Review of Ayre's newest amp, the VX-R from the Soundstage.com...

[cmalak]

...this is the 200wpc stereo version of Ayre's 300wpc mono blocka, the MX-Rs. It received Soundstage.com's Reviewer's Choice award. Here you go:

http://www.soundstage.com/index.php?...views&Itemid=4

[jdandy]

Cyril.......Thanks for the link. I love the way Ayre's CNC machined cases look.

[cmalak]

Dan...I do too. Very sleek and yet substantial. The review really waxed poetic about these amps. Probably worth a listen.

[Jerome W]

Thank you Cyril !
Very nice review of what seems to be a great amp.
Like Dan, I agree that their cases look awesome.

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

[Volks]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Cyril.......Thanks for the link. I love the way Ayre's CNC machined cases look.

Me to!

[jax4736]

Sure looks great, at its price point though I wonder why one wouldn't stretch a little further and get the MX-R monoblocks?

[BillK]

Originally Posted by jax4736

Sure looks great, at its price point though I wonder why one wouldn't stretch a little further and get the MX-R monoblocks?

A lot of people don't want the hassle of mono blocks, with two outlets, two power cables, etc.

Note also a VX-R is cheaper than a pair of MX-Rs.

[jax4736]

Point taken. At this price point I'd rather have more power (in case future speakers change) but I could see the advantage.

I'm considering trying the Ayre Signature power cords (have the L-5 power filter but am only using the stock cords at the moment). I do not have power on dedicated lines either.

[Ritmo]

They sure do a nice job with their designs and craftmanship.

Mike

[psjl]

Originally Posted by jax4736

Point taken. At this price point I'd rather have more power (in case future speakers change) but I could see the advantage.

I'm considering trying the Ayre Signature power cords (have the L-5 power filter but am only using the stock cords at the moment). I do not have power on dedicated lines either.

jax4736,

I'ed agree with you that that at this price level, USD 4,550 is not a significant difference with regard to the Ayre VX-R stereo amp (USD 14,950) and the Ayre MX-R monoblock amps (USD 19,500).

Aside from the consideration of an extra outlet, an extra power cable, and in some instances, space constraints, I'ed personally go for monoblocks as I feel that it never hurts to have a little bit more power on tap.

BTW, if you haven't had the chance yet, even though you already have the Ayre L-5xe power filter, you might also want to demo PurePower AC Regenerators. I've A/B'ed both along with Transparent power conditioning gear as well, and the PurePower gear makes a very significant difference.

Philip