Ayre MR-X monoblocks - how good are they??

Semi

Grand prix stand might be OK, however I am not a fan of their racks. They sway like the breeze and add a bit of upper energy which can be tiresome over time.

The Pass XONO is no chopped liver and can easily hold its own to the Einstein, PH7, Steelhead or evern the Aesthetix IO if you look at the strenghts and weaknesses of each.
The Einstein is a great phono stage extremely dynamic - however it is very revealing, so not very kind or musical on normal recordings. I may have a nother listen to the Einstein soon if I can.
PH7 - great phono stage - however does not have enough gain for my LOMC's.
Steelhead - in my system has never sounded musical, just SS with little hint it has tubes.
Aesthestix IO sig - great sounding unit - overall better that the Xono in most respects - except NOISE. I have always got residual tube noise and I am not paying that much money for noise.

My dealer says the MX-R don't sound goood whatsoever. They have not put any hours on them thou, hence asking the question.

I would agree with you that a good tube amp just has something in the upper mids and treble that SS can't seem to tonally grab, however everything is a compromise.

Stilskin and Semi

were the MX-R's you both heard fully run in?? I know Arye state quite firmly that they need 300-400 hours to sound decent.

Both of you seem to have completely different views of the amps - which is fine

Tab110

Not sure. I like the original ART the way it sounds now with the ever so slight warmth.
ART 3 is a lot more money and a lot more neutral sounding from all reports. Not quite sure if that is for me.
Would be nice to try both side by side - in my dreams :-)

Fcrowder

My only point was that the Einstein sounded wonderful, however not with all recordings and was a little unforgiving to poorer recordings.
The unit is good enough for me to have another listen if I can, as i have removed one source of irritation in my system that may enable me to better appreciate the Einstein.

Are you using the balanced or SE Einstein?. BTW, great system

As you know at this price point, a lot has to do with synergies and compromises as there is no BEST, only best for your musical tastes.

cheers