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Ayre CX-5 / CX-7

 A friend loaned me his Ayre CX-5 CDP to listen to in my system.  I am impressed, however, when attempting to research this player, I’ve come across different versions of this CDP.  What I find is the CX-5, the CX-5xe, and the CX-5xemp.  The back plate of my friend’s player simply identifies it as “CX-5” (no ex, or exmp).  The only information i have found so far, is that the mp is a version upgrade that supposedly takes this unit, and upgrades it to a much higher level.  My questions are:

#1  Do I have these model designations correct (CX-5, CX-5ex, CX-5exmp)?

#2. What is the difference between these three (CX-5, CX-5ex, CX-5exmp)?

#3.  I may be looking to purchase one of these, how do I identify which one is which?

#4. Also, is there sonically much difference between the CX-5 and the CX-7?

In advance, thanks for your input!

louisl
soix
9,672 posts
 

I agree with @v-fi and would be very wary of buying a CD player that’s 15+ years old and would certainly check with Ayre first to see if especially things like the drive mechanism/laser can be replaced at reasonable cost if/when they fail.  That said, the MP version is an excellent performer that probably holds up well even today, and here’s a review written by, um, me exactly 14 years ago!?! that might provide some helpful nuggets FWIW.  Hope this helps at least somewhat, and best of luck.

https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/94-ayre-c-5xemp-cdsacddvd-a-player

jafant's avatar
jafant
19,836 posts
 

louisl

Good information as above. Keep me posted if you decide to buy the AYRE. 

These players are excellent and will bring you closer to the Music.

 

Happy Listening!

mahler123
3,378 posts
 

Is Ayre still around?  I thought that when Hansen passed away the company eventually folded a few years later 

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cleeds
5,976 posts
 

mahler123

Is Ayre still around?

Yes.

jafant's avatar
jafant
19,836 posts
 

mahler123

Yes, AYRE is still operational in 2024.

 

Happy Listening!

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