I am a huge Ayre fan. Excellent aesthetics and build quality and I consistently rate them among the best amps I would buy if I was looking. Especially with their headphone section of the DAC's. The Pono with the Ayre designed output stage was amazing.
However!!
I do think they have a kind of unique sound to them alone. They are neutral to warm and powerful but what distinguishes Ayre from every other electronics brand I've ever heard is how pitch black absolutely quiet they sound. It is as if they suck noise out off your room and music emerges from a new place in your room you didn't know existed.
So, highly recommended, but also, to my ears, quite special and unique.
However!!
I do think they have a kind of unique sound to them alone. They are neutral to warm and powerful but what distinguishes Ayre from every other electronics brand I've ever heard is how pitch black absolutely quiet they sound. It is as if they suck noise out off your room and music emerges from a new place in your room you didn't know existed.
So, highly recommended, but also, to my ears, quite special and unique.