Spectral or Ayre (combo)

ebm:  my current system has both Ayre and Pass components and I couldn't say one mfr. is / was more reliable than the other.

Miglos:  you have the model designations inverted but I have the V-5xe and K-5xemp combo and am actually looking to make a change to Spectral.  It's the extended bandwith with the latter that intrigues me.  I would like to see if I can capture the magic I heard at a Spectral dealer 20 years ago.

both excellent super well engineered and executed, a matter of personal taste.
have fun, enjoy the journey 

I have two Ayre amps and they both sound wonderful. While that alone is enough to consider Ayre, there is much more. The people at Ayre are great and respond quickly to any and all questions.  Their philosophy for offering upgrades is also incredible: you can buy their equipment knowing that they will continue to upgrade it for a modest cost for many years to come.

I have an all Ayre system.....recommend them highly

ayre sounds better than spectral based on my exposure to both brands of preamps/amps