I have Vandersteen Treo's, Empirical Audio OSDE/SE fully upgraded, a Steve Nugent build music server with SSD and Paul Hynes power supply with all high rez music, Basis TT with Benz Glider, Aesthetix Rhea phono. All AQ balanced cables.
I started out with the Ayre AX7e and liked it, but didn't love it. I then upgraded to the AX5/Twenty and am blown away by the difference. I am intimately familiar with the separates and they also a a tremendous upgrade over the 7. In all honesty, I don't love the 7e. It just doesn't jump for me and doesn't have the macro or micro dynamics that the other Ayre amps have in spades. Again, the 7 is better than many of the other amps in it's price range. I ran the 7 with my Proac Supertowers (with new drivers from the newer series with all new upgraded crossovers and special internal wiring) and it was a nice match, but again, not in the same league as the others. Not sure if that helps or not. Go listen
I started out with the Ayre AX7e and liked it, but didn't love it. I then upgraded to the AX5/Twenty and am blown away by the difference. I am intimately familiar with the separates and they also a a tremendous upgrade over the 7. In all honesty, I don't love the 7e. It just doesn't jump for me and doesn't have the macro or micro dynamics that the other Ayre amps have in spades. Again, the 7 is better than many of the other amps in it's price range. I ran the 7 with my Proac Supertowers (with new drivers from the newer series with all new upgraded crossovers and special internal wiring) and it was a nice match, but again, not in the same league as the others. Not sure if that helps or not. Go listen