiced" I suppose to show particular differences. Ayre never appealed to me personally, too much bs (like when they put their own box around someone else's optical disc player ). Are you having issues other than consumer doubt?

 

[wvcartier]

No, I like my Ax7e, just wondering if I were to upgrade if there would be much of a difference.....that's all...

 

[lovinthehd]

No, I like my Ax7e, just wondering if I were to upgrade if there would be much of a difference.....that's all...

To you how would any one know? Unless you're aware of some measurements that might lead you that way....why is it an upgrade particularly for example?

 

[wvcartier]

I am always thinking ahead. What would I get if I were to up-grade? Right now I have the Ayre attached to a pair of Vandersteen 2 CE Signature III's, I like what I hear, but at times they seem a bit bright. With no chance to add a sub, I just resign myself to this is how it is, which understand, is still pretty damn good. If I were to upgrade, I might go with an Integrated Tube Amp, or Pre Amp, Power Amp, setup. Again, just idle thoughts for now....

 

[cpp]

Interesting as Ayre has been paired with Vandersteen's at lots of shows and it always seemed to sound neutral. What is your source, CD, streamer etc..

 

[lovinthehd]

I am always thinking ahead. What would I get if I were to up-grade? Right now I have the Ayre attached to a pair of Vandersteen 2 CE Signature III's, I like what I hear, but at times they seem a bit bright. With no chance to add a sub, I just resign myself to this is how it is, which understand, is still pretty damn good. If I were to upgrade, I might go with an Integrated Tube Amp, or Pre Amp, Power Amp, setup. Again, just idle thoughts for now....

Unless Ayre has some strange frequency response it just sounds like your speakers would be the ones that have the bright characteristic, perhaps your room in play as well....I've just not found changing electronics (let alone something crazy like cables) to be very helpful in this regard myself. Maybe a bit of eq could help.