Classe vs Moon audio vs Ayre vs Pass

I have owned Ayre and Pass Labs. They cater to the same genre of sound. The Pass XA60.5 monos cost twice as much as the Ayre V5xe, so this is probably not a fair comparison. Be that as a disclaimer, I do prefer the Pass. Some might say that the upper frequency extension for Ayre is better. To me, class A amp. such as the XA60.5 definitely has fuller body, more detail, and the mid range is much more natural. Now unlike typical complaint about class A amp., the XA60.5s do not lack that last octave of the upper frequency at all. After listen to them for some time, I've come to realize that the artificial top end in so many class A/B amplifiers is what cause harshness and electronic sounding. It also makes the music more aggressive than what it naturally is, thus my ears got tired after a while. So Pass does it just right.

I own a Classé CA-2100 feeding a pair of Oskar Kithara (4 ohms with Heil tweeters). When I bought it in 2006, the other amp in the room to compare with was the Ayre v5xe which costs 1000$ more (at the time). I found that the Ayre was an easy listening unit but did not feel anything special about it. Overall it sounded good but no single voices or instruments were ever coming through the bulk. I remember that it showed confusion on some heavy orchestral music like Beethoven 10th.

On that same music, the Classé resolution was clearly superior. The sound was a touch more forward but I found the focus on solo parts very interesting. Also noticable, from one CD to the next, it was like replacing the whole sound system. That amp is neutral.

I own the Ayre AX-7e Integrated and like it very much with my Sonus Faber Auditor M Speakers. I am very impressed with the way it sounds. The highs are excellent and so is the bass. The music is clearer and more engaging. The Ayre AX-7e Integrated and the Ayre CX-7e MP CD Player is a great combination. I suggest you arrange a demo with the Ayre AX-7e amp using your source and speakers (in your room). I have not heard the Classe, Moon audio or Pass amplifiers. I am very happy with my Ayre AX-7e. The AX-7e amp sounds best if used with balanced cables (XLR).