Ayre Acoustics AX-5 Twenty Integrated Amplifier
Best integrated amplifier for audiophiles seeking pure, uncolored high-fidelity sound.
Experience unparalleled audio fidelity with the Ayre Acoustics AX-5 Twenty Integrated Amplifier. This fully discrete, fully balanced, zero-feedback amplifier integrates Ayre’s exclusive EquiLock circuitry and a Shallco solid-silver contact switch for precise gain control. Featuring Ayre’s Double Diamond output stage and the Variable Gain Technology (VGT) from the acclaimed KX-R preamplifier, it delivers a pure, uncolored sound. The ultra-transparent FET input selector switches complete this one-box solution, making it the heart of any high-performance modern music system.
$9950.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
421
/ 1719
#421 in Power Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+21%
Above average
Power Output
1258
/ watts per channel continuous into ohms
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking absolute transparency and natural musical detail
- Design-conscious listeners valuing premium build quality and longevity
- Owners of power-hungry speakers requiring effortless, refined control
Who should skip it
- Budget-focused buyers prioritizing value over high-end performance
- Users wanting an all-in-one solution with built-in streaming
- Listeners without high-quality source components to match
Performance breakdown
Sonic Transparency
Zero-feedback design delivers an exceptionally pure and uncolored musical presentation.
Volume Precision
Variable Gain Technology ensures perfect channel balance at every listening level.
Drive Capability
Double Diamond output stage handles demanding speaker loads with effortless authority.
Circuit Integrity
Fully balanced discrete architecture minimizes noise for a pristine signal path.
Build Quality
Heavy-duty construction and premium components reflect true high-end engineering standards.
Noise Floor
Integrated power line filtering keeps background interference remarkably low and quiet.
Key Specs
Power Output
125 watts per channel continuous into 8 ohms
Power Output
250 watts per channel continuous into 4 ohms
Gain
26 dB
Input Impedance
1 MΩ unbalanced inputs
Input Impedance
2 MΩ balanced inputs (1 MΩ per phase)
Frequency Response
DC – 250 kHz
Dimensions
17.25″ W x 18.75″ D x 4.875″ H (44cm x 48cm x 12cm)
Weight
48 pounds (22 kg)
Features
- Variable Gain Transimpedance (VGT) volume circuit
- 46 step volume control, each of 1.5 dB
- Ayre’s new Diamond output stage
- Ayre’s exclusive Equilock circuit
- Zero-feedback and fully-balanced discrete circuitry
- High-speed circuit board material
- Custom developed audio-grade resistors
- Ayre Conditioner power line RFI filter
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Ayre Acoustics AX 5 Twenty Integrated Amplifier for its exceptional sound quality, often describing it as remarkably transparent and musically engaging. Listeners frequently highlight its ability to reveal intricate details within recordings while maintaining a natural, effortless presentation. Beyond its sonic prowess, the amplifier's elegant design and robust build quality also receive high marks, reinforcing its premium appeal. This combination of superb audio performance and refined craftsmanship establishes the AX 5 Twenty as a highly regarded component among discerning audiophiles.
Know before you buy
Unlike traditional volume controls that attenuate the signal and increase the noise floor, the VGT circuit adjusts the gain of the amplifier itself. This maintains the full signal-to-noise ratio at all volume levels, ensuring maximum clarity and transparency.
By eliminating global negative feedback, the AX-5 Twenty avoids the phase distortion and timing errors often associated with feedback loops. This results in a more natural, open, and lifelike presentation of the music.
With 125 watts into 8 ohms and 250 watts into 4 ohms, the AX-5 Twenty is highly capable of driving most high-performance loudspeakers. Its robust power supply and Double Diamond output stage are designed to maintain stability and control even with demanding speaker loads.
EquiLock is a proprietary Ayre technology that stabilizes the operating point of the gain transistors. This prevents thermal fluctuations from affecting the sound, ensuring consistent performance and sonic purity regardless of how long the amplifier has been running.
While the amplifier features high-impedance inputs for both balanced and unbalanced sources, its internal architecture is fully balanced from input to output. Using balanced connections will take full advantage of this design, providing the best possible noise rejection and signal integrity.
The integrated Ayre Conditioner is a power line RFI filter that removes high-frequency noise from your AC mains. By cleaning the incoming power, it lowers the noise floor, allowing for finer detail retrieval and a darker, quieter background.
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