T+A's new R 2500 R integrated amp

Actually, Ayre was high on my list when I first started my search.  Those X and R series models, and especially the $12K EX-8 2.0 integrated, were almost a slam dunk for me.

Unfortunately, it seems that Ayre is having some serious internal issues and I hear rumors from insiders that, despite its public notices, may be on the verge of going out of business.

I can't verify whether this is true or not, but the difficulty finding any product in the channel led me to err on the side of caution and put an X through the EX-8.  FWIW, the T+A has a reputation for being at least in the same class, sonically, as the best Ayre separates, so I'm pretty happy with my purchase. 

And really, I can't say anything bad about Ayre products.  As you say, they punch way above their weight class, great Charlie designs.

https://darko.audio/2024/10/ta-r-2500-r-video-review/

I just discovered this R 2500 R Darko review, which covers most of the points I outlined above, even confirming some of the reasons why an old monoblockhead like me, for the first time, chose an integrated component over separates. (Yes, Dorothy, despite audiophile street lore, an intelligently designed integrated, all things equal, actually has intrinsic sonic advantages over otherwise-comparable separates. Our DAC & streamer don't need your steenkin' external clock!  Think about it.)

My only beef with Mr. Darko is that the author compares the R 2500 to a $10K+ set of Cambridge EDGE separates, which hardly seems like a fair comparison.  The Edge gear is pretty impressive at the price, but the T+A is in a higher class.

More to the point, I’ve heard credible opinions from a dealer who handles both product lines that what the reviewer the "fuller bass" that the reviewer hears in the Cambridges' low end is the product of a less-resolving EDGE preamp -- a guess that's consistent with the reviewer’s other comments.

I personally found it interesting that the review evaluated the R 2500 R with Vivid S12 speakers + external sub.  The Vivids have been getting so much praise the last year or two that I'm considering a similar pairing (but with a better bass box), so it's nice to see how that worked out for this guy.

I thought his review was great mentioned the the T+A was in a higher class...I wouldn't let his opinion and/or comparison of equipment change your opinion or enjoyment of the piece you invested in. Who really cares, enjoy your amp and don't worry about what people say on forums and reviews, trust your own ears.