Integrated amplifiers — Ayre Accoustics AX-5 Twenty

The AX-5 Twenty is an integrated amplifier from Ayre Acoustics, a well-established American manufacturer known for accomplished, zero-global-feedback electronics engineering, built with an extraordinary input impedance. The AX-5 Twenty brings Ayre's considered engineering to a complete integrated chassis.

Key specs that matter

Four balanced XLR inputs and two single-ended inputs are provided. Input impedance is an extraordinary 2,000,000 ohms balanced or 1,000,000 ohms single-ended - remarkable figures ensuring minimal loading on any source component. Output power is 125W into 8 ohms, rising to 250W into 4 ohms. Frequency response extends to an exceptionally wide 250,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. At 440 x 480 x 120mm and 22kg, the AX-5 Twenty maintains a manageable integrated amplifier chassis reflecting Ayre's considered American engineering standards.

Sound and use context

Expect exceptionally transparent amplification reflecting Ayre's broader zero-global-feedback engineering philosophy, with the extraordinary multi-megohm input impedance ensuring minimal interaction with any source component's output stage.

Pairing

Ayre's own KX-5 Twenty preamplifier and VX-R Twenty power amplifier offer natural, brand-coherent pairings within the same broader catalogue for a coherently voiced system.

Alternatives

Ayre's broader amplifier catalogue offers alternatives at different tiers for buyers wanting a different balance of features.