2. amps-preamps
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Brand Longevity

I don't often hear about this. You see brands like McIntosh that has been around for 65 years so when you buy it you probably feel confident that you will receive support for years down the road. Maybe forever. What happens to say Ayre owners if Charles kicks the bucket? I don't want to be a downer but this has to matter. What about my Rogue gear? Should I send Mark a carrot and a workout DVD? What happens if a meteor lands on him? What's the game plan? Can I still get parts? Should we be asking these manufacturers about long term guarantees?

I'm seriously thinking about a big time purchase as in my last integrated until I'm collecting ss in 20 years. Where's my guarantee? Maybe I don't have to worry because hopefully there will be a technician who can handle it.
donjr
donjr OP
1,335 posts
 
I would think as a business owner part of your job would be to choose and mold a successor.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Taters,

Thanks for the clarification. I agree 100%. You make an excellent point.

Donjr,

Going by your posts, it looks like you didn't like the Ayre 7 integrated. I'm a big Ayre fan myself and know their products well. You should absolutely demo the 5, but I think you will find it to be similar in sound to the 7, but better. Ultimately, I don't think you will choose it. As far as the Mac gear goes, I think you should definitely listen to it. Compared to the Ayre, its not better or worse; just different. Its a bit more forgiving and musical. Another integrated you may like is a BAT 300. I don't think anyone has mentioned it so far. One thing that makes it unique is that you can choose from 3 different preamp options. When it comes to build quality and longevity, I feel that any of these 3 companies are at the very top.
donjr OP
1,335 posts
 
Zd. I loved the Ayre but it wasn't enough power for my Harbeth C7es3's. I was amazed at the detail I was hearing compared to my Rogue Cronus Magnum. Don't get me wrong, I love my Rogue and will keep it. However, the non fatiguing and detailed sound of the Ayre caught my attention. I was able to spend close to two hours listening to the AX5 with the same speakers as I own at my dealers on Monday and I've got to say, I'm totally sold on it. It's the best integrated I've ever heard. The pre amp section is so good that they had to change their other preamps to match it. Ayre actually called my dealer while I was there. My dealer is an Ayre fanatic. All I have to do now is get money together. It might take me awhile but probably this year. I want that AX5 bad.
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