Ayre KX-8/VX-8 streaming pre/power amp review

Some hi-fi manufacturers like to launch a new series as a fait accompli, all models primed and ready to roll out to retailers at the same time. The 8 series from Ayre Acoustics, on the other hand, has arrived in stages after being first teased in 2018. The EX-8 integrated amplifier and QX-8 ‘digital hub’ (streamer/DAC) sneaked through the gate before the Covid pandemic pulled up the drawbridge, while the KX-8 preamplifier and VX-8 power amp on test here, plus the PX-8 phono preamp, are more recent additions.

These units, and Ayre’s CX-8 CD player, make up this entry-level range, below the mid-level 5 series and reference-level R series. Of course, you should treat ‘entry-level’ as a relative term rather than an indicator of a certain price point. After all, the VX-8 sells for £7000, while the partnering preamplifier starts at £6500. If you consider that pricey, be aware the brand’s flagship KX-R/VX-R pre/power pairing is a cool £77,000.

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