The Ayre MX-R mono amplifier takes a bold new approach to amplifier design. Its unique monocoque architecture joins the chassis and the heat sink into a single elegant structure for unparalleled mechanical integrity.
Of immediate notice is the chassis — its overall compactness and longer-than-wide orientation. The MX-R chassis (and that of the matching KX-R preamp) is machined from a billet of aluminum. Its petite size was, first of all, a way to keep costs down, but that created a problem of space — there simply was no room for banks of vertical heatsinks. Then Charles Hansen of Ayre made a discovery: “I had always assumed that heatsink fins needed to be vertical, as on all of our other amps. But then I found an article that said (assuming certain rules were followed) you only lost about 10% of the cooling efficiency with a horizontal orientation.” Thus, the chassis became the amplifier’s primary cooling mechanism, the heatsinks running horizontally along the top.
The MX-Rs follow Ayre’s well-known design ideals — a fully balanced circuit with zero feedback and great care paid to the power supply — and add some new wrinkles in terms of parts. Whereas the company’s previous top amplifier, the V-1xe, had a JFET input stage with MOSFETs for the rest of the circuit, the MX-R has a similar JFET input, but the rest of the amplifier uses bipolar transistors, which lower the amp’s output impedance and improve its ability to drive tough loads. The ON Semiconductor ThermalTrak output devices have a heat-sensing diode within each transistor. This eliminates the lag between the time during which the device heats up or cools down and the time the bias circuit compensates for the change. The bias is, therefore, in Charles Hansen’s words, “significantly more stable,” including while music is playing.
The MX-Rs’ combination of unrivaled transient fidelity, acute rendering of space, extreme quietness, and treble sweetness made for sound that was truly compelling — the kind that will urge you to rediscover your music collection. While the MX-Rs aren’t physically massive, as some competing amps are, their jewel-like finish is more eye-catching than mere bulk, and their small size means they can be tucked out of sight if you’re going for a minimalist aesthetic with your audio system. More than most audio components, the MX-Rs give the impression of heirloom quality. They convey uncompromising care and know-how in their design, their manufacture and especially their performance.
If you are looking to purhase one of these yourself, here’s an idea:
Martin Anderson UK is an independent retailer dedicated to providing the best high end hi-fi products that can be found from around the world. We are pleased to announce that we now have Ayre Acoustics MX-R (pair) new in stock. Therefore, you can now buy Ayre MX-R online for 7500 GBP.
For more Amplifiers and other Hi-Fi equipment please visit martinandersonuk.com
Posted by david.morin64