Well, if you can, you should go to an Ayre dealer, and compare them yourself.
(That is the obvious answer, which probably is not an option available to you, or else you wouldn't have asked the question, right?!)
My advice is to post this query on Audio Asylum, in the Amp/Preamp section, and ask Charles Hansen directly, as he is a frequent contributer there.
(BTW, I love my K-1XE! And no, I have not heard the K-5XE. Sorry, but that would have been too easy!)
Good Luck!
(That is the obvious answer, which probably is not an option available to you, or else you wouldn't have asked the question, right?!)
My advice is to post this query on Audio Asylum, in the Amp/Preamp section, and ask Charles Hansen directly, as he is a frequent contributer there.
(BTW, I love my K-1XE! And no, I have not heard the K-5XE. Sorry, but that would have been too easy!)
Good Luck!