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Cary 306sacd vs. Esoteric SA60 vs. Ayre C-5xe

I have changed my system around since getting the Thiel speakers. I have got a new pre, phonostage and upgraded my turntable. Now its on to digital. I'm wonering what opinions people have that have heard these players. I'm assuming the sacd and redbook of the Esoteric would be the same as on the DV50 or DV60. I'm using an Ayre K-1xe pre and JC-1 monoblock amps into Thiel CS7.2 speakers. I've heard the Ayre and it was very nice. But the review in TAS of the Cary, and online talk has made me very intersted in it also. I also use the Ayre phonostage with my table, and have plans to someday own the new Ayre monoblocks. Any other opinions in the $6K range new or used with my system? Thanks for any thoughts you folks might have.
tom_hankins
8 responses Add your response
tom_hankins OP
928 posts
 
Just got back from hearing the Ayre in pretty much the same system as mine (except the new Ayre amps) and it was very good. Think I will just keep giving my money to Ayre.
audiooracle
387 posts
 

I would find a cary dealer and give the 306 an audition, the 306 is a phenomenal product and deserves the praise it is receiving.

What other cd players did you compare the Ayre with, remember the only way to judge the Ayre is to compare it with other highly respected products.
purk
11 posts
 
No..you need to check out the Cary 306!! They are tough to beat...
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
IMO Cary retailers should make that disclosure when recommending their products but ideally refrain from doing it.
tom_hankins OP
928 posts
 
Purk,
You wont be happy until I own that Cary will you?
Audiooracle,
My benchmark is now and has always been the Audio Aero players for digital. However I am not going to invest that kind of money into digital again since I listen to almost all vinyl. If I could justify the cost I would go buy a Prestige with out listening to another player. I have owned the Cary 306/200 a while back and thought very highly of it. I have thought of picking up a used 306sacd and if I like it keep it. If not turn it and get the Ayre.
amfibius
282 posts
 
Just be aware that the Cary tends to be a little bit louder than most other CD players. When I first heard the Cary compared to the other CDP's, I thought that the difference was pretty incredible. Then I noticed that it was a little bit louder. We got the SPL meter out and played some test tones, and sure enough, it was 2dB louder.

When we level matched the players the difference was still obvious but less so. Don't get me wrong, the Cary is a very very good product (I own one) but do not let the slightly higher output of the Cary get in the way of your decision.
tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
I am a big Cary fan (I have the 306 SACD)but I think which player you choose really depends on the sound you are after. I think the Cary does a great job with the mids and bass. It emphasizes the mids a bit, adding weight and dimension. The Ayre to me sounded very clear and dynamic but a little lean for my taste. Dont get me wrong, the sound was airy (no pun intended) and uncolored but I tend to like a little midrange bloom. The Esoteric is one of the most neutral players out there. Some people (like me) find it a bit clinical but that is no fault of the Esoteric. Its just so neutral that component matching is important. If it was me, given you system I would get the Ayre or Esoteric.
philefreak
423 posts
 
Tom, If your rig leans towards the lean side then Cary is the deal,if on the fat side then the Ayre; IMHO! Either is great in just about any rig!
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