The synergy of Ayre a.k.a. the

My experience in dealing with Ayre has been the same as Proth. Nothing but good.

I'm using the P-5xe phonostage and K-1xe preamp. I have heard these two with both the V-1xe and MX-R amps and with the C-5xe CDP. I agree with Proth, the all Ayre systems are great. I want the MX-r amps but worry wether they have enough power for my Thiel CS7.2 speakers. I love the C-5xe but dont listen to CDs enough to justify the money on a new digital source.

Rufipennis,
I'm glad to hear the MX-rs were so nice with the 7.2s. I have heard the new Ayre amps on several occasions with the 2.4s and Thiel subwoofers with all ayre gear and the system is great. So great I bought the K-1xe and P-5xe. The MX-Rs are on my very short list for amps to replace my JC-1s.

I have heard the 5 series gear you list with the Quatros and VPI Scoutmaster/Dynavector cartridge and the sound is VERY GOOD. have also heard the CX-7e/AX-7e with speakers from Totem and Thiel. Both were also very nice.
After what Rufipennis said about the MX-rs driving the big Thiels I got to wondering, and went ahead and ordered the V-1XE amp to see how it compares to the Parasounds.

Well I have been spinning vinyl all morning using a pretty much all but source Ayre system.
VPI Super scoutmaster/Dynavector XX2 cartridge
Ayre P-5XE phonostage
Ayre K-1XE preamp
Ayre V-1XE amp
Thiel CS7.2 speakers
All Audioquest balanced Panthers and Mont Blanc speaker cables.
This system is the best I have heard it. So smooth. So detailed. Very easy on the ears. Huge, deep sound stage. Effortless is the best way I can describe it. I am going to sell the Parasounds and use the V-1xe until I can afford the MX-R amps from Ayre.

Dont know the answer to #2, but the the cables are $900.00 a pr. for 1M $1200.00 for 1.5M. I talked to Ayre thursday so this should be current. I have tried all Cardas Golden Ref. and Golden Cross. Didnt like either by them self or combos of the two at all. Also a variety of different Audioquest and other combos and the Audioquest Panthers run balanced everywhere but between the Pre and amp where I am using Audioquest Cheetahs has made me the happiest. Speakers cables are the Mont Blancs for now but will go to the Volcanos soon.

I have had the chance to spend some time in front of a system of CX-7E > K-5XE > V-5XE > Quatro. This is an awesome system that is so musical and listenable. Cables were JPS (not sure which) from start to finsh. Two others I have heard that consist of Ayre & Thiel that I like even more have been my system I'm using now, and also one that uses the C-5XE > K-1XE > MX-R amps > Thiel 2.4.
The Ayre gear and either of these speaker lines (Thiel or Vandersteen) are both very good together. Not sure about other lines but if your using the Thiel or vandersteens the Ayre stuff should be on your list for gear to put in front of them. I can also agree with one of the above posters about everytime I have added another piece of Ayre into the chain things have gotten much better. the amps are the most noticable as far as finalizing the added touches of warmth and smoothness to my system.
If there were no MX-Rs made I would stay with the Ayre V-1XE and not even think about another amp in my system. But knowing how much my CS7.2s love power, I know they will get better with the monoblocks.
I have heard the V-1XE and MX-Rs side by side with the 2.4s and they are in a different league on all fronts over the already great V-1XE. This is coming from someone who has never had an all SS system until now.(and never thought I could live with one)

Hvu, If you could use seperates I think the K3/V3 combo (even though rated at 100wpc) would drive your Totems fine. These can be found pretty cheap used.