Ayre Acoustics has expanded the 8-Series with the previously announced KX-8 preamplifier and the VX-8 power amplifier, the logical companion of the KX-8. Both devices have a fully symmetrical topology that is free of negative feedback.
Ayre Acoustics KX-8: modular preamplifier
Colorado-based Ayre Acoustics had already announced the KX-8 earlier this year , but actual delivery was still a while away. In the meantime, the VX-8 power amplifier has also been revealed.
The KX-8 uses a new variable gain volume control, borrowed from the higher Ayre series. Furthermore, the KX-8 is modular in design. With optional modules, the preamplifier can be expanded to a full-fledged streaming preamplifier.
Ayre Acoustics’ advanced volume control is a key feature of the manufacturer. Unlike the vast majority of amplifiers, the KX-8 does not attenuate the input signal to achieve a normal level. Instead, a multi-channel potentiometer changes the amplifier’s gain, which has the advantage of a consistently high S/N ratio, even at low volumes. The KX-8 features five analogue inputs and can optionally be equipped with a D/A converter based on ESS’s ES9038Q2M chip.
As usual with Ayre, a proprietary digital filter with minimum phase has been implemented to optimize signal processing. Based on this converter module, two more options are offered: a streaming module and an asynchronous USB audio input. The former makes the KX-8 a full-fledged streaming precursor for online services such as Qobuz and Tidal, and for the music player software Roon. Tidal can also be used via the Connect function in the Tidal app.
On the front, a balanced and an unbalanced headphone jack are available. These are the first headphone outputs implemented by Ayre to benefit from variable gain technology.
Ayre Acoustics VX-8: Class AB power amplifier
The new two-channel power amplifier VX-8 can be considered as the playmate of the preamplifier KX-8. The VX-8 uses basically the same power amplifier circuits as the EX-8 integrated amplifier, but offers higher load stability and precision with 100 watts per channel into eight ohms and 170 watts into four ohms. The fully symmetrical design and the extensive absence of negative feedback are characteristic of all Ayre amplifiers. This gives, according to the company, a better rejection of environmental interference and therefore a higher signal fidelity.
The power supply is linear with basic EI core transformers for their lower susceptibility to interference. Both devices can be interconnected via Ayre’s own communication ports to enable integral operation. Both devices are available in black and silver.
New streaming and USB modules for the 8 Series
Coinciding with the launch of the KX-8 preamplifier, Ayre is releasing the second generation of optional, retrofittable streaming and USB modules for the 8 Series. In addition to improved specifications, the new modules offer higher sound quality than their 2018 predecessors, according to the manufacturer. Ayre attributes this to improvements in galvanic isolation, voltage regulation and re-clocking.
The new streaming module, simply called NET2, is also Tidal Connect-enabled. A few months ago, the feature could be activated via a firmware update in the QX-5 Twenty reference converter. This means that all Ayre products with streaming functionality are now Tidal Connect-enabled.
Prices
Preamplifier KX-8: from $7,100
Power amplifier VX-8: $7,600
NET2 for 8 Series: $1,600
USB2 for 8 Series: $1,100
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