2. amps-preamps
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The synergy of Ayre a.k.a. the

I read many great reviews of Ayre components individually (including their amps, pre-amps, integrated amp, phono stage, and CD / universal players) but don't see many complete Ayre systems listed here on the 'gon. I would think there would be advantage to a complete Ayre system that is more than just a sum of the components. Sure, it ends the journey abruptly, but for some, that may not be a bad thing. Who has bought the "whole widget", found it not to be to their liking, and decided to go back to "mix-n-match" (with success)?
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Showing 3 responses by proth

proth
29 posts
 
I love my Ayre system. From my two sources (D-1xe for DVD & C-5xe for music) to my preamp (K-5xe) to my new MX-R monoblocks (which replaced my V-5xe), I'm Ayre through and through. Even my interconnects are Ayre signatures. As soon as my Ayre speaker cables get here, only my Vandersteen 5As will be from outside the fold. Each time I have replaced a third party product for the Ayre piece, the system has just gotten better to my ears. If you like what Ayre does, then more does provide synergies in the same direction. Until more of Charlie Hansen's "R" products come out (e.g. KX-R preamp), I'm basically done.
proth
29 posts
 
While I obviously can't know what Mcrheist experienced or didn't, I can honestly say that I have never had customer service with any company that compares with Ayre, whether Charlie, Michael or Steve. Everyone at Ayre has always been more than generous with their time for me and my questions, even back when I only had a K-5x (pre "e" upgrade). Always satisfied.
proth
29 posts
 
You should be able to get the MSRP from your dealer or simply call either Steve or Michael at Ayre directly (303.442.7300 x-233 for Steve or x-223 for Michael). The prices depend entirely on the length. From memory, however, the first meter of the Signature IC is $950, with $250 per half-meter thereafter. I know a 1 meter pair of the speaker cable is $1250 (a short length, but one reason for monoblocks is to keep speaker cables really short), and it may again be $250 a half meter on top of that.

In my opinion Ayre and Vandersteen have a real synergy. I know from prior discussions that several customers have had Ayre modify the AX-7e at the factory to mate with Vandersteens by internally inserting the necessary resistors to roll-off the base the same way Vandersteen's external crossover does. I don't know the cost, but I assume it is fair and I'm sure the results are great.

Good luck. - Pete -
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