Don't forget that Ayre makes its own Signature line of interconnects and speaker cables. While they are built by Cardas (to Ayre's specifications), it is my understanding from talking to Charlie Hansen that other than borrowing the golden ratio stranding, they are distinctly different from what Cardas makes. Since I love Ayre gear, and since the team at the factory uses the Ayre wires, that's what I went with and have been very happy. However, I do know many Ayre and Vandersteen users who are proponents of what the Audioquest Sky does (or doesn't do) in their systems.
As to Ayre v. Boulder, I may be biased (owning the Ayre KXR - MXR combo), but I've always felt the Ayre to be more natural sounding, with Boulder being more hi-fi (although very, very good hi fi). Boulder was one of the first brands to really think about (and implement) their chassis as tools for controlling resonance. With its R class products, Ayre has stepped up to create equally solid, anti-resonant components, all of which greatly assists with the goal of recreating music.
Hope this helps. - Pete -
As to Ayre v. Boulder, I may be biased (owning the Ayre KXR - MXR combo), but I've always felt the Ayre to be more natural sounding, with Boulder being more hi-fi (although very, very good hi fi). Boulder was one of the first brands to really think about (and implement) their chassis as tools for controlling resonance. With its R class products, Ayre has stepped up to create equally solid, anti-resonant components, all of which greatly assists with the goal of recreating music.
Hope this helps. - Pete -