
A y r e
K-5xe preamplifier
“The Ayre K-5xe is a killer preamp…” 
      – Shane Buettner, Audio Perfectionist Journal
“The K-5xe has a full bodied sound that revels in tonal colour, 
 shape and texture…” 
      – Jason Kennedy, Hi-Fi+
Ayre’s K-5xe preamplifier combines peerless musical performance with 
stunning visual design. The exclusive fully-balanced, zero-feedback 
circuitry renders music with vitality and life. Its custom-designed volume 
control is actuated by a silky smooth optical encoder, using precision 
metal-film resistors to deliver absolute sonic transparency. The massive 
power transformer effortlessly provides startlingly real musical dynamics. 
The Ayre K-5xe conveys the full depth of musical pleasure.
www.ayre.com
Ayre Acoustics, Inc. 2300 B Central Avenue  
Boulder, Colorado 80301  303 442.7300 303 442.7301 fa
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Features:
• Zero-feedback, fully-balanced discrete circuitry
• Sixty-six step volume control, 1.0 dB increments
• Four inputs: two balanced, two single-ended
• 
Proprietary volume control employees precision metal film resistors
• Silent mode microprocessor
• Input ground switching for source isolation
• “Theater” mode for use with surround-sound processors is assignable 
  to any input, allowing use with balanced or single-ended processors
Specifications:
• Input Impedance: 20 k (per phase)
• Output Impedance: 55 (per phase)
• Frequency Response: DC – 200 kHz
• Gain: 10 dB to balanced outputs, 4 dB to single-ended outputs
• Maximum Input Level: 8 Vrms balanced, 4 Vrms single-ended 
• 17.25"W x 12.3"D x 4.75"H
• 25 pounds (11.5 kg)
The heart and soul of music and film reproduction.
A  y  r  e