I can't speak about the Ayre, but I am the proud new owner of a Meridian G08. I upgraded to this unit from a Shanling CDT100. If you have read the online reviews for the Meridian then I pretty much concur. However, I do not find the player lacking in bass response at all. It is very smooth and non tiring to listen to for extended periods of time. I know the old cliche of a pane of glass wiped clean to describe increased detail in the music, but in my case it fits very well. Soundstaging is excellent with all insturments clearly defined. This may sound funny, but my toes are tapping more and my non audiophile wife actually got up and danced to some Motown on this player. Something she never did previously. Loading time for a disc is averaging 6 seconds. Not too long for me, but YMMV. I know this did not directly answer your question, but I would buy the Meridian again without hesitation.
Ayre CX7e vs. Meridain G08
I am looking at upgrading my front end with an $3K CD player.
Listen to redbook Cds.
Have zeroed in on Ayre CX7e, Meridian G08 in new condition. I am willing some suggestions on new players as well as preowned ones in the $3K range
My current system is Musical fidelity A3.2Cr Cd Player connected to X-10V3 tube buffer. The amplifier is MF A308Cr Integrated amplifier and Speakers are Cadence Electrostatic ( Hybrid). The interconnects and speaker cables are of VandelHul
Listen to redbook Cds.
Have zeroed in on Ayre CX7e, Meridian G08 in new condition. I am willing some suggestions on new players as well as preowned ones in the $3K range
My current system is Musical fidelity A3.2Cr Cd Player connected to X-10V3 tube buffer. The amplifier is MF A308Cr Integrated amplifier and Speakers are Cadence Electrostatic ( Hybrid). The interconnects and speaker cables are of VandelHul