Hi Sparks81

Yes, I still use and like the Ayre cabling. I use GR with my phono pre-amp and Ayre with my DAC. I've never bothered to swamp them and compare, so I can't comment other than both are *way* better than the radioshack and monster cabling they replaced.

The speakers cables made a very nice difference in my system. The Vandersteens were a bit veiled in the midrange (I was using a single run of Neutral Ref w/ a cheap jumper) and bi-cabling w/ Ayre really cleared things up nicely.

My understanding is the Ayre IC and speakers cables are identical to GR except for the jacket - a change I've been told makes a sonic difference.

rufipennis February 19, 2013 13:10

I swapped out the CX-7 for a QB-9 DAC last year. Computer audio is kind of a PITA compared to putting a silver disc into a CDP, but I'm really enjoying hi-res files even if they are only a small proportion of my music. My system sounds better than ever. The QB-9 is supposed to get an update soon and I'm sure I'll have the work done on my unit. The upgrade is DSD-capable, supposedly with a new DAC chip and possible power supply upgrades.

Then, I need to figure out how to pay for the new Ayre AX-5 integrated and Vandersteen Treos or Quatros. That would be a stupid good system!

rufipennis January 16, 2013 11:04

Rhljazz wrote: "What was the biggest change to the digital sound by adding the new filter?"

Before the MP upgrade, I had read that it would give voices more body. I certainly heard that. But what really struck me was how the soundstage seems so much bigger in every dimension. There seems to be more Ayre (sorry, couldn't resist) around each voice and instrument. There is also a bit more resolution of low level detail. Finally, there is a quality that I couldn't put a word to until I read Wes Philips review of the MP upgrade for the C5-xe: relaxed.

All in all, a very musical upgrade that I highly recommend to owners of CX-7s and C-5s. Money well spent. That's one thing I really like about Ayre: upgrades to current specs for a very reasonable price.

rufipennis February 22, 2010 09:48

Upgraded the CX-7e to the "MP" digital filter - sweet! This thing goes head-to-head with my analog rig!

Speaking of my analog rig, I also added a DIY sandbox for TT isolation. That made a very nice improvement for about $5! Before that, I thought the CDP outperformed my analog rig in the lower octaves - not anymore.

rufipennis August 25, 2009 22:23

I've had two people ask me if the AX-7e has enough power to drive the relatively inefficient Vandersteens. For my tastes, system and room (~3700 cu ft), the answer is yes. See my review on AA for more details. The first gentleman who contacted me ended up getting an AX-7e to drive his 2 Sig IIs; he reported back that he also found the AX-7e to be more than adequate. That being said, IF you prefer very high SPLs (ala concert-level reproduction of The Who), this is probably is NOT the combo for you.

rufipennis March 20, 2008 09:23

Also, the Ayre speaker cables did the trick on my Vandies - MUCH more open and transparent presentation to the midrange (see my 2CE Sig II review on AudioAsylum).

rufipennis September 25, 2007 16:23

System edited: Changed my phono ICs from Monster POS to Cardas Golden. In additin to being a much better cable, this also let's me take advantage of the balanced outs on my P-5. All-in-all, a very nice sonic improvement. More recently, I added the Ayre line filter to my system. Wow, a nice improvement in clarity, resolution, and musical "involvement" (see my full review at AudioAsylum). I am VERY happy with my system now - I never thought I'd have this good of a system in my own living room! I really am done for now. If I really get the itch to upgrade again, I may look at getting balanced phono cable for the TT.

rufipennis September 25, 2007 16:16

My Benz ACE has 0.8 mV output - no problem with the P-5. The P-5 has three gain settings which the user sets depending on cart output (balanced and unbalanced connections are 6 bd different); I doubt there's a cartridge out there that the Ayre wouldn't accomodate.

rufipennis September 06, 2007 09:11

Jdgjr: Yeah, I have a very modest investment in my turntable. I don't have any experience directly comparing my old direct drive to the new "audiophile" rigs but my impression is that you've got to spend $2K + on a modern table to beat a Japanese 'table from 20-30 years ago. Check kabusa.com for some ideas . . . I just replaced my Monster RCA interconnects for some used Cardas Golden XLRs on the P-5x. Last night, I put on some Dire Straits that I hadn't played in years. WOW! My system is really singing and I might have to rethink my opinion that vinyl and digital are more similar than different.

rufipennis August 17, 2007 10:11