Ayre C7xe integrated vs AR VSi55 with Proac D25 sp

Hi Jim,

I' not sure what the prices are of the two units you have identified, but I would be very surprised if you liked anything better than this:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1184701247

I have been using a Gamut 200 MKII for some time, and don't think you can do much better.

Good luck in your search,

Mark

Are you using the Ayre in balanced mode?
Does your CD/SACD input come from an XLR player?
The word on the street (wots?) is that this integrated
only shines as part of a balanced system.

I'm using the ayre in the balanced mode with a CD with balanced outputs.

I'm using the same amp in balanced mode with Neutral Reference interconnects and the sound is phenomenal -- really world class, in my opinion.

Maybe try Cardas? There are other amps that have a warmer sound, but I can't think of another that has the same level of presence. If presence and dimensionality is what you mean by a tube sound then it doesn't get much better than the Ayre with solid state.