5 SERIES PRODUCTS

Designed and handbuilt in Boulder, Colorado—the 5 series has withstood the test of time as ultra-reliable, reference quality gear that has been heralded by reviewers worldwide for its superior musicality. Adhering to our philosophy of upgrading rather than obsolesence, each of the 5 series products receives perodic upgrades reflecting significant technical improvements we have discovered through our continued reasearch and developement. Every product in the 5 series is designed for a life time of musical enjoyment.

Ayre KX-5 Twenty Solid-state Line-level Preamplifier

Arguably the most important component in your system, the KX-5 delivers all of the performance and flexibility you have come to expect from an Ayre product.
Following in the legendary footsteps of the KX-R preamplifier, the Ayre KX-5 lives up to the challenge with dynamics powered by our Diamond output stage and a finesse achieved by eliminating the traditional attenuating volume control with our 46 position Variable Gain Transimpedance (VGT) amplification circuit. Featuring six programmable inputs and our unique Equilock gain stage, the KX-5 will draw you in with its enchanting musicality and drop your jaw with its endless depth of stage.

…the KX-5 -- it performed flawlessly, exhibited outstanding sound quality, and proved to be the quietest preamplifier I have ever heard in my system.

-Aron Garrecht, SoundStage!

Features

• Ayre’s Diamond output stage
• Variable Gain Transimpedance (VGT) volume circuit
• Ayre’s exclusive Equilock circuit
• 46 step volume control, each of 1.5 dB
• Linear analog power supply
• zero-feedback and fully-balanced discrete circuitry
• High-speed circuit board material
• Input ground switching for true source isolation
• Six inputs: four balanced, two single-ended
• Ayre Conditioner power line RFI filter
• AyreLink communication system

Maximum Input Level

8 V rms – unbalanced inputs

16 V rms – balanced inputs

Gain

Gain Variable to match the required output level of the system without the need for attenuation.

Input Impedance

1 MΩ unbalanced inputs

2 MΩ balanced inputs (1 MΩ per phase)

XLR Input Polarity

Pin 1 = Ground

Pin 2 = Non-inverting (Positive)

Pin 3 = Inverting (Negative)

Frequency Response

DC – 250 kHz

Power Consumption

40 watts in operating mode

60 watts in operating mode (volume control active)

Dimensions

17.25″ W x 13.25″ D x 3.75″ H

(44cm x 34cm x 10cm)

Weight

10.5 kg

User Reviews