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Re: Ayre CX-7e CD player - first impressions.

Interesting!

I had an Ayre on loan for a week, the unit had plenty of hours on it but I was advised to run it for 48 hours before evaluation.

My system cosists of Rega Saturn, ARC LS15, CJ Prem 11a, Martin Logan Aerius i.

I wanted to see how it would stack up against the Rega.
With my existing phono interconnects, the Rega was the better (just).
I wanted to try with balanced output (not available on the Rega) but I didn't have any so I borrowed a set of Vertex IQ leads.
Now there was a difference, more pace, the leading edges of the notes were more defined really enjoyable!

Now the numbers!
I live in the UK, the Rega Saturn cost £1300 GBP. The Ayre is £2150 GBP The Vertex IQ £600 GBP.
Was the difference worth double the price? No it certainly wasn't. even if I got the same performance with the same IC's I currently use (Balanced set of leads £150.00)the difference in price is way out of proportion to the increase in performance. OK forget the leads, the Ayre is still 50% more than the Rega and at that price not worth it.
The build quality on the Ayre was excellent except for the CDROM drive tray, it looked so plasticky and cheap, like it had just fallen out of a $50 player.
Nice player? it certainly is, but with phono leads it is not as good as the Rega and £700.00GBP ($1200.00) buys one hell of a lot of music!!

Tel


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