I wanted a high end integrated amplifier for my living room , I was thinking a used Krell Kav 300i might be the limit of my budget, most recent integrated amps with SMD construction do not appeal to me, nor do class D amps although I’m aware of some good ones I’m used to listening to DHT tube amps so something musically involving and transparent is high priority. This unit came up at a very reasonable price, I was almost discouraged by the Stereophile review, but I also got a sense that the reviewer was also a bit jaded. Back to the Ayre Ax7 , this is not the “E” version. I love ❤️ it.! To say the mids and highs are beautifully clear and sweet detracts from the way it plays music. It is sweet resolving transparent fast and dynamic, nice user interface seamlessly switches between sources no audible arto facts the 1 db steps on the attenuator are great.and using the balanced inputs is recommended. I could have this upgraded to “ e” spec at some point but I’m in no hurry, I’m enjoying it just the way it is. Seems pretty sensitive to inter connects, balanced is best, I’m using pure silver balanced which highlight the amps transparency and extended highs. On the other hand some Klotz balanced cables sounded warmer although a bit fuzzy ,not as extended and clear. It’s driving Monitor Audio Studio 12’’s it’s a fine late night combo. A very fine product which I cannot see myself wanting to replace for a very long time. I have contacted Ayre for some after sales support and customer service is first rate.

Weaknesses, if I had paid retail price I would be more picky but from where I sit I can’t think of any,

I wanted a high end integrated amplifier for my living room , I was thinking a used Krell Kav 300i might be the limit of my budget, most recent integrated amps with SMD construction do not appeal to me, nor do class D amps although I’m aware of some good ones I’m used to listening to DHT tube amps so something musically involving and transparent is high priority. This unit came up at a very reasonable price, I was almost discouraged by the Stereophile review, but I also got a sense that the reviewer was also a bit jaded. Back to the Ayre Ax7 , this is not the “E” version. I love ❤️ it.! To say the mids and highs are beautifully clear and sweet detracts from the way it plays music. It is sweet resolving transparent fast and dynamic, nice user interface and using the balanced inputs is recommended. I could have this upgraded to “ e” spec at some point but I’m in no hurry, I’m enjoying it just the way it is. Seems pretty sensitive to inter connects, balanced is best, I’m using pure silver balanced which highlight the amps transparency and extended highs. On the other hand some Klotz balanced cables sounded warmer but not as extended and clear. As little fuzzy. It’s driving Monitor Audio Studio 12’’s it’s a fine late night combo. I am looking forward to using this amp with my TAD 4001 set up I am certain it will do a great job.

Weaknesses, if I had paid retail price I would be more picky but from where I sit I can’t think of any,

Sweet sound and transparent.

Quality level over it prices.

Highly recommended.

Effortless at any level, music is simply embracing you. Built, simplicity to use, sense and feel of "the class".

Price may seem pretty high, but you get back every penny spent, pleasure you get for free :O)

Well, to be as short as possible, I completely agree with previous review. Excellent amp, with body and soul, you just can't stop listening to it.

see above

60 wpc limits speaker choices, although this amp happily drives my Thiel 1.6 - it sounds much more powerful than 60 watts.

This is a review of the AX-7e (evolution model)

There is one defining characteristic of this amp that makes it world class in my eyes. I have listened to megadollar stereos of all kinds at various trade shows and stores and I believe that this amp captures a certain sense of palpability and lifelike, 3-d realism that most solid state amps cannot achieve. I have heard this quality in the best tube amps and this product amazingly captures it.

In comparison, poorer quality solid state sounds completely flat and lifeless.

It's difficult to explain, but this amp creates sound that has shape and form -- there's a human quality that's hard to pin down that this amp touches on. Brilliant.

In general terms, the sound of this amp is incredibly full and rich with prodigious bass and articulate treble with that spooky 3-d midband.

I hate to anthropomorphize, but this amp has an emotional quality. It conveys that through it's sense of presence, which, I think, is equal to amps far more expensive than this one. Despite it's relatively low power rating, I'd say this amp is, ironically, an incredible bargain.

Customer Service

Excellent - called Ayre for advice re: used Ax-7e and serial numbers --- they patiently looked up several numbers and their respective service histories. All this with a cheerful attitude. You can tell these guys love the hobby and love their product.

Similar Products Used:

Primare a20 mkii