Ayre VX-5 Twenty stereo amp
Best high-end power amplifier for audiophiles seeking refined, balanced musical clarity.
Experience sublime audio with the Ayre VX-5 Twenty stereo amplifier. This fully-discrete, fully-balanced, zero-feedback design utilizes Ayre's exclusive Equilock circuitry and Diamond output stage to deliver exceptional power and control. It offers a refined sound with palpable punch, allowing deep connection to your music. Its potent bass grip, agile presentation, and high resolution make it a cornerstone for any serious music system, redefining amplifier performance.
$14000.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
421
/ 1687
#421 in Power Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+70%
Above average
Power Output
17583504
/ watts per channel continuous into ohms, watts per channel continuous into ohms
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking natural, fatigue-free musical transparency
- Listeners pairing the amp with demanding, low-impedance speakers
- Purists prioritizing stable, clean power for signal integrity
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking entry-level high-end audio
- Impatience-prone listeners wanting immediate peak performance
- Owners of preamplifiers lacking balanced XLR outputs
Performance breakdown
Transient Agility
The zero-feedback design captures instrument textures with startling, lifelike speed.
Bass Authority
Delivers deep, controlled low-end grip that anchors even the most complex arrangements.
Circuit Sophistication
Equilock and Diamond output stages represent the pinnacle of discrete amplifier engineering.
Dynamic Resolution
Maintains perfect musical organization and clarity even at high playback volumes.
Build Integrity
Heavy-duty construction and refined casework reflect a serious, high-end audio investment.
Input Versatility
High impedance inputs ensure seamless integration with a wide range of preamplifiers.
Key Specs
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)
Amplifier Class
Class A
Features
- Zero-feedback circuit design for reduced distortion
- Double Diamond output stage for enhanced performance
- Equilock gain stage technology for refined sound
- Fully balanced, discrete circuitry
- Superb bass grip and potent, resolved sound
- Agile presentation reveals instrument textures
- Maintains musical organization at high volumes
- Excellent build quality and beautiful casework
What customers say
The Ayre VX-5 Twenty amplifier earns high praise for its exceptional sonic transparency and musical engagement. Users consistently note its ability to reproduce complex music with natural ease and dynamic authority. The zero feedback design delivers a clean, fast, and highly detailed soundstage without harshness, allowing for long, fatigue-free listening sessions. Beyond the sound, the build quality is universally lauded, reflecting robust, lasting engineering. While positioned in the premium category, the consensus is that its refined tonal balance and powerful speaker control justify the investment. It is viewed as a true endgame component for serious enthusiasts seeking superior performance.
Know before you buy
By eliminating global negative feedback, the VX-5 Twenty avoids the phase distortion and timing errors often introduced by feedback loops. This results in a more natural, transparent sound with superior transient response and a more realistic sense of space.
Yes, the VX-5 Twenty is highly capable with demanding loads. It doubles its power output from 175 watts into 8 ohms to 350 watts into 4 ohms, providing the current and control necessary to maintain grip on complex speaker designs.
While the amplifier features both XLR and RCA inputs, it is a fully balanced, discrete design. Using the balanced XLR inputs will provide the best performance by maintaining the integrity of the balanced signal path throughout the entire circuit.
Equilock technology stabilizes the operating point of the gain stage, effectively isolating the circuit from power supply fluctuations. This ensures that the amplifier remains composed and maintains musical organization even during complex, high-volume passages.
No, the VX-5 Twenty is not rack-mountable. Given its weight of 52 pounds and its Class A operation, it requires a sturdy, well-ventilated surface to ensure proper heat dissipation and stability.
No, the VX-5 Twenty is a dedicated power amplifier. It does not include a built-in digital-to-analog converter or remote control functionality, as it is designed to focus exclusively on high-fidelity signal amplification.
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