2. digital
  3. 1438888120

Upgraded Ayre CX-7e to a CX-7e mp: Expect What?

I had my Ayre CX-7e upgraded to an Ayre CX-7e MP. The upgrade cost $250.00 plus about $30 shipping to the Ayre facilities. I finally decided to have the upgrade done, based on the chronology of Ayre's in house upgrades reported in Stereophile. The final upgrade(MP) review was done by Robert Deutsch in (Vol35 NO 4 WWW).

He concisely spelled out the improvements in sound. Obviously, results will vary from system to system based on the interaction of components. Therefore, can I get some feedback from owners of the Ayre CX-7e's who also got the MP upgrades done

What improvements in sound quality improvements should I "expect" to hear, despite differences from system to system??.

For the record, before the upgrade, I used a Panacea AC 14SE PC and an older Nordost Red Dawn IC from 3 series ago, going into a Rogue Sphinx integrated. It sounded very good. However, there was a short transition period from a Shunyata Diamondback power cord. I threw in the Shunyata PC with my previous player because the female IEC was a cheap plastic connector and would not stay in place. Though I think the Panacea is better made, however, it is just OK for the Ayre. It seemed to just make the playback sound louder, and not necessarily better.

Responders may want to recommend a better PC (ad possibly IC) for this player based on their own experience with the Ayre CX7eMP. Thanks to all who reply!!
sunnyjim
3 responses Add your response
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
Thanks to the members who responded so far.

To Jafant, the somewhat questionable cable in the mix is:.... the Nordost Red Dawn from probably vintage 2007. At the time it retailed for $400, and I bought it for $200 in 2012. Nordost is notorious for overpricing and cable that can be lean or somewhat bright. The Red Dawn IC I have is surprisingly neutral and detailed with some tinge of brightness ( but that is problematic to other variables)

I only have one or two other IC cables in my corral worth trying; and, that is a Chord "Chamleon" which really made a difference with my previous CD player, the Rega Apollo. I have a set of balanced to RCA adapters, but I am not sure if that is going to provide the same synergy of the balanced outputs on Ayre's integrated or separate pre-amps. Nevertheless, I shall keep you posted.
jafant
18,802 posts
 
Jim-

that Stereophile article is dead-on, in terms of what to expect out of the upgrade. Of course, it is going to "jive" better in an all-Ayre system. This is where I auditioned the player earlier this year.

As always, most importantly- do not forget cabling!
Keep me posted and Happy Listening!
nrenter's avatar
nrenter
765 posts
 
It becomes more better.

Honestly it's tough to say what you'll hear. My CX-7e MP is feeding an Ayre AX-7e using balanced Purist Museaus interconnects. I heard more space between the notes. It was a worthwhile upgrade.
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
Mytek Stereo192-DSD DAC
80x80
AYON CD-5
80x80
Audio Research Reference DAC / Digital Media Bridge