Усилители мощности моно — Ayre Acoustics MX-R TWENTY

The MX-R Twenty is a solid-state mono power amplifier from Ayre Acoustics of Boulder, Colorado, introduced in 2014 as the successor to the original MX-R designed by company founder Charles Hansen and launched in July 2006. It belongs to the Twenty series alongside the KX-R Twenty preamplifier and VX-R Twenty stereo amplifier. The launch price was USD 29,500 per pair, with black anodising adding USD 500, and owners of the older model could upgrade for USD 5,500 per pair. A later finale variant raises power-supply capacitance by 33.3 percent.

Key specs that matter

Output is 300 W into 8 ohm, 600 W into 4 ohm and 1,200 W into 2 ohm. Voltage gain is 26 dB and input impedance 2 megohm balanced through a single XLR input. Frequency response extends from DC to 250 kHz. Consumption is 45 W in standby and 120 W when operating with no signal. Each unit measures 280 mm wide, 480 mm deep and 96 mm high and weighs about 23 kg.

Engineering and use context

The topology is a fully balanced, complementary and discrete design, and it runs with no negative feedback. For the Twenty version the whole audio board was redesigned. A Double Diamond output stage replaces the triple emitter-follower of the MX-R, the EquiLock gain circuit appears in a further developed form, and metal-foil resistors take the place of metal-film types. AyreLock power-supply circuitry, new to the Twenty models, feeds the stages from a linear analogue supply built around two EI-core transformers carried over from the earlier amplifier. Circuit boards use ultra-low-loss polystyrene material, and Ayre fits its own polystyrene capacitors and custom audio-grade resistors. An Ayre Conditioner filter removes radio-frequency noise from the mains. Each chassis is machined in three stages from about 34 kg of aircraft-grade aluminium, with integral heatsinks along the rear and sides and a lenticular finish of fine ridges that resists fingerprints. Cardas binding posts accept single or bi-wired stacked connections, power enters through a 15 A IEC socket, and RJ-11 AyreLink ports tie it into a wider Ayre system for system communication. Ayre covers the original registered owner for five years, parts and labour included.

Pairing

Such a high input impedance barely loads the preceding stage, but the source needs balanced XLR outputs since no RCA input is provided. Doubling of power down to the lowest rated load lets the amplifier drive low-impedance speakers with demanding impedance curves. Pairing with the KX-R Twenty keeps the chain balanced and connected through AyreLink.

Alternatives

Within that Twenty family, Ayre also offers the VX-R Twenty for stereo use.