Aside from any personal taste in audio presentation I wouldn't purchase any high dollar product that's manufactured abroad for reasons of actual manufacture serviceability. My only caveat would be if that product were clearly superior in performance or so economical that its repair and shipping cost are close to its replacement cost.
I own an Ayre product which has been upgraded twice with significantly audible improvement each time. In each case the work was completed and returned sooner than estimated and in one case a questionable part was replaced for free.
There are many accounts of satisfaction with Ayre support, sensible product pricing, resale value, and true innovation.
In the end system synergy and your personal taste should be the deciding factor.
I own an Ayre product which has been upgraded twice with significantly audible improvement each time. In each case the work was completed and returned sooner than estimated and in one case a questionable part was replaced for free.
There are many accounts of satisfaction with Ayre support, sensible product pricing, resale value, and true innovation.
In the end system synergy and your personal taste should be the deciding factor.