Ayre VX-5 Twenty
The Ayre VX-5 Twenty pairs grain-free refinement with holographic imaging, delivering airy treble, lifelike tone and unusually firm, agile bass control. HiFi Advice found its transparent, fluid character exceptional, while Doug Schneider praised its expansive staging and effortless clarity. It is a distinctive high-end amplifier for listeners who value poise, precision and musical ease.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
91/100
Value for Money
95/100
Pros
Exceptionally refined, transparent presentation with delicate, grain-free treble and natural tonal color.
Precise, holographic imaging and an expansive, well-defined soundstage.
Deep, tight bass with strong grip and agility rather than excess weight.
Cons
Ultimate headroom is limited with demanding loudspeakers at extreme SPLs; it audibly distorted with Magico S5s at ear-splitting levels.
Its slightly laid-back, leaner balance may not suit listeners seeking a weightier or more forward presentation.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
Reviewers describe a notably refined, unforced presentation that combines high resolution and tonal naturalness with precise spatial presentation. Bass is consistently praised for grip and control, though one reviewer found the amplifier reaches its limits with difficult speakers at extreme volume.
Transparency Resolution
95/100
HiFi Advice found the VX-5 Twenty exceptionally pure, uncoloured, transparent and highly detailed, highlighting its delicate treble and ability to reveal previously unnoticed reverberation. SoundStage likewise heard extended, effortless highs with no grain or edge, alongside convincing vocal presence.
Tonal Balance Musicality
93/100
The amplifier is repeatedly described as fluid, airy, gentle and refined rather than merely analytical. SoundStage heard tube-like smoothness and authentic, alive voices, although it also noted a slightly laid-back overall character.
Dynamics
88/100
HiFi Advice praised the Ayre's precise starts and stops, retained rhythmic drive, and unusually strong bass power without excess weight. SoundStage found bass deep, tight and controlled and normal-to-loud listening highly satisfying, but reported audible distortion when driving Magico S5s at ear-splitting levels.
Soundstage Imaging
94/100
HiFi Advice heard precise staging with nicely holographic imaging. SoundStage found the soundstage expansive and well defined, with precisely located images extending far back and wide across the stage.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
91/100
Both reviews speak positively of the amplifier's execution: HiFi Advice calls it solid and beefy, while SoundStage says nothing about its construction feels cheap and specifically praises its build. Its 175W/8-ohm and 350W/4-ohm ratings indicate a substantial stereo power stage, though the supplied reviews provide limited detail on internal construction and long-term durability.
Value for Money
95/100
At roughly $14,000-$15,000, reviewers regard the Ayre as unusually compelling against high-end alternatives. HiFi Advice calls it sanely priced and something of a bargain, while SoundStage says it competes with much costlier amplifiers and ranks it among high-end audio's best bargains.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
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Specifications
- 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)
Manufacturer's Description — Ayre
The Ayre VX-5 fully-discrete, fully-balanced, zero-feedback amplifier features our exclusive Equilock circuitry and our Diamond output stage giving it both the power and control for the most demanding musical passages. The VX-5 is every bit the refined and sublime musical masterpiece you have come to expect from an Ayre product. With the addition of our new Diamond output stage this amplifier packs a punch so palpable you will find yourself clinging to the essence of every note. Make a VX-5 the foundation of your music system and redefine your expectation of what an amplifier should do.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Ayre VX-5 Twenty
- Absolute Audio - Canada — in-store — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (website)
- Ajasom — online and in-store — Amadora, Lisboa, Portugal (website)
- Akustik Strauss — in-store — Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bayern, Germany (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Audible Elegance — online and in-store — Cincinnati, Ohio, United States (website)
- Audio Advice — online and in-store — Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (website)
- Audio Advisor — online and in-store — Michigan, United States (website)
- Audio Artisans — in-store — Bozeman, Montana, United States (website)
- Audio Connection — online and in-store — Verona, New Jersey, United States (website)
- Audio Magic — online and in-store — Preston, Victoria, Australia (website)
and 41 more verified dealers