Ayre CDX-7eMP or Electrocompaniet EMC-1UP

After reading your original post again, I would offer a different approach if you are thinking of upgrading. All of your components are very good, but I think the biggest improvement in sound quality will come from better component matching, and not just looking at each component by itself. Your CD player and Preamp, not only sound very good, but are similar in design goals. Both are fully balanced, zero feedback components made by designers that aim for similar voicing sonically. Another way to look at it is if Ayre started making tube preamps, I believe that they would be very similar in design and sound to Aesthetix.

Given that, I feel that the best path for you would be to get a new amp and not a CD player. The amp I would pick is an Ayre V5, or something very similar. Doing that will achieve a much better synergy between your amp, pre and and CD player.

If that sounds like something you would be interested in, post back and I'll give you more details.

Thanks everyone for all the info. I have been looking at the Aesthetix Atlas for an amp upgrade. What do you think?

Zd542
The Bel Canto's have a nice low end. I have read that the Ayre lacks in that department. Do you find this to be true?
I would hate to give up that nice low end.

I like Ayre

"The Bel Canto's have a nice low end. I have read that the Ayre lacks in that department. Do you find this to be true?"

That's a really hard question to answer. There are so many different variables to consider, and most of the are subjective. I'd hate to point you in a wrong direction and have you get something you don't like. The best way to approach this, I think, would be for me to just tell you what I think of the V5 overall. Then, if you want me to go into detail in certain areas, let me know. Also, don't go by just what I think. If at all possible, do some listening.

I can start by saying that I've never heard any other amp like the V5. What makes it so unique, for me, is that it succeeds in doing things that a lot of other equipment makers try to do. No amp I have ever heard, tube or SS, passes as much detail and resolution through it to the speakers as the V5 does. A lot of people say that it's analytical. I don't agree. For all the detail, the amp retains a sense of purity and liquidity that I've only heard from the best tube amps. That's why its so hard to explain how it sounds. I really can't think of anything to compare it to. If you are looking for something forgiving, the V5 is not for you. But even though its not that forgiving, its still a very musical amp. Another quality to note is the imaging. Its incredible. Also, the combination of being fully balanced, 0 feedback and having bipolar output transistors gives the amp a huge sense of dynamic contrast; like when you go from a CD to a record.

As far as bass goes, I don't find it lacking. Its a very powerful amp. That said, its not a Krell or a Bryston. I have never listened to your amp so it wouldn't be fair for me comment on it. There are other amps out there, that I'm sure would take better control of the speakers with regards to low frequencies. I don't believe that most other amps will have the qualities that I mention above. Its a trade off.

I hope that helps. Any questions, just post and I'll try to get back to you with an answer as soon I can.