I purchased both models and have lived with both and compared them side by side. I prefer the Sony in all aspects, however the Ayre is a superb player in it's own right.
On Ray Brown's Moonlight Serenade the "Pluck" on his bass strings are definitely sharper and cleaner on the Sony.
On Ray Brown's Moonlight Serenade the "Pluck" on his bass strings are definitely sharper and cleaner on the Sony.