Sonus Faber w/ Ayre

[KeithR]

Heard the Amati Futuras with Ayre AX-5 integrated over the weekend in a fully treated dealer room in Los Angeles.

I must say it was stunning with classical music in particular. I also auditioned the amp compared with a Sim preamp/Mac 452- the Ayre integrated was the winner in my opinion. It was transparent and a tad sweet, with a very natural, extended top end. Dynamics on the new Ayre gear are much better than in previous efforts.

In the past the SF sound hasn't really jazzed with me, but this is a wonderful combo to make music with. If you own a pair of SFs, the new Ayre gear with the diamond output stage is something I'd look into.

[jdandy]

Keith.......The Ayre AX-5 has been getting a lot of good feedback. Thanks for offering us your impression. When is that combo coming home with you?

[KeithR]

I'm not selling my Zu Definition 4s anytime soon, but the Ayre VX-5 might be a contender The Ayre AX-5 weakness is a bit of texture (like all SS imo) and a tube preamp would be very complementary to a VX-5.

I am going to hear the Dartzeel 8550, Einstein Light in the Dark, and a class-A Luxman amplifier over the next few weeks. Then I should have a good grip on what to do (if anything).