Maybe close to the boarder, lol...ha.....:).
got to visit Ayre yesterday
Wow, what a great bunch of enthusiasts! Gary, the sales director was so kind and gracious to me. We spent most of the morning together talking about life as well as audio. We have so much in common and are the same age. We have similar taste in audio too, which was really cool. We spoke about a ton of brands, not just Ayre which was fun. Just a class act, but that's the common thread there.
I also was lucky enough to meet their main designer. He's been designing there since he graduated college. Charlie had input, but (forgot his name, sorry) he's been doing the design work since Charlie had his accident. What a fun guy to talk to. When he talks, you just listen and try to learn something. So much was above my head, but he answered all my questions. It was just cool.
Got to meet Ryan finally. He's the new CEO and has been there for years and years working along side Charlie (RIP). He knows his stuff. If I was to start up an audio company, he's the first call I'd make. I was that impressed with him. We ended up spending the whole afternoon together just talking about audio. He showed off so much of their gear and some of the new stuff. That 8 series is really a great value.
I will always buy what my ear tells me to and I am fortunate to know and meet many manufacturer's and dealers around the country. This group of folks is as good as any. Like or dislike their products, they are built to be nearly bullet proof, lol. I was blown away seeing how well constructed their gear is, down to the Codex.
I just wanted to share what a wonderful experience I had there and what a nice group of folks, who I now consider friends.
I also was lucky enough to meet their main designer. He's been designing there since he graduated college. Charlie had input, but (forgot his name, sorry) he's been doing the design work since Charlie had his accident. What a fun guy to talk to. When he talks, you just listen and try to learn something. So much was above my head, but he answered all my questions. It was just cool.
Got to meet Ryan finally. He's the new CEO and has been there for years and years working along side Charlie (RIP). He knows his stuff. If I was to start up an audio company, he's the first call I'd make. I was that impressed with him. We ended up spending the whole afternoon together just talking about audio. He showed off so much of their gear and some of the new stuff. That 8 series is really a great value.
I will always buy what my ear tells me to and I am fortunate to know and meet many manufacturer's and dealers around the country. This group of folks is as good as any. Like or dislike their products, they are built to be nearly bullet proof, lol. I was blown away seeing how well constructed their gear is, down to the Codex.
I just wanted to share what a wonderful experience I had there and what a nice group of folks, who I now consider friends.
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I had a great experience similar to the above. I bought a Rowland amp and was having a problem with it shutting down or something like that( it was 20 years ago) I emailed the company and later that day my phone rang and the caller said Hi it’s Jeff as in Rowland I’m like what the heck! He diagnosed the problem and asked me to return the amp, which I had had bought used. I sent it, they returned it fixed and payed the return shipping Now that is great customer service and a great person |
gdnrbob"What happened to Micheal Wiedmier" Is Gloria his sister or cousin? |
Indeed Ayre is one of the great audio companies. I love that you can upgrade to latest production for a fraction of the cost of new. I am going to get my QB-9 upgraded to “Twenty” status. Ariel Brown has been with Ayre something like 20 years, so still in great hands despite the loss of Charles Hansen. |
I do know that some of the manufacturers don't like to share what they use to voice things. I'm not sure they voice there or at home in their own systems. I know many who actually do that. I will say they had a pair of speakers I may own as well as a high end brand from Japan that they use to check out how repairs are. I have to say that 8 series gear is really special. Especially for the cost. |
Rarely do I ever read the entire thread on any topic, and i have never commented on a topic but this topic is one I can relate to. I too have had a personal experience with Ayre and Gary. Gary is the BEST. Ayre customer service is top shelf and total class all the way. I cannot say enough positive things about the company or Gary. I actually met Gary at AXPONA 2019 after speaking with him on the phone a year or so prior. Without going into too much detail, Gary resolved an issue with my CX-7 EMP, which still sounds phenomenal. Again their customer service is first rate. Unfortunately for me, now that I am retired , I cannot afford Ayre equipment but the equipment I do have is Excellent and I plan on having it for a long time. I also can attest to the fact that Ayre equipment is indeed "Bullet Proof"! |
I too have been there a couple of times with my C5xe, and they have always been extremely friendly and walked me through the facility. They were going to let me listen to their reference system but first time I was pressed for time and the second time they had a client in there. Had a quick chat with Charlie Hansen, he was quite interesting. Really super company, I am strongly considering going from my ARC pre amp to one of theirs, but speakers are a priority now. |
Ayre, what an awesome group of people. All my equipment is ayre. I am blown away by their help and support. Gary is amazing . Ariel the main brain, has always had solutions to all the problems I have had . Me, being a physician am ignorant, when it comes to electronics but Gary and Ariel have always been patient and helped me . I am hoping one day I get to meet them all. |
ctsooner Thank You for this report. Ayre is high on my list for next purchase. I am enthralled with the Twenty Series of components. Earlier this year I purchased a DX-5 universal player that required a new drive/transport after 10 years. Well constructed, designed and superb CD/SACD playback. Gary, at the helm of customer service, is on-point. Good to learn that Charles Hansen passed on knowledge and wisdom for the next evolution of this Audio manufacturer. Happy Listening! |