Ayre AX-7e or Edge G3?

Arch2,

Thanks for your response. I actually read your review and thought it very helpful and enlightening. However didn't you say that after a while you found yourself listening less and less with the G3 in your system?

I've been down that road myself, and it's usually a sign that the system is not emotionally involving enough to keep us sufficiently interested. Nothing worse than not listening.

I'm looking for an integrated that while having the major strengths of good soundstaging, focus, detail etc, also has an organic sound that draws you in. I've heard Naim products described this way, and am seriously considering either a Nait 5i-2 or the new XS. It's just that after reading both your review and John Brazier's on Positive Feedback, the Edge seemed like a good candidate.

Thanks again for your comments and help.

Arch2

Thanks for the clarification. Like you, I've had tubes in my previous system, which consisted of VTL MB-125's using EL-34's. Pretty special sounding in the midrange.

My upstream components were pretty special too, with the 3-piece dCS digital front end and Basis Debut Gold turntable. Speakers were GR Research Alpha LS's, which were great-sounding 6' line arrays.

Due to a downsizing of our house and losing my dedicated room, I'm now using an Integra receiver with Audyssey EQ, as I use the system for both HT & 2-ch, and smallish Guru Pro Audio GM-10 bookshelf speakers. My 2-ch source is a Squeezebox 3.

I've recently added an MHDT Havana dac, which uses a single Western Electric 396A tube, in the hope that it might add a little tube flavor to the system. The Integra is in the shop for repairs, so I can't make a comparison yet. The equipment must sit enclosed in a built-in cabinet, so a tubed integrated is not possible due to heat and ventilation considerations.

Not being able to demo either of these units I suppose I'll just have to take my chances. This won't be the first time I've done that. I was just hoping things would be a little simpler this time. But I suppose that's the fun of this hobby. Trial and error.

Thanks again for your opinion.