Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Nice, solid, and beefy amp with excellent build quality and beautiful casework
- Superb bass grip, potent, powerful, and resolved
- Agile presentation reveals more about the textures and overtones of instruments
- High resolution continues into the lower midrange with flowing continuity from one frequency range to the next
- Shares the ability to keep complex music organized and distinct as separate musical lines, especially at higher power levels
Product Considerations
- Treble character might need attention to system matching with associated components
- The front power switch is a momentary push-on, push-off, which means the power cannot be controlled from an external "power strip", but must be turned on and off manually
- Solid-state Ayre rarely approaches the treble purity and ease of the single-ended tube or solid-state amps on hand
- The Ayre does need some warm-up and sounds smoother after playing for about an hour
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bryston 4B Cubed (SST3) — Ayre's bass has less weight to it, but is also more punchy and agile
- Vs Audio Research Reference 75 SE — They are quite equal in terms of transparency, tonality, refinement, and delicacy
- Vs Jeff Rowland model sixes — The Ayre has treble that is very similarly refined and airy
- Vs Cary CAD-805AE and Valvet — Presents the backing vocalists in more of an arc behind Simon, versus the Ayre presenting singers in a line
- Vs Pass XA30.8 amps — Presents a better sense of ambiance and the natural reverberation of a concert hall in a more believable and present manner
Takeaway: The Ayre VX-5 Twenty is a beauty to look at and delivers a refined sound. It has a potent bass range and is able to keep complex music organized, which makes it a worthwhile buy.
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VX-5 Twenty
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Manufacturer details
- Power Output: 175 watts per channel continuous into 8 ohms, 350 watts per channel continuous into 4 ohms
- Gain: 26 dB
- Input Impedance: 1 MΩ unbalanced inputs, 2 MΩ balanced inputs (1 MΩ per phase)
- Frequency Response: DC – 250 kHz
- Power Consumption: 35 watts in low-current consumption mode, 325 watts in operating mode, no signal
- Dimensions: 17.25" W x 18.75" D x 4.875" H (44cm x 48cm x 12cm)
- Weight: 52 pounds (24 kg)
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Ayre products are fully balanced and employ zero-feedback designs, prioritizing signal purity and a non-colored sound signature over textbook measurements.
- The company customizes rather than relies wholly on industry-standard DAC chips, opting instead to bypass much of their built-in functionality and create proprietary filters, clocking, and oversampling within a Xilinx FPGA for optimized performance.
- The brand emphasizes the importance of power supply design, employing custom EI-core transformers and linear power supplies, with particular attention paid to RF filtering and isolating various circuit sections.
- Machined casework from solid aluminum billets provides structural rigidity and isolates internal components, which together with stainless steel hardware, avoid magnetic materials known to negatively impact sound.
Select products
EX-8
- Positioning: A versatile all-in-one solution for modern audio systems.
- Description: Features a modular design and extensive connectivity options, including Ethernet, USB, and multiple digital inputs, making it ideal for users seeking a flexible and future-proof system. Unlike the VX-8, which focuses on pure amplification, integrates a DAC and streaming capabilities. Its 100 watts per channel power output is suitable for small to medium-sized rooms.
VX-8 Power Amplifier
- Positioning: A stereo power amplifier designed for high-quality sound reproduction in a traditional setup.
- Description: Features zero-feedback, fully-balanced circuitry, providing a warm and musical experience. Offers more power than the EX-8, with 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms. While it lacks the integrated DAC and streaming features of the EX-8, it excels in pure amplification.
AX-5 Twenty
- Positioning: An integrated amplifier that combines Ayre's advanced technologies in a single chassis for high-performance audio systems.
- Description: Features Double Diamond output stage and EquiLock circuitry, providing exceptional clarity and control. Offers more power than the EX-8, with 125 watts per channel. Unlike the VX-8, includes a preamplifier section, offering a more compact solution for those who want high-end performance without separate components.
VX-R Twenty
- Positioning: A high-end stereo amplifier that incorporates technologies from Ayre's flagship monoblocks into a single chassis.
- Description: Offers superior power and control with its 200 watts per channel output. Shares the zero-feedback, fully-balanced design with the MX-R Twenty but in a stereo configuration, providing a more affordable option for those who want flagship performance. Its advanced power supply and EquiLock technology ensure excellent clarity and resolution, setting it apart from the AX-5 Twenty and VX-8.
MX-R Twenty
- Positioning: Ayre's flagship monoblock amplifier, representing the pinnacle of their amplification technology.
