Solid State Preamp Reviews

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Solid state line preamplifier with front-panel OLED display. Analog inputs: two balanced, three unbalanced. Analog outputs: one pair balanced on XLRs, one pair single-ended on RCA; balanced and single-ended headphone outputs. Other inputs/outputs: 2 AyreLink ports. Frequency range: DC–250kHz. Signal/ noise, output impedance, and channel separation: not specified. Input impedance: 2M ohms, balanced; 1M ohm, unbalanced. Maximum output level: 4V RMS, balanced line; 2V RMS, single-ended line; 10V RMS, balanced headphone; 5V RMS, single-ended headphone. Optional X-8 DAC module: AES3, one coaxial S/PDIF, and two TosLink inputs; handles 16-, 20-, 24-bit PCM sampled from 44.1kHz to 192kHz and DSD64 as DoP. Optional X-8 USB2 module: 16-, 20-, 24-bit PCM sampled from 44.1kHz to 384kHz and DSD64 up to DSD512 RAW. Optional Roon Ready X-8 Net2 Ethernet module: handles 16-, 20-, 24-bit PCM sampled from 44.1kHz to 192kHz, DSD64 and DSD128 (as DoP), and Tidal Connect and is fully JPLAY Certified. Power consumption: 40W in operating mode; 60W in operating mode with volume control active. Supplied accessories: remote control, Wi-Fi antenna on USB type A adapter.
Dimensions: 17.25" (440mm) W × 4.5" (115mm) H × 13" (330mm) D. Weight: 12.5lb (5.7kg).
Finishes: Silver, Black.
Serial numbers of samples reviewed: 31B0101, 31B0106. Firmware: 01.01.00 (system); 01.06.00 (DSP); 4.04.37 (network). Designed and manufactured in Colorado.
Price: $6500; X-8 DAC module (1 AES, 2 S/PDIF, 3 Optical inputs) costs $1500; X-8 USB2 module costs $1000; X-8 Net2 Ethernet module costs $1500; $10,500 as equipped. Approximate number of North American dealers: 29 (US), 3 (Canada). Warranty: Five years from defects.
Manufacturer: Ayre Acoustics Inc., 268 Monarch Park Pl. Suite B, Niwot, CO 80503. Tel: (303) 442-7300. Email: contactus@ayre.com. Web: ayre.com.