looking for input on audio research vs 55i...

i'm a newbie so take my input under advisement. heard the 55i with the 2 ce sigs as well as the 3a sigs with rotel 1072?, ayre cx-7 and some dsc pyramid looking big buck behemoth. the combo sounded very good with all 3 sources, well defined imaging, very clean and spacious. the 55i will mate well with the 2's. also tried the 2's with some ss gear at twice the price and the 55i blew them away.

aloha keith

thanks....there is alot out there...bought the audio electric supply components from a branch of cary audio in apex n.c. and will receive them next week. if anyone is interested in the aes product ..i will post listening responses in a couple of weeks...for some reason i wanted the audio research, but ended up with the aes..because it is built out my back door..sixty miles and was able to talk with the guy who is going to build my units...i know i missed a good one with the 55i, but i can't have it all..thanks...dwhitt....a lover of music and gear....