- Description: Delivers exceptional power and precision with 300 watts per channel. Features Ayre's exclusive EquiLock and Double Diamond technologies, offering the highest level of clarity and control. Compared to the VX-R Twenty, provides even greater power and separation, designed for the most demanding audio setups.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Powerful, able to drive any speaker at any level with ease
- Delivers a new dimension in realism at any volume level, exposing the timbre of bass instruments unlike ever heard before
- Reveals harmonic quality of instruments and voices
Product Considerations
- Heavy, weighing 140lb (63.5kg), requiring assistance for moving and unboxing
- High running temperature (55-65oC across the chassis) and draws 500W from the wall when idle
- When speaker cables are terminated with spade lugs, caution is advised as the posts are close together
- Output is floating—it should not be connected to any loudspeaker with a grounded 'black' terminal
- BAT components take a long time to "break in" (400-500 hours of use)
Takeaway: The BAT REX 500 is a very powerful amplifier that drives speakers with ease and reveals new levels of realism in familiar recordings. It is a must-audition for those seeking reference-level power amplification.
Video review
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers 350 watts into 2-ohm, 4-ohm, or 8-ohm loads
- The design has a purity that is quite amazing
- Effortless power
- Soundstage is big
- Transparent
Product Considerations
- Not necessarily suitable for pairing with extremely cold sounding, sterile or bright speakers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- MC3500 is more open and airy, with base not as hard fisted, compared to Krell KSA 250
- It compares with brands like soulution, big Audio Research, and CH Precision, but at a lower cost
Takeaway: The MC3500 is an impressive amplifier that delivers a natural and pure sound, able to drive almost any speaker. If you're in the market for a McIntosh amp, this is the one that makes music sound pure, simple and unadulterated.
Video review
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Prodigious bass output and rich tonality, especially for a solid-state design
- Great presence, a black background, and strong resolution playing effortlessly at very high volume levels
- Offers a wide, well-defined soundstage
- Beautifully designed with a luxurious appearance, relatively compact dimensions, and attention to detail in its internal layout
- Reserves of power will comfortably drive a wide range of speakers to high levels
Product Considerations
- Attacks can be slightly soft on some material
- The soundstage, while wide and well-defined, may lack the pinpoint accuracy and layered depth of some reference amplifiers
- Requires support beneath it on carpeted floors to allow sufficient airflow
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs soulution 511, the soulution 511 was faster and more accurately conveyed bass notes, threw an image with greater accuracy, and was more open on top
Takeaway: The Electrocompaniet AW 300 M is a gutsy and poised monoblock amplifier that delivers lots of power and handles a variety of speakers, giving an excellent listening experience. Its solid build and high performance make it a great choice for those seeking high-end audio quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The MOON 861 is a power amplifier with the pedigree of the distinguished MOON 888 and the wholistic design philosophy of the North Collection.
Product Strengths
- Great build quality that feels solid and built to last
- Impressive control, speed, and transparency in sound reproduction, resulting in a highly satisfying and natural sound
- Excellent bass grip, with precisely layered and insightful basslines
- Each instrument is distinct within the orchestra
Product Considerations
- Speaker cable terminals are a bit tight, especially with larger spades
- Software may need updates to ensure devices connect seamlessly
- Setup may be crucial to get the best sound
- According to one commenter, the treble can be hard and tiring
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The 861 exceeds the Moon 860A v2 in performance due to improvements in isolation, mechanical damping, and power supply
- The 861 has less pronounced colors than Burmester 218 amplifiers
- The 861 has more weight and oomph than Octave MRE 220 SE
Takeaway: The Moon 861 is a powerful and well-built amplifier that delivers a natural and detailed sound, with excellent control and dynamics. With its power and balanced sound, listeners may find themselves enjoying music even more.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a remarkably smooth, unforced, and natural presentation with a touch of warmth
- Excels in detail retrieval and textured presentation of instruments and vocals, making the music feel alive
- Presents a wide and holographic soundstage, especially when paired with speakers that are already strong in this area
- Demonstrates agility, precision, and clarity, combined with a naturalness that eluded earlier generations of Chord amplifiers
- Scales dynamically and has the ability to punch hard when required
Product Considerations
- Has a minimalist design with just four line-level inputs, lacking features like phono stages, tone controls, headphone outputs, or DAC modules
- Some may find its sonic signature prioritizes articulation over qualities such as richness and authority, potentially sounding thin if partnered poorly
- Balance control has no center indent or marked position
- The polychromatic lighting may be an issue for the color-blind
- Remote operation can be affected by direct sunlight
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rega Elex-R Mk3, the Chord Ultima Integrated delivers undeniably elevated sound in all respects, with greater dimensionality and smoother vocals
- Vs Bryston 7B 3 monoblocks, the Chord Ultima Integrated offers a weightier and more thunderous delivery, especially in the midrange and vocals, with more inner warmth in tone
- Vs Benchmark AHB2, the Chord Ultima Integrated provides a more energetic and fun listening experience, with Thor-like bass impact and overall superior dynamics
