Ayre Acoustics

KX-5 Twenty

Introduced 2015$9,950 MSRP

The KX-5 Twenty is a solid-state line preamplifier from Colorado-based Ayre Acoustics, recast in 2015 from the original 2013 KX-5 with a Variable-Gain Transconductance volume-control circuit adapted from the flagship KX-R, replacing a traditional attenuating volume control with a variable-gain design intended to keep noise low at any listening level. It uses Ayre's zero-feedback, fully balanced, discrete "Diamond" output stage and was praised by reviewers as one of the quietest preamplifiers they had tested.

MSRP

$9,950

Used market · Excellent

$5,500est.

-45% vs MSRP

as of Aug 17, 2026

Sell or trade this Add to my system

MSRP to used market

From $9,950 at launch to $5,500 today (estimated).

Specifications

Price: $9,950 in 2015
Inputs: 4 balanced XLR; 2 single-ended RCA — 6 inputs total
Weight: 23 lb / 10.5 kg
Outputs: Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs via Ayre's "Diamond" output-buffer circuit (4 bipolar transistors per channel)
Topology: Solid-state, zero-feedback, fully balanced, fully discrete circuitry; Variable-Gain Transconductance (VGT) volume/gain stage using complementary J-FETs
Dimensions: 17.25 x 3.75 x 13.25 in / 44 x 10 x 34 cm
Chassis finish: Aluminum enclosure with brushed finish; available in silver or black
Input impedance: 1 MΩ unbalanced; 2 MΩ balanced (1 MΩ per phase)
Power consumption: 40 W operating; 60 W with volume control active
Frequency response: DC–250 kHz
Gain volume control: VGT circuit provides 46 discrete resistor-selected gain/volume steps of 1.5 dB each per phase per channel
Maximum input level: 8 Vrms unbalanced; 16 Vrms balanced
Dimensions w x h x d: 17.25 x 3.75 x 13.25 in / 44 x 10 x 34 cm