CES 2011 Coverage

Ayre introduced its new VX-R power amplifier ($14,950). It is a stereo version of the MX-R monoblocks ($18,500/pair). The speakers are the TAD Compact Reference Monitors ($37,000). The box in the rear is the Ayre L-5xe AC power filter ($1500). Cables are by Ayre, although I believe they are OEMed from Cardas.

Compare the interior of the VX-R (above) with the interior of a MX-R monoblock.

The preamp was their top of the line KX-R ($18,500). Here is a photo of its interior construction.

The source was their new DX-5 universal player ($9950) which they introduced at CES last year. Although it is based on the Oppo BDP-83, Ayre replaced everything but the drive and the video board, which they heavily modified. Here is a photo of its interior construction.

The DX-5 has an asynchronous USB input section based on Ayre’s well received QB-9 USB DAC ($2500), and music files were played back though it using a MacMini running Ayre’s proprietary playback software (AyreWave) which you can download without charge from its website. Here’s a photo of the AyreWave interface as well as the QX-9.

Here is a stack of Ayre mid-level components. From top to bottom are the C-5xe universal player ($5950), the P-5xe phono stage ($2500), the K-5xe preamplifier ($3500), the L-5xe AC power filter ($1500), and the V-5xe stereo power amplifier ($4950).

Ayre also has entry level components - the CX-7e CD player ($3500) and AX-7e integrated amplifier ($3500).

To round out its line, Ayre offers the DPS turntable based upon a Bauer chassis and Ayre designed power supply.

I admit I am enamored with Ayre components.

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