- Vs Accuphase E-270, the Chord Ultima Integrated is warmer, rounder, more powerful, and refined, with a more fluid and emotionally engaging performance
Takeaway: The Chord Ultima Integrated is a unique and well-built amplifier that combines a visually pleasing design with a captivating sound, full of detail and dynamic precision. It brings music to life with an engaging and immersive experience, making it a worthy addition to any audiophile's setup.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact size, lightweight, and runs cool compared to traditional high-end amplifiers
- Exceptionally quiet operation, with reviewers noting a complete absence of hum or buzz
- Delivers a clean, crisp, and neutral sound signature without added coloration
- Upgradeable design, allowing users to update the amplifier with new GaN modules as technology evolves
- Produces a Single Ended Triode-like midrange and top end
Product Considerations
- The polished finish is a fingerprint magnet, requiring the use of gloves for handling
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs AGD Audion MKIII: The Duets offer a cleaner and more refined sound with improved bass and greater immediacy and snap compared to the Audion MKIII
- Vs Daniel Hertz Maria: The AGD Duets seem to have a little more inner resolution
- Vs Pass Labs X250.8: The AGD Duets performed to a higher level
- Vs Peachtree GaN 1/VTV GaN amps: AGD amps seem to be on another level in regards to design, and the sound is more refined and beautiful
- Vs Aavik U-150, Luxman 595, Yamaha A-S 3200, Axxess Forte 1, Line Magnetic 219ia: The AGD Duets performed to a higher level
Takeaway: The AGD Duet amplifiers offer a blend of cutting-edge technology, exceptional sound quality, and user-friendly design. They are a great option for those seeking a high-end audio experience in a compact and energy-efficient package.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Known for combining the musicality of tube amplifiers with the precision and power of solid-state amplifiers.
- It provides a transparent sound with steel control, without the electronic 'shine' associated with transistor amplifiers.
- Exceptional bass performance, described as deep, explosive, and completely controlled.
- Homogeneous frequency range, offering a very high degree of transparency and control.
- Offers an ability to resolve even the finest musically significant details.
Product Considerations
- Requires a substantial amount of space due to its multi-component design.
- The sound offered might be 'too beautiful' for some listeners, as it is not 'brutal' or 'terse' enough.
- Requires care in using its switches to avoid shutdowns.
- Some reviewers note it was 'dark sounding' on the highs, though it did not lack information.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Quad ESL loudspeakers, it surpasses the musicality and clarity achieved with many tube amps, rivaling even high-end options like Lamm Industries ML2.2 and Miyajima Laboratory 2010.
- The ASR has better bass and is more transparent than MBL, however, it lacks the grace that MBL offers.
- Compared to Rogue 180W monoblocks, the ASR Emitter II delivers better bass.
- The ASR Emitter II has slightly better bass control than Manley Neoclassic 500, but the Neoclassic 500 has a more marvelous style of fiddling.
- Compared to Edge and Audio Research, the ASR is darker sounding.
Takeaway: The ASR Emitter II Exclusive offers a combination of tube-like warmth and solid-state precision, making the listening experience a very involving one. It provides exceptional control and detail across the entire frequency range, making it a great choice for audiophiles.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers power while handling subtlety and fine detail with aplomb
- Presents an engaging and naturally organic soundstage
- Offers switchable Ultralinear and Triode tube configurations
- Hand-wired, hand-soldered, and hand-assembled
- The top end is silky, resolved, and decent, resulting in no listening fatigue
Product Considerations
- The bass is not that punchy as with the best high-end amplifiers
- The amplifier can be demanding towards the acoustics of the room due to its heavy-on-bottom balance
- Limited power handling that does not allow for playing too loud
- The 80S sounds more homogenous, although the listening is rewarding and entertaining
- Ensure existing speakers will work with the Reference 80S to satisfaction before purchase
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Simaudio Moon 860A v2 power amplifier, the voice of Hana was warmer and velvetier through the Audio Research—a bit more human for my ears—although the sound was slightly less transparent and less controlled
Takeaway: The Audio Research Reference 80S is a tube power amplifier that delivers precision and subtlety. If high-end audio is desired and a lot of power is not necessary, the Reference 80S could be a good fit for a listening space.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Uses Moon's new distortion-canceling amplifier circuit, which is incredibly precise.
- Runs as efficiently as possible, yet as close as possible to class A.
- Capable of playing at any volume level, from a whisper to a scream.
- Delivers 200 watts per channel.
- Delivers good stereo, with very powerful dynamic range.
Product Considerations
- Only available in a two-tone 'panda' color scheme (silver sides with a black front panel) at the moment, though this may change with demand.
- Existing Moon aluminum bridges for stacking components are not compatible with this model.
- Moving the 35kg power amp can be a bit of a struggle.
- Although it has a lot of heat sinking, and it does get warm, it's not pulling a huge amount of energy out of the wall at any given volume level.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Hegel H20—the 761 has additional refinement, additional resolution, and is much smoother, but doesn't lose any detail in the music.
Takeaway: The 761 is a very capable amplifier that gives the potential to drive at any level and has the power to play precise, fine-sounding music. It can be used in bridged mode and works in balanced and single-ended configurations.
Video review
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