My current Ayre is definitely a step up from the Creek, but they have 20 years of difference between when they were manufactured and are at different price points.
Ayre will be coming out with the unit to replace the AX-7e soon, and I imagine many will hit the used market soon.
Thus, if you want new I think creek is a great way to go, if used is OK, you might consider picking up an AX-7e.
Ps Creek has excellent customer service. My volume Pot developed a problem after about 15 years. After trying various sources and being unsuccessful, I called Creek and they said they'd look through their old stuff, and call back in a few days. They did, I did, and they sent me the part for free except for shipping.