Ayre C-5xe vs. Ayre D-1xe

They are both really good players but my vote goes to the C5xe. It sounds warmer without what that normally implies. To me, the D1xe sounds a touch sterile. The C5xe is one of the better players out there period. It offers about as good a sound as you are going to get without going into crazy money.

Thanks for your input. I´ve just added one to my system. Very nice unit - not at the same level as my previous owned Wadia 581 with GNSC Ref. Level modifications but a steal at its price.

"Furthermore I´ve learned that Ayre is cutting off their european distribution net work - is the company going to close?"

Um, not exactly.

It's true that we've parted ways with our previous distributor in Germany, Active Audio. (They also serviced Austria and Switzerland.) We will be working with a new distributor for Germany in 2007, but in the meantime Active Audio is still providing service for their existing customers. (If for some reason you need additional help, you can always contact the factory directly.)

We also have excellent distributors in England, the Netherlands, France, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway as well as Russia and many other Eastern European countries.

As far as Ayre itself is concerned, our business was up by over 40% last year. There is no danger of us closing, but thanks for your concern!