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Thread: Ayre c-5xe Compared to a dCS classic stack. (Verdi-Delius-Purcell).

  1. #1
    Join Date: Oct 2017

    Location: Brighton

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    I'm Stephen.

    Default Ayre c-5xe Compared to a dCS classic stack. (Verdi-Delius-Purcell).

    A while back I was looking for a Pass Labs X1 Pre and whilst looking into it I came across an Ayre K-1xe which I bought and have been very impressed with. So much so, I am considering trying an Ayre C-5xe CD/SACD player as a possible replacement for my dCS front end. I'm not honestly expecting the Ayre to be a significant improvement over the dCS but sometimes a change of presentation can be refreshing. If it as good as the preamp I will be very happy. As an aside I can move on the dCS kit and be a little 'up on the deal' cash wise which I could do with for other things.

    Has anyone here owned or had a good listen to the Ayre? I have read very good reviews and hardly any negative comments but sometimes reviews can be inconsistent. The font of knowledge that is AOS would, I feel, be helpful in forming an informed opinion. I am seeking neutral, not excess blossom, nor dry and sterile. Any comments from those who are familiar with this player would be welcomed.

    Thanks.

  2. #2
    Join Date: Oct 2008

    Location: Glasgowshire

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    I'm Gary.

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    Quote Originally Posted by spook View Post
    A while back I was looking for a Pass Labs X1 Pre and whilst looking into it I came across an Ayre K-1xe which I bought and have been very impressed with. So much so, I am considering trying an Ayre C-5xe CD/SACD player as a possible replacement for my dCS front end. I'm not honestly expecting the Ayre to be a significant improvement over the dCS but sometimes a change of presentation can be refreshing. If it as good as the preamp I will be very happy. As an aside I can move on the dCS kit and be a little 'up on the deal' cash wise which I could do with for other things.

    Has anyone here owned or had a good listen to the Ayre? I have read very good reviews and hardly any negative comments but sometimes reviews can be inconsistent. The font of knowledge that is AOS would, I feel, be helpful in forming an informed opinion. I am seeking neutral, not excess blossom, nor dry and sterile. Any comments from those who are familiar with this player would be welcomed.

    Thanks.
    Have a chat with MartinT over on The Audio Standard forum.
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  3. #3
    Join Date: Oct 2017

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    Thanks. I've just registered and am awaiting approval from the administrators. Never heard of that site before.

  4. #4
    Join Date: Apr 2011

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    I'm Simon.

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    The C-5Xe is a very fine player. I had one quite a few years ago. I didn't compare to a dcs system, but I have heard a few dcs set ups. i think you'd find it quite different; I I would say the Ayre sacrifices some resolution/detail of the dcs for a more fluid sound. Best to try if you could.

    Caution required though, as I seem to recall that the Ayre used a modified Pioneer DVD drive. Not sure they're still available? Perhaps worth dropping the manufacturer a line on that?

    I'd also consider a Marantz SA-10, which is a current and fabulously good player. I've just bought a Sa141Se and I'm astonished by how good it is and the quality of construction and mechanical performance. The SA10 is a seriously good player.
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  5. #5
    Join Date: Oct 2017

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    I'm Stephen.

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    Thanks. I've dropped Ayre a line re the availability of replacement transports.

    The SA10 gets excellent reviews and I don't doubt that it is an excellent player. It is also quite current and I doubt I could source one for much less than £5k. The Ayre C-5xe becomes available on the used market now and again for nearer £2k which is a factor.

    Interestingly I had heard that the Ayre sound is a little more 'forward' than dCS (although I daresay that depends on which model).

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