Ayre C-5xe vs Ayre C-7xe??


I sold my beloved, magnificent Meridian G08 CD player. I am looking to replace it with either the Ayre C-5xe or the C-7xe. I have not heard either but both seem to have great reviews and Ayre seems to be a great company. That said, is it worth the difference in price for the 5-xe vs the 7-xe on redbook CD? I listen to a lot of jazz and some new age. I don't know if there is a big selection of high quality SACD or DVD-A's to justify the extra dough for the 5-xe. However, I still might spring for it if it is superior to the 7xe on redbook CD.

I am seeking the input and advice from those who may have listened to both players. Thanks in advance.
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Showing 4 responses by jaymark

Coolhand, thanks for your perspectives. Please enlighten me though on what you hear as the clear differences between Ayre and Meridian CD players.

Thanks in advance.
Thanks Countingbackwards. I had already committed to buy a 5-MP before I read your reply. I will now get a chance to see what all of the hype is about SACD and DVD-A. Plus I will have a great player for my over three thousand CD's. The Meridian G-08 is definitely laid back, refined, and images well. I'll be curious as to how I like the 5-MP once broken in. The audiophile disease is one sickness that I don't want to be cured from.........................
Mitch2, I sold my G08 because I got the upgrade bug. Sounds paradoxical to sell a piece of "beloved" equipment. However, if I made a mistake, I can always buy one back. I am an audiophile so I have eveery excuse not to be rationale. I am waiting on a brand new C5xeMP so we'll see how I like it.......