Ayre MR-X monoblocks - how good are they??

Of course when I said tube rules, I am referring to within tube's capability. If anyone tries to drive ATC or MBL with SET, he is hopeless.

But for a medium load with a good tube amp, I don't think there is a solid state amp regardless of the price that can go head to head in lower mid and up. Yes, we all know SS will have better dynamic, better bass extension, maybe even better top end extension. But, the big BUT, will you enjoy listening to that super extended, hyper detail, 2D soundstage, and hi-fi sounding SS amp all day long?

I know everyone has his preference and YMMV. For me, I want a easy to drive speaker coupled with a good tube amp. I will hear all the micro dynamic, more important than macro dynamic to me. I have owned world class speakers that are inefficient in the past. No matter what solid state amps I used, I always prefer tube amps at the end of the day except those speakers demanded monster tube amps. So the clear alternative is to find easier to drive speakers.

Bar81,

I heard the Ayre combo more than 1 occasion on different speakers. Not trying to say Ayre is bad, just saying I wasn't impressed and I already stated the fact Avalon ISIS which was not known to be musical could be the culprit. I also stated I wasn't familiar with the rest of the chain and room, so it was just my opinion and take it with a grain of salt. However, I did hear Lamm 2.2 in my home before and many consider Lamm to be more musical than Ayre. Even with Lamm, I prefer my tube setup by a mile, so did everyone who heard the comparision.

Bianci, I heard them in Singapore dealer.

Semi

Grand prix stand might be OK, however I am not a fan of their racks. They sway like the breeze and add a bit of upper energy which can be tiresome over time.

The Pass XONO is no chopped liver and can easily hold its own to the Einstein, PH7, Steelhead or evern the Aesthetix IO if you look at the strenghts and weaknesses of each.
The Einstein is a great phono stage extremely dynamic - however it is very revealing, so not very kind or musical on normal recordings. I may have a nother listen to the Einstein soon if I can.
PH7 - great phono stage - however does not have enough gain for my LOMC's.
Steelhead - in my system has never sounded musical, just SS with little hint it has tubes.
Aesthestix IO sig - great sounding unit - overall better that the Xono in most respects - except NOISE. I have always got residual tube noise and I am not paying that much money for noise.

My dealer says the MX-R don't sound goood whatsoever. They have not put any hours on them thou, hence asking the question.

I would agree with you that a good tube amp just has something in the upper mids and treble that SS can't seem to tonally grab, however everything is a compromise.

Stilskin and Semi

were the MX-R's you both heard fully run in?? I know Arye state quite firmly that they need 300-400 hours to sound decent.

Both of you seem to have completely different views of the amps - which is fine

Downunder

Will you have your ART upgraded to the lateset specs?