I compared the A5 head-to-head with an Ayre CX7e in the same system and the Ayre had better body in the midrange and more potent bass with no brittle tendency in the highs. Imaging and soundstaging were similar in the relatively short amount of time I had for comparison. This was with Sophia 2 and a CJ CA200 (awesome amp). But the Ayre does cost more....
I am dying to hear an Astintrew A3500 but so far they aren't imported into the USA. In the meantime, I am super happy with my Audio Aero. I personally feel that it is easier to get great sound out of a CD player if there are tubes in its output stage.
Arthur
I am dying to hear an Astintrew A3500 but so far they aren't imported into the USA. In the meantime, I am super happy with my Audio Aero. I personally feel that it is easier to get great sound out of a CD player if there are tubes in its output stage.
Arthur