Ayre vs Primare


I'm still looking for a new integrated amp. I currently have an Exposure 2010S2 driving Spendor A6's with a Sony 5400ES SACD player as my source. I have moved my system from a large living room downstairs to a smaller room upstairs so there is no longer a need for a high powered amp. My two candidates are the Ayre AX-7e and the Primare I30. Deep controlled bass and extended highs, while nice to have, are not as important to me as a natural, transparent musical presentation. Another reason these two amps are on my short list is because they have balanced inputs. Also, as a long shot I might add the NAD M3 to my list. I've searched the net, but can't find a direct comparison between the Ayre and the Primare.
allenjohns
The Ayre might be somewhat better overall than your current Exposure, but it's not a significant difference, IMO. If I were you I'd stay with the Exposure.

6550c, why even bother posting anything if you don't know anything?
Have to disagree with a couple of the posters above, the Primare I30 and its predecessor the A.30.1 , offer higher resolution and a much more muscular sound than the 2010. Class A preamp section, dual mono power section, fully balanced design. It's a step up on the criteria you listed. Haven't heard the Ayre, but depending on your speakers, I should imagine it will trade big hits with the Primare, being a fully discrete, zero-feedback design, but with less rated power and higher cost, of course.
"6550c, why even bother posting anything if you don't know anything?"

On- I Have listened to and investigated both Ayre and Primare. Have you? Ayre looks and sound like HE gear, Primare doesn't. Did you tell us anything about Primare?
Other than your opine about something being somewhat better, did you provide any facts or information that would help anyone? Have you seen, listened, or owned either brand? Do you know any dealers that sell Primare beyond Magnolia HF. Magnolia even puts the brand somewhat lower than McIntosh, which is thier highest HE line. I do own as used Primare CD player and know that it is okay for a back up, but it would never stand up with Krell or Wadia, both of which I do own. Do you know where this stuff is even made? Do you know Bo? Has anyone here known Bo Christensen, who is supposed to be the great designer behind Primare? _ I think it is just a marketing BS story.
6550c, you obviously know more than what your post(s) would lead one to believe. Exactly what you do know is still a mystery.
Aside from any personal taste in audio presentation I wouldn't purchase any high dollar product that's manufactured abroad for reasons of actual manufacture serviceability. My only caveat would be if that product were clearly superior in performance or so economical that its repair and shipping cost are close to its replacement cost.

I own an Ayre product which has been upgraded twice with significantly audible improvement each time. In each case the work was completed and returned sooner than estimated and in one case a questionable part was replaced for free.

There are many accounts of satisfaction with Ayre support, sensible product pricing, resale value, and true innovation.

In the end system synergy and your personal taste should be the deciding factor.