Ayre C5xe or APL 3910 ?

Khrys, on a recent shootout at Positive Feedback Reviewer's house, we had the opportunity to hear the latest 6K+ (a) Ayre Universal machine compared to RAM modded Marantz SA-11 and my completely re-designed Denon 3910. The shootout was originally between the RAM Marantz and my Denon. You can read all about it on my forum. The Denon was elected better 3 to 1 votes on a blind test. After the shootout a local Ayre dealer insisted of plugging in that latest machine 5e, 6e, not sure but it was $6,000 or more. It was not even close to the RAM Marantz as heard by at least 7 local audiophiles and the reviewer. Sure, Ayre is really good, but still.

FYI, I am not from Varna, I am from Ruse. Dacha is in Russian, it is kashta in Bulgarian.

I'd say that you are somewhat harsh about my products given you have not heard them. I strongly encourage you to do so, it might save you enough money to buy kashta in Varna and enjoy the amazing tourist attractions near the Black Sea.

Best!

Rex, please don't get me wrong, I am not claiming anything. I am just reporting the observation of 8 people who heard the RAM Marantz, the Ayre and my Denon (with the older Crystal DACs).

As I mentioned, the main shootout was between the RAM and my Denon. After the blind test, more local audiophiles showed up and we all had a good time talking and comparing notes. Two of them (one was Ayre distributor) brought players. We heard highly modded Sony 777ES by Richard Kern and the latest and greatest Ayre Universal machine. We alternated many times between the Sony, Marantz, Ayre and my Denon. It all took place the same day at the same event.

At that time and in that system the Ayre sounded really good. It is a very nice player that I thought did very well for a stock, production machine, but even the RAM Marantz was superior to it.

That is all.

Regards,
Alex

Khrys, no offence taken! When you were around Zlatni Piasatsi (golden sands), Nesebar, Slanchev Briag (sunny beach), Albena?...tell me more. I've never had the time to go back and enjoy all that for the last 12 years - been too busy staying in existence. :-) My brother was there few months ago and said it's to die for. He said the East Coast looks like small Las Vegas. Well, may be some day I will be able to visit.

I'd understand your concerns about "modded" units, but you are in the same gamble with "un-modded" products too. For example, I have a friend who bought a Plasma TV from the CES two years ago. The TV is dead and the company is non-existent. He has to trash it because there is not even a Service Manual for it. Big companies like Marantz, Musical Fidelity, Krell, EMM Labs were telling their customers "NO CAN DO" because Philips left them "dead in the watter" with their first generation SACD transport as found in SACD1000. Hey, SALEEN started as a modder before introducing that $220K car with the Brit V8 they have. :-) Want more? :-)

One thing I agree - the 6.7L V12 BRABUS is OUT OF THIS WORLD, but I'd still go for MTM Audi S8. :-) The rumor is that the new S8 will come with twin turbo 6L Lambourgini engine that is almost 700hp. They were trying to put it in the new RS6 but it didn't fit. :-(

I wish you were close by so you can test drive the "Denon". :-)

Best!