got to visit Ayre yesterday


Wow, what a great bunch of enthusiasts!  Gary, the sales director was so kind and gracious to me.  We spent most of the morning together talking about life as well as audio.  We have so much in common and are the same age.  We have similar taste in audio too, which was really cool.  We spoke about a ton of brands, not just Ayre which was fun.  Just a class act, but that's the common thread there.

I also was lucky enough to meet their main designer. He's been designing there since he graduated college.  Charlie had input, but (forgot his name, sorry) he's been doing the design work since Charlie had his accident.  What a fun guy to talk to.  When he talks, you just listen and try to learn something.  So much was above my head, but he answered all my questions.  It was just cool.

Got to meet Ryan finally.  He's the new CEO and has been there for years and years working along side Charlie (RIP).  He knows his stuff.  If I was to start up an audio company, he's the first call I'd make. I was that impressed with him. We ended up spending the whole afternoon together just talking about audio.  He showed off so much of their gear and some of the new stuff.  That 8 series is really a great value.

I will always buy what my ear tells me to and I am fortunate to know and meet many manufacturer's and dealers around the country.  This group of folks is as good as any.  Like or dislike their products, they are built to be nearly bullet proof, lol.  I was blown away seeing how well constructed their gear is, down to the Codex.  

I just wanted to share what a wonderful experience I had there and what a nice group of folks, who I now consider friends.  
ctsooner
I too had a great experience with Gary and Ayre who went through my 15 year old amp and brought new life into it.  All my electronics are Ayre and I'm very happy with their performance and Ayre's fine support.  I'd love to make the visit some day....live in Arizona...not really that far.
Agreed. Nothing but positive experiences. Totally reliable and well built gear.
I know I should have had my KX-R updated to Twenty status, but I held back, despite the upgrade discount.
Even so, it surpassed my wildest dreams of performance.

Great to hear you got to meet the people behind the company.
Bob
You should have hit PS Audio while you were in Boulder.  Paul has a really cool new sound room.