Ayre C 5xe Universal vs. Cary 306 SACD

Any opinions from experience on the 306 used as a decoder for external digital feeds? And does this machine have a true balanced analog architecture to go with its XLR outputs?

Yes, it has true balanced analog architecture. There is a wonderful review of the 306 in this month's TAS. It is a great machine.

The only concern I would have about the Cary 306 SACD unit at this point would be reliability, as it runs quite hot--apparently. Doesn't greater heat increase the chances of damage where delicate SS circuits are involved?

No heat problems here, standard Billy Bags rack - adequate ventilation.

Keep in mind that any semiconductor, even commercial grade is rated to at least 70 deg C, most are rated to 85 deg C. That's 185 deg F, which would be pretty darn hot.

The unit does warm up, but does not get hot to the touch.

Now that my iron lung is working again, I can finally respond. Tvad, good point. You seemed to have gotten the joke. One can only hope Metralla's quoting you will allow him to attain the bliss of Audiofeil's ignorance. How many qualifiers does it take to express an opinion on Audiogon? Let me rephrase my thought: in my most humble and possibly unworthy, useless and trivial musings, the Ayre C5xe trounced the shit out of the most esteemed, self-deserving and grandiose Redbook competitors. "Your mileage may vary". But then again, an Escalade with 20" spinners usually takes the cake on this site.