Ayre AX7e MP vs ARC CD3 mk2

Thank you for the thoughts. I can't find anything wrong with the Ayre and agree than it is a state of the art player. I'll try to search out members that have the ARC and might want to trade for a while.

Efner, I don't think ARC will repair the CD1 or CD2 anymore. I'm not sure about repairs to the CD3. I think all high end manufacturers should service products for longer periods but I guess you are SOL when they pull the plug.

"I guess you are SOL when they pull the plug."

I'm confident Ayre will service any product they've ever made.

Hi Bjesien,
ARC will still repair pieces they made back in the 70"s!

Efner, I know they repair almost anything. However this is the quote taken from the site about earlier model CD players that I was referring to. I'm sure they would do whatever they could.

From ARC Website:

Owners of CDT1 transports and CD1 and CD2 compact disc players should call Audio Research Technical Service (763-577-9700) before sending any of these models to Audio Research for repair. Certain repair parts are no longer available for these models. To avoid the expense of needlessly shipping a non-repairable unit, please be certain to call Technical Service beforehand.

I just went from a ARC CD3 mk II to the Ayre C-5 XE mp. The most immediate difference is greater detail retrieval with Ayre and more weight with the lower frequencies. The ARC had slightly better dynamics and was more engaging when played at high levels. I would stay with Ayre CDP although the ARC is a great player.