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Any comments on the Ayre AX-7e integrated amp vs the Hegel Röst integrated amp

I am using the Ayre AX-7e integrated amp and the Ayre Codex DAC in my two channel home theater system.  Our 2-channel home theatre system is very simple since we only have the one LG OLED TV, TiVo cable box and one integrated amplifier.  The LG OLED TV connects to my Codex DAC using an optical cable.  My speakers are the QUAD 12L Speaker.   The Codex DAC uses balanced cables to my Ayre AX-7e amp.

I am now considering the Hegel Röst integrated amp  ($3,000 including a DAC) to replace my 11+ year old Ayre AX-7e integrated amplifier.  The new Ayre AX-8 integrated amplifier looks very interesting but $7,500 is too expensive for my home theatre system since my only source is the LG OLED 4K TV.
  
I heard the Hegel Röst integrated amp at the Los Angeles Audio Show with the expensive KEF speakers and it sounded terrific (I was very surprised).  All my friends also said the Hegel Röst amplifier sounds very good.  I was very impressed with the sound quality coming from the Hegel Röst integrated amplifier.

I hope to audition the Hegel Röst amplifier shortly and am asking if anyone has any comments on this amplifier.

Are there other similar solid state integrated amplifiers I should look at?  My budget is around the $3,000 level (or, maybe slightly higher). 

hgeifman

Showing 1 response by bahorn

bahorn
3 posts
 
I also have the Hegel H160.  I really like the one-box solution.  But I agree that is it not quite as musical to me as I'd like.  Perhaps I need to allow the DAC to break in more as I had been using an external DAC until recently.

I've never had an Ayre product.  The AX-8 does look interesting.  But I also am not sure I want to spend that much.
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