The best 2 channel amp I have used on them was a Ayre V-5xe. I was worried about power rating after reading other opinions at the time, but this turned out not to be a non issue at all. I tried using a bryston 8bst(400watts x2 bridged), 4bst(250x2), rotel 1095,and a Anthem p2, I found the Ayre to be superior and also to be the best amp Ive heard for my tastes(much more expensive of course).The best Amp Ive used on them for 5.1 sound, is my current Bryston 9bsst. I am amazed at this amp. For its power rating it sure can pound the Legacys at high levels with Dolby Digital/DTS soundtrack levels. Not to mention its around 95% of what I felt the Ayre was doing all around, and Ive gained 3 channels without needing other amps in the system. I wanted to try the Bel Canto ref 1000, but never got the chance, maybe some day.
The best cd player, was my Ayre cx-7e. My best prepro for movies, is a Anthem avm 30. I never put out the money for the Statment D series Anthems because I was so happy with the avm 30. I would like hdmi option, but other then that I am 100% happy. The Ayre k-5xe was a great preamp, superior to the Bryston BP-25 I tried. Less Harsh, more relaxed(for those who like this) and smoother.
A All Ayre balanced system leaves little to be desired in my opinion. They just have a great enjoyable sound.
Ive heard pro's and cons with the Focus HD being better then the 20/20's. But I have no doubt when the day comes I have to replace the 20/20's, Ill give the HD a shot.
Im not huge into power cables, Ive always used the PS Audio power punch at $49.00 each. If you look at these, they do alot and at a price that you couldnt build them for on your own.
I dont like power conditioners, and both Anthem and Ayre recommend not to use one.
I use balanced connections and used a variety of cables. To me, and I know I am in the minority on this, I like the Canare cable/Nuetrik xx setups. I feel they have a very flat response and dont add brightness, or muddy bass. For me, they just sound right. I also see spending thousands of dollars on cables to be a waste of money for me. I found a change in tone doesnt make a cable better, usually it makes it worse as it is changing the source. A cables job is to get out of the way, or no cable at all. Canare has a great line up, with even a complete 75 ohm cable,connector option available for a digital cable that most hi end manufactures cant even produce. Plus a killer crimp on style that eliminates solder use and problems there. For the record, these are what the studio's use, and in many cases these are cost no object studios. This shows I am not alone in my findings with cables. I know plenty of people disagree with this as well, and I can respect that,but just disagree.
The best cd player, was my Ayre cx-7e. My best prepro for movies, is a Anthem avm 30. I never put out the money for the Statment D series Anthems because I was so happy with the avm 30. I would like hdmi option, but other then that I am 100% happy. The Ayre k-5xe was a great preamp, superior to the Bryston BP-25 I tried. Less Harsh, more relaxed(for those who like this) and smoother.
A All Ayre balanced system leaves little to be desired in my opinion. They just have a great enjoyable sound.
Ive heard pro's and cons with the Focus HD being better then the 20/20's. But I have no doubt when the day comes I have to replace the 20/20's, Ill give the HD a shot.
Im not huge into power cables, Ive always used the PS Audio power punch at $49.00 each. If you look at these, they do alot and at a price that you couldnt build them for on your own.
I dont like power conditioners, and both Anthem and Ayre recommend not to use one.
I use balanced connections and used a variety of cables. To me, and I know I am in the minority on this, I like the Canare cable/Nuetrik xx setups. I feel they have a very flat response and dont add brightness, or muddy bass. For me, they just sound right. I also see spending thousands of dollars on cables to be a waste of money for me. I found a change in tone doesnt make a cable better, usually it makes it worse as it is changing the source. A cables job is to get out of the way, or no cable at all. Canare has a great line up, with even a complete 75 ohm cable,connector option available for a digital cable that most hi end manufactures cant even produce. Plus a killer crimp on style that eliminates solder use and problems there. For the record, these are what the studio's use, and in many cases these are cost no object studios. This shows I am not alone in my findings with cables. I know plenty of people disagree with this as well, and I can respect that,but just disagree.