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New CD player for an Ayre cx-7e

I've just purchased an Ayre Ax-7e, which I should receive next week. Right now I have a Rega Saturn which is, of course, a great player that I've enjoyed over the last year. However, I've compared for myself and read reviews that the Ayre performs WAY better when using the balanced inputs. The Saturn has only single-ended outputs so I think I'll be looking for a replacement with balanced outputs soon. An Ayre cx-7e might be a logical matchcup, but I'd like to open the field to other chioces, hopefully in the $1,0000 to $2,000 range. BTW, I already have some anti-cables IC's waitng for the new source. Any suggestions?
quaded
toddmcollins
1 posts
 
I'm using a Rega Apollo and SlimDevices Squeezebox thru a Benchmark DAC into my AX-7e. The Benchmark has both balanced and single ended outputs which makes it easy to switch back and forth to perform A-B comparisions. I too have noticed a reduction in floor noise and appreciate the difference enough to not even consider using single ended anymore. You will notice that the Ayre is very sensitive to cabling. I'm using Transparent cables and am quite happy with them, so I can't really comment on the anti-cables. I did use anti-cable speaker cables on a tube based system in the past and got irritated at the inflexibility of them (not to mention the very low WAF). I am interested to hear how you make out with the anti-cable ICs.
tweak1
3,655 posts
 
Just saw a Raysonic 168 FS this morning on AG. FABULOUS! Plus, it can be used direct out which I am doing. The output section is so good I sold a $2900 preamp
quaded OP
14 posts
 
Thanks for the input. I'll try the anti IC's when I get a player with balanced outs, so we will have to wait for that. However, I have to say that last night I wired my quad 21L's with 2 pairs of 8-foot anti-cables and I think I'm in for a treat! The only thing I hoping will change with break-in time (at least 100hrs.) is for the bass to get a tad stronger. However, out of the box they sound better that the straighwire rhapsody's I'm using. I agree with Todd on the WAF issue with the cables, but I have my own, VERY small, listening room which is WOB (wife out-of-bounds)so that's no problem. I'm being offered a Cary 306 SACD locally. Would this be a good choice (i'm not sure I'll be able to listen to it in my system, so I'll have to take a chance)? what would be a good price? Thanks again.
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