I recently purchased a 5400 and I am very please. I've never heard the Ayre. I did read the review of the Ayre in Sound Stage which was very favorable. Would the $1800 more that the Ayre cost provide that much difference? Only by auditioning each of these units in your system could that ever be determined. Dealer demo's would never tell since they are not your 'chain'. I suggest you buy the Sony, get a dealer to loan you the Ayre and then compare. It is easy to return the Sony should your 'shootout' tell you the Arye is $1800 better.
