Ayre CDX-7eMP or Electrocompaniet EMC-1UP

Zd542
Thank you for the great insight. I sometimes wonder about generalzations regarding equpment made here on Audiogon. It seems people post a small problem or issue with a particular piece and everybody jumps in on it. By the time the thread has run its course that small issue becomes a monster. (Ayre equipment being very analytical for example)
Anyway, It seems my best bet is to pick up a V5 here and keep my Bel Cantos for a comparison.
Any year of manufacturing I should steer clear or look for in a V5?
Thanks again

Orelayer,

Its very difficult to explain how an audio component sounds using words. I don't read reviews any more just for that reason. You can go crazy trying to sort it all out. I've come to realize that the only way to really succeed with audio is to just get as much hands on experience as you can and be honest with yourself. No sense in putting together a system that sounds amazing with classical music and terrible with rock, if that’s what you listen to.

I think its a good idea to get a used V5 to try. Worst case, if you don't like it, it can easily be resold without loosing a lot of money. I'm glad you asked about the production dates. One of the best things about Ayre is the upgrades. The V5's that first came out have been improved many times over so that current production V5's are really current. If you have an older version, you can always send it in to Ayre and they will upgrade it to current status. With your preamp, you need to make sure that you have an M in your serial number. It needs to be at the end and not the beginning. There was a small compatibility issue with your Aesthetix preamp that was fixed with the M version. Its been out for a long time so most V5's you look at will probably be OK. Either way, I would still check with Ayre first just to make sure my info is correct.

I had a EMC 1UP for a few years and really enjoyed it. I replaced it with a entry level Esoteric sacd player. The change was a nice upgrade in soundstage and resolution on redbook plus it played sacds!
The Electro is still fondly remembered for its very natural analog sound.

Hi Montejay,
How are you?
Have you read the Frankenstein review in the december issue of TAS?
Did you ever try the Takatsuki 300b with your amps?
It`s a premium tube for a premium SET amp like the Frankenstein.
Regards,
Charles.

Sorry folks about my post. I thought I`d clicked over to Montejay`s system page.