The synergy of Ayre a.k.a. the

"I want the MX-r amps but worry wether they have enough power for my Thiel CS7.2 speakers."

I had a short audition with the MX-Rs driving Thiels 7.2 a couple of months ago (not that I can afford either of them!). In the 20 minutes or so I spent with them, I thought it was probably the best system I had ever heard. I played some Richard Thompson to memorable effect. I'll comfortably say it had the most "presence" I've ever experienced. I can't imagine the MX-Rs don't have enough balls to drive the Thiels to insane SPLs (though I certainly didn't push them to crazy levels with Led Zeppelin). I see you are using JC-1s, which are said to be very powerful and excellent sounding. Only you can say whether the MX-Rs are better.

To the point of this thread, I started my high-end journey with an AX-7 after hearing how close it came to the sound of Ayre separates at a price within my budget. As I continued to upgrade my mid-fi system, it seemed a no brainer to get the CX-7. More recently, I got a killer deal on a used P-5x. I don't have much expereince "mixing and matching" high-end components other than what I've heard at dealers. All I can say is that my nearly all Ayre system is really singing, especially with my brand new Vandy 2ce Sig IIs which gets my vote for "most-highly-insane-screaming-deal" in audio. I never thought I'd have a system that sounds this good in my home!

Rufipennis,
I'm glad to hear the MX-rs were so nice with the 7.2s. I have heard the new Ayre amps on several occasions with the 2.4s and Thiel subwoofers with all ayre gear and the system is great. So great I bought the K-1xe and P-5xe. The MX-Rs are on my very short list for amps to replace my JC-1s.

Thanks for the insights!

The reason I started this thread is because I'm looking to build a "simpler" system that helps me focus on what matters - the music. I used to have an all-tube point-to-point wired system, and I *loved* the sound. But being a geek, I could never leave things alone. I always listened to the *system* (and wondered if my tubes were in need of replacing, if a different set of NOS tubes would bring me nirvana, etc.) rather than listening to the *music*.

So, I am wondering if an all-Ayre system would be an ideal solution for me. From the responses I've read here, I think I at least owe one a listen. While I'd like K-5xe / V-5xe / P-5xe / Vandersteen Quatro combo, an AX-7e / CX-7e / P-5xe combo (along with Vandersteen 2ce Sig IIs) may be more realistic.

A couple more questions:

1) What's the list price of Ayre balanced interconnects and speaker cables?

2) Has anyone had Ayre mod their AX-7e so they could use a pair of Vandersteen 2Wq subs with their integrated?

I have heard the 5 series gear you list with the Quatros and VPI Scoutmaster/Dynavector cartridge and the sound is VERY GOOD. have also heard the CX-7e/AX-7e with speakers from Totem and Thiel. Both were also very nice.
After what Rufipennis said about the MX-rs driving the big Thiels I got to wondering, and went ahead and ordered the V-1XE amp to see how it compares to the Parasounds.

Nrenter,
"AX-7e / CX-7e / P-5xe combo (along with Vandersteen 2ce Sig IIs)"

That's pretty much my system. I'm really happy with it (though the Sigs are still breaking in and I need to bi-wire). I'm thinking I'm almost done. I'd like to upgrade some of my cabling and, maybe, add the line conditioner, but I could live with this set-up for a long, long time. I suppose if I win the lottery I might look to upgrade (and I'd probably start my search further up the Ayre and Vandersteen lines).