Ayre KX-R

Topfinadv...are you asking if you should shell out $11.5K for the KX-R without getting a chance to audition (let alone audition it in your system)? Because if that's the question, my answer would be I wouldn't do it. Like everything else, excellent components can sound like crap in any system due to poor matching/lack of synergy. Just because Wes Phillips gushed about it and it received Stereophile's amplification product of the year award does not mean it will necessarily sound good in your system. If you can't audition it in your system (or audition it period), I would check out the KX-R's output impedance and your power amp's input impedance to make sure there is no mismatch there. Secondly, I would seek out owners of the KX-R and compare your system with theirs to see if you have similar or closely matched components to those who own and rave about the KX-R, otherwise you are just rolling the dice. My 2c worth. At the very least, let folks know what the rest of the system is that you will be plugging the KX-R into, so that those who are familiar with the KX-R can hypothesize whether it will be a good match for your components or not. Not trying to dissuade you from the purchase, I am just giving you what my approach would be. Good luck.

Topfinadv...glad to hear it. Let us know what you decide. This is the best way to evaluate gear. Glad you got the opportunity to audition it in your system + compare it to the Evo 202 and your current gear. Good luck and happy holidays.