New Ayre 8 series DAC

[Ciamarasound]

The 8 series will fit into their product range below the new 5 series, taking the place of the discontinued 9 and 7 series and the older 5 series products. The price range of the 8 series is planned to be between $2500 - $8000 US Retail.

 

The first two products which are showing in Munich are the AX-8 integrated amplifier (with digital inputs including streaming) and the QX-8 digital hub (also with streaming) and like all Ayre components, they will be hand-built in Boulder, CO. 

 

Here are the initial specs and descriptions

http://ciamara.com/new-ayre-8-series-components-coming-fall/

[Ciamarasound]

1 hour ago, beetlemania said:

Thanks for sharing. I really like the features, especially the AX-8 which even includes headphone output. I am surprised that they are including the VGT at this price-point (debuted in the KX-R). I wonder how many volume steps it has and how it compares sonically to the AX-5 which is the best integrated I've ever heard (by a substantial margin) and compares favorably the very best separates I've heard. I don't care for the looks of these products but they are loaded with great features and at a decent price. Can't wait to hear 'em.

 

No problem. The 8 Series aesthetic reminds me of the Musical Fidelity M Series. I personally don't mind the look and have always appreciated Ayre's clean front panel. I'm also curious as to how this will stack up performance-wise to the AX-5, which I personally own and is my gold standard for integrated amps. Since Ayre has always been very consistent with the performance of their lines, I imagine both of these new pieces will compete with just about  anything near and probably above their price points.