I also reviewed both of these CDPs in store through a pair of Avant Garde Duos, very revealing speakers. I found both players to be excellent with the Opus winning on 3 of the 5 tracks I brought to listen to. But, in the end, I bought the Ayre! Since RA will not discount but the dealer did discount the Ayre, I did not feel the small difference in sound justified nearly a $1000 difference in price, especially since my system is not high efficiency like the Duos. I have Revel F30s and the Ayre sounded great out of the box, along with Audience Au24 ICs. Cannot wait until both are broken in. If you go with the Opus, order a DIN-RCA IC from Audience. I have read it is better than the balanced outs, so long as you don't need the volume control. Good luck.
Resolution Audio Opus 21 or Ayre CX-7?
These appear to be the two finalists to pair with my Totem Forests and Plinius (single ended ouput) integrated. Though
I've been unable to listen to either, the load of positive feedback both enjoy leaves me confident that either would likely be a good choice.
Are there any factors I should weigh here? The single ended outputs of the amp? The fact that the R.O. would not be hooked up directly with an amp per se'? The tonality of my existing gear? Anything else?
I listen to many types of music. Thanks.
I've been unable to listen to either, the load of positive feedback both enjoy leaves me confident that either would likely be a good choice.
Are there any factors I should weigh here? The single ended outputs of the amp? The fact that the R.O. would not be hooked up directly with an amp per se'? The tonality of my existing gear? Anything else?
I listen to many types of music. Thanks.