Looking for a very good integrated solid state amp

For me, it would be Ayre, no question. 2nd choice would be Sim. I would also consider a used BAT 300 and a Creek Dynasty. All of the ones I list are very good sounding but they also sound very different from each other.

"With different speakers the AX7e may have been purchased as it was more versatile, although the extra stuff in the signal path circuit of the Ayre can degrade sound quality. Audiophiles love to say what matters most is sound quality, but I've met few who'd give up their remote or other extras crammed in the box."

Can you define some of the extra stuff? The Ayre has a passive line stage. Not only that, Its a fully balanced, 0 feedback design. No offence, but I highly doubt that you have any experience with this amp.

Ryder,

I understand what you are saying but my comment/question was meant only for the Ayre 7. Airegin states specifically that theres "extra stuff" in the signal path. I just called him on it because its simply not true and he either doesn't know what he's talking about or is just making it up.

The way I look at it, someone is asking for advice on something that will likely be a major purchase. The least we can do is give honest opinions and accurate info. I also know that you, in no way, are trying to get in the middle of all this. Your post is 100% correct. With many other products you would definitely want to consider other, non essential features in the circuit path.