Ayre Vs. Pathos??


My current set up is a Pathos Classic One Mk.3 (Output Power: 2 x 70W @ 8 Ohm, 2 x 130W @ 4) Pathos Digit Cd player and Sonus Faber Cremona Auditors with Transparent Super Cables (XLR and 8ft speaker) 2 Shunyata Python power cords and a Shunyata Hydra 6 power conditioner. I listen to mostly R&B from the 60's on up to today. I am wanting to go upgrade my speakers and have 3 in mind. 1st Sonus Faber Cremona M's. 2nd Sonus Faber Elipsa's and 3rd Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento's. I am wondering if it would be better to stick with my Pathos gear or get the Ayre CX-7e CD player and the AX-7e integrated amplifier (Power Output 60 watts per channel continuous into 8 ohms, 120 watts per channel continuous into 4 ohms) to drive them. I have never heard any SF on Ayre so I am interested in how it would sound. The Cremona M's and the Elipsa are both 4ohms loads and are 91db sensitive while the Guarneri Memento's has a 4ohm load and is 88db sensitive. Which would be the better match the Ayre or the Pathos?
Ag insider logo xs@2xbrandonosman23
I'd stick w/ the Pathos, if I were you. Ayre is great, but for the kind of music you listen to, the Pathos hits that sweet spot. You're going to lose some warmth that you have w/ the Pathos playback if you move to Ayre, although Ayre has its strengths.