AHs anyone heard the new Ayre MX-R mono blocs?

Tom hankins, a question asked with total respect, are you the kind of audiophile that would only audition one brand or one pair of amps before making your purchase?

Even if the Ayre's did not cost $16,500.00 I would audition as many amps as I could in my home system before settling on what I would buy. It's a pain in the butt, but at least you know without any doubts that you have made the right choice. Then, if we take into consideration the price point, about 17K, there are at least three other Solid State amps that could be considered, Edge NL-12.1, Pass Labs XA-160's/X-600.5 and the new reference level Krell's.

At this level it's all about personnal taste and system synergy, that's why I would be surprized if you did not audition some of the other amps at this reference point.

I've owned Krell amps on two different occasions. I have spent time with the Pass gear. Mainly the 350.5 and 600 monos. Also tried Levinson. Have spent lots of time in front of several ARC and Mac amps. Since I got the Thiels I listened to alot of different gear with them or other Thiel models. (I have been on a major hunt) It came down to building a system of either Pass or Ayre gear in front of them. In the end I decided I liked the Ayre stuff better and bought the preamp and phonostage. The C-5xe is next in line.
Even at this point I had not decided on what amplification to use. The JC-1s sound very good and I am really in no hurry. The front runner was either the Pass 350.5. or 600.5s. (Have not heard the 600.5 but liked the 350.5 over the 600s)
After hearing how truly wonderful the Thiels were last night using the same gear I already own, and the new Ayre monoblocks. My decision was made. With my system, using my sources, and mainly with the Thiel speakers. The all Ayre system sounds better (to me) than any other electronics/speaker combo I have heard.
Not that it matters, but they are very nice looking and dont wheigh a ton. Plus they wont heat the heck out of my room as much as what I have in there now.

When you get them Tom, can we all come over for a listen? You'll be recovering from your surgery, we'll bring chicken soup.

Hey everyone, I've got a bit of egg on my face. It looks like both Teajay and I were part right about the pricing. The MX-Rs do retail for $16,500 in the standard "silver" finish, but adding the black finish adds $250 per chassis -- for a total of $17,000 retail in black. I hope my efforts to eliminate confusion are now complete. In any event, and as I mentioned above, what is a few hundred dollars between friends?

I have been living with 3 mono blocks for about 3 months...they are wonderful...in direct comparison with V6ex...wonderful increase in micro dynamics...lower noise floor....wonderful sense of dynamic/timber rightness...I find them an improvement over my past stuff