Ayre MX-R Twnenty instead of Audio research Ref 250SE

you’re replacing a top level component with a top level component. Its like taking the New York Philharmonic and placing them in Carnegie Hall, or Lincoln Center Symphony Hall. It will sound different, but hard to criticize.   If its opinion you want, call Richard Vandersteen (he answers his phone) or John Rutan at Audio Connection in New Jersey.  They both can help you.

Replaced a VAC tube amp with the Ayre VX5/20 and love the presentation.  Still have a VAC tube preamp.  You will save on power tubes but the Ayre amps can produce some heat in the room.

I am sticking with my Ref 250E Amps until i have money to upgrade to Vandersteen M7-HPA Amp..

.....a great question....both the ARC and Ayre are top notch with slighly different virtues....I chose a VXR-Twenty but it was close...heat also ruled the day for me....
some say the VX-R is better than the MX, perhaps due to ground plane issues, number of output devices....Randy took mine in trade towards the M7 HPA......which are sublime.......I have had mine for about 400 hours now and I listen for hours and hours.....always meaning to write a review...never finding time for it.....