Anyone compared the Cary 303-200 CDP with the Ayre C-5xe? Also C-5xe transport failures?


So, I've had a Cary 303-200 CDP for ages & have been extremely happy with it--one of those components that I've never really thought about upgrading, except maybe to get an SACD player, or universal player. I have a lot of the 24/96 discs on Chesky & Classic that I play on an old Pioneer DV-525 DVD player--& they sound pretty amazing on that cheap player. Maybe one option would be to get a DAC for the Pioneer? But then still no SACD capability, but I have only 6 or 8 SACD's.

I've been intrigued by the Ayre C-5xe for 2-3 years now. I've read all the reviews, & discussions here & on other audio sites. There's a silver one for sale now for a fair price that looks beautiful, & the seller seems good from the messages we've exchanged. I've also emailed someone at Ayre who's been very helpful.

But here's the thing: They no longer have any of the Pioneer transports for the C-5xe in case one fails. The guy at Ayre said the transports commonly last for 7-10 years, & this particular unit was mfg. in 2007. The only way is to buy a used Pioneer DV-45A & take the transport from that (& how old would that be)? Or, the lasers seem to be available, but then you need to send the unit back to Ayre to perform a full calibration on the laser again.

There are probably guys here that all that wouldn't faze them. But it's making me a bit nervous about making a $2000+ purchase. Another, cheaper idea is just to buy an old Pioneer DV-45A--they're supposed to sound very good on SACD & 24/96 discs, & maybe get a DAC. And still play CD's on my great sounding Cary CDP.

Any thoughts? TIA

Rest of my system: Bryston B100-SST int. amp, Totem Mani 2 Sig. speakers, quality cables & IC's, etc.




steveaudio
I cannot think of a single good reason to purchase a 13 year-old player with an obsolete transport unless you’re getting it for a couple hundred bucks. I am also a big fan of the Classic 24/96 format, BTW. Cary made some very nice CD players and if you’re happy with it, just leave it alone until it fails. As you are describing the sound of your 24/96 discs as "pretty amazing", I would leave that alone as well. The Music Room is selling a Lexicon universal player for about $400, which may be a better choice if you have the urge to fool around with something new. 
chayro, you may be right--or at least that's one way to look at it. I've just had an urge to get a C-5xe for some time, & they don't seem to come up for sale very often. Also the one I'm considering has the mp upgrade already. 

I was hoping that maybe some C-5xe owners would respond. But I suppose I could research affordable SACD players to play my small number of SACD's, & keep the Cary. I owned a Sony 9000-es for SACD & DVD's for years, but it failed.....
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@steveaudio The part you will need is a traverse mechanism Pioneer VXX2782.A google search found 3 in stock at alltronic.biz ?? the photo for their part 274/725 for $35 looks correct. I have no idea if they are legit. If you can get the part, Ayre can perform a repair when needed. I highly recommend the C5xe with the MP update.