The synergy of Ayre a.k.a. the

Thanks for the insights!

The reason I started this thread is because I'm looking to build a "simpler" system that helps me focus on what matters - the music. I used to have an all-tube point-to-point wired system, and I *loved* the sound. But being a geek, I could never leave things alone. I always listened to the *system* (and wondered if my tubes were in need of replacing, if a different set of NOS tubes would bring me nirvana, etc.) rather than listening to the *music*.

So, I am wondering if an all-Ayre system would be an ideal solution for me. From the responses I've read here, I think I at least owe one a listen. While I'd like K-5xe / V-5xe / P-5xe / Vandersteen Quatro combo, an AX-7e / CX-7e / P-5xe combo (along with Vandersteen 2ce Sig IIs) may be more realistic.

A couple more questions:

1) What's the list price of Ayre balanced interconnects and speaker cables?

2) Has anyone had Ayre mod their AX-7e so they could use a pair of Vandersteen 2Wq subs with their integrated?

I'll ask these again to bounce the thread to the top:

1) What's the list price of Ayre balanced interconnects and speaker cables?

2) Has anyone had Ayre mod their AX-7e so they could use a pair of Vandersteen 2Wq subs with their integrated?

Thanks for the responses. I haven't contactly my local dealer becasue 1) I haven't decided if I'll buy new or used (and won't waste a local dealer's time if I don't intend to purchase from a local retailer), and 2) I refuse to purchase from the local Ayre retailer (a personal friend had a bad experience there with a turntable / arm / cart purchase). When it's time to pull the trigger, I'll travel to the 2nd closest Ayre dealer (which is 5 hours away). One positive thing about that inconvienence is that they also cary Vandersteen (and I often fly in to that city on business).

I've noticed the V-5xe and K-5xe move *very* quickly here on the 'gon. If hesitate, you won't get the goods. IMHO, that also speaks highly for Ayre equipment. You never see Ayre interconnects up for sale - Is that just because there aren't that many in circulation?

I guess I should bring this thread back full circle...

I went with the Ayre AX-7e / CX-7e / P-5xe combo, but decided to go with a pair of Green Mountain Audio Callisto speakers. I was afraid that my room would be too small for a pair of Vandersteen 2ce Sig IIs.

After getting my room treated with sound panels and my equipment in my room, I was both right and wrong. The Vandersteen 2ce Sig IIs wouldn't have been too large for my room, but would have loaded the room in a bad way (particularly given my placement constraints). A pair of Martin Logan Dynamo subs run 90-degrees out-of-phase gives me a very smooth and extended low end.

I think my system / setup is a good example of what is possible in a challenged room. Plus, I think there is an inherent synergy between the GMA Callistos (balanced-phase first-order crossover design, sound field convergence capability, etc.) and the Ayre AX-7e / Ayre CX-7e / Ayre P-5xe (fully balanced circuitry, zero-feedback design, and focus on the power supplies). Also, I’m pleased with the sliver-plated copper in my Purist cables, and my XLR-terminated Origin Live Silver tone arm (although I need *many* more hours on my analog front-end to catch up to my digital front end).

But I digress...