Ayre V-5xe/K-5xeMP or Modwright KWA-150/LS-100?

..and I vote for Ayre... not because I own them personlly, but because they are very musical, and their service department is absolutely top notch.

Stringreen, you own the speakers I would like to have - Vandersteen 5A. Those are some of the most musical speakers around at any price.

I have a LS100 (use Black Treasure CV181s and NOS Philips rectifier) and the KWA100 SE - very musical pieces to my ears (need to give them the 400-500 hours break in recommended by Dan) Haven't heard Ayre equipment

I agree Podeschi...that's why I got them. In truth however, I don't think many people have ever heard them properly set up. Richard Vandersteen and I spent lots of time (phonecalls...thank you Richard) adjusting the speakers to sound the best for my room. I suspect very few Vandersteen dealers will do an appropriate job. Audio Connection in New Jersey with John Rutan at its helm is exceptionally good, however, when I moved to Arizona, the local guy did a very poor job...that was when Richard himself came to the rescue. I thought my system was sweet, but then just recently I replaced the Superplatter on my Superscout Rim Drive with a Classic platter, and the difference was drop dead better. The sweetness, the 3 dimensionality, the reality of the sound is incredable. Regarding Ayre.. just as Vandersteen is personally interested in his product and customers, Ayre is exactly the same way. I've had updates and minor issues done on my stuff, and always was treated with great respect and professionalism from Ayre....and VPI as well. During my years as an audiophile and buying this stuff, I haven't always been treated this way. Companies go out of business, some just ignore you, etc. Thats why I would only buy from reputable, strong companies that can and will protect my investment.

I've had both brands in my system. Overall impression: both excellent. Ayre more truth to delicate microdeta, maybe a tad bit more spatially resolving, but the MW had more oomph, more meaty, stronger footing. I found that MW amp should definitely be paired with MW pre for optimal effect. No wrong answer, just personal choice.