Interesting. It sounds like you prefer modern ARC to historical ARC, and that you think ARC house sound (if I can call it that) has changed for the better over a number of years but to your ears is not (at least the integrated amp) quite on par with Ayre.
I like to leave a lot of room for personal preference, so that's why I describe it that way. I would say I personally prefer Ayre, but is it a "better" amp?? I have a tough time saying it like that.
I say ‘interesting’ because if anything some of what I’ve read on this site seems to lament ARCs direction and pine for the good old days there. But maybe that’s more as to service and old favorite employee departures than to sound quality.
In the late 80s, 90s I was much more of a Conrad Johnson fanboy and could simply NOT understand the ARC fans. So this hasn't changed for me at all, what's changed, IMHO is the direction of the gear. I think even the modern ARCs can be improved with better caps, they love those red Wimas. But in any event, this is all VERY personal, and not a true measure of quality or engineering acumen.