Am monitoring on Audiogon, U.S. Audiomart and Hi-fi Shark. It may be too early to make an offer on this Ayre unit. My friend is loaning me his Ayre P-5xe to listen over a weekend. May not be able to do it for a couple of weeks, based on our schedules. I want to hear it first before seeking a pre-owned unit.
Also, after input from many of you and a dealer I've worked with, it would seem that an Ortofon 2m Bronze would be a suitable upgrade for my turntable, my musical tastes and the kind of sound I prefer (more neutral than warm, emphasis on resolution). Anything more costly would be overkill given its tonearm, etc. My turntable just could not use truly high end cartridges to best advantage, nor can my budget afford it. And per my prior observation, I'd have to spend $1,500 or more to get a new turntable and cartridge that would be materially better once the new cartridge is installed. Ortofon recommends the 2m Blue as an upgrade, but the dealer suggests (as have several of you) that the 2m Bronze is far superior, quieter, more resolving. The Ortofon is also a good physical fit for my tonearm. The dealer has a return policy so I will give it a try.
Also, after input from many of you and a dealer I've worked with, it would seem that an Ortofon 2m Bronze would be a suitable upgrade for my turntable, my musical tastes and the kind of sound I prefer (more neutral than warm, emphasis on resolution). Anything more costly would be overkill given its tonearm, etc. My turntable just could not use truly high end cartridges to best advantage, nor can my budget afford it. And per my prior observation, I'd have to spend $1,500 or more to get a new turntable and cartridge that would be materially better once the new cartridge is installed. Ortofon recommends the 2m Blue as an upgrade, but the dealer suggests (as have several of you) that the 2m Bronze is far superior, quieter, more resolving. The Ortofon is also a good physical fit for my tonearm. The dealer has a return policy so I will give it a try.