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

Sorry to take this thread somewhat off course but I did briefly want to address two comments: 1)"the Isis is not known to be musical." I am not really sure what exactly that means or whether it is intended to be negative in nature; however, based on my listening, the Isis are accurate, "garbage in, garbage out". They can be very musically natural when driven with the proper amp. By the way, I do not own the Isis nor am I in the market for new speakers. 2) "the Einstein is not very kind or musical on normal recordings." Again, I am unsure what "normal recordings" means and whether this is intended as criticism. In this particular instance, I do own the Einstein phono stage and while it does have weaknesses, it is accurate and does not sugar coat what is played through it. Normal recordings can sound spectacular with warmth and body, but again "garbage in, garbage out". My only point is that someone developing a system must make certain choices based on their perceptions and what they want to achieve. Accurate seems like a good starting point. Whether it is the final destination is another question. Note that I have no qualms with someone who chooses one of the other phono stages which are mentioned as each does have its strengths and weaknesses.

Fcrowder

My only point was that the Einstein sounded wonderful, however not with all recordings and was a little unforgiving to poorer recordings.
The unit is good enough for me to have another listen if I can, as i have removed one source of irritation in my system that may enable me to better appreciate the Einstein.

Are you using the balanced or SE Einstein?. BTW, great system

As you know at this price point, a lot has to do with synergies and compromises as there is no BEST, only best for your musical tastes.

cheers

I agree Avalon Isis is quite neutral and resovling, but to call Avalon sweet and musical is something I would not do, at least based on what I heard in several systems. Maybe it was the cable choice, but I certainly did not feel any enjoyment listening to Isis.

as for GP Monaco, my impression is it removes so much of external vibration from your components that you are hearing your components at the cleanest state. using maple block under component adds a certain warmth, using GP is like lifting everything away and in fact lift the frequency spectrum up a little. but the most important thing is there is less grain and glare despite sounding more extended and "higher" with even more details.

Fcrowder, I am debating on the Einstein pre amp. it's a sizable investment, not to mention the operating cost from 18 tubes and power it consumes. I started out looking for a new pre to displace my still very good Sonic Frontiers Line 3SE+, I was considering Ayre KX-R (and thought I would get the Ayre combo if I like them enough but didn't like them enough in dealer show room), Dartzeel (would go for the combo again if I like the sound enough, but even used price is slightly out of my reach now), EAR 912 (didn't think the phono stage built-in is as good as Einstein XLR phono), and Atma Sphere MA-1 (no remote). I am surprised to see you mating Einstein pre with JC-1 for such an efficient speaker, I would think Einstein OTL would be a nice amp to go into your system.

Semi:

Point taken, I think that what I really should have said is musically enjoyable. Again, the associated amp and cabling can make quite a difference in the final sound.

I am using the single ended Einstein and understand that the balanced version is even better.

With respect to the Einstein preamp, it is in my opinion a real sleeper. Although it has 18 tubes, 8 of those (6922's) are not really critical to the final sound which means that no tube rolling is required for those 8. Likewise only 11 tubes are "on" at any given time, the 8 previously mentioned, a 12AU7 and two 6922's associated with the particular input to which you are listening. The two 6922's which are used as inputs for each source and the ubiquitous 12AU7 which is always on have a major impact on the sound and tube rolling is highly recommended. To me this allows a certain tailoring of the sound of each input to get the tonal mix which you desire. In general, NOS tubes sound the best, particularly the more expensive Siemens and Telefunkens fron the 1960's. Mullards of the same vintage can also be nice. The unit is sensitive to power cords, AC filtering and to mechanical isolation. The aftermarket footer sold by Acapella works well. With respect to the JC-1's and the Acapella's, what can I say that you have not already heard? The Acapella's are a more difficult load that the sensitivity would suggest, likewise the JC-1's are a much better amp than people generally give them credit for but are not perfect. I have ordered a pair of Audio Note Kegons (balanced) and think that they will be my choice for a long while but only time will tell. The combination of the Einstein phonostage and preamp are synergistic and sound very good, certainly worth an audition.

I've heard the MX and KX-R combination at a very good retail location but I don't think I listened to any "crap modern recordings". Still, I simply can't give a meaningful impression of any gear until I can put into the context of my own system and room. I would highly recommend going through the difficulties it would take to do a home audition though.

Since their introduction I refused to be impressed by Avalon speaker systems because in a casual retail store comparisons they seemed to lack many of the qualities I was striving for. Five years ago I purchased a pair of Eidolons to resell but after a few weeks of listening to them at home I realized they possessed every quality I had been searching for, and then some, all these years.

The point is, I don't even trust my own ears in a store and I would certainly take any conclusion made by strangers on the internet as a simple suggestion and nothing more. There are three people in my audio world whose assessments of sound I trust. One is a musician, another is a sound engineer in the film industry. The other, who I've never meet, started a speaker company in Colorado but now produces audio electronics. I'm obviously very biased.

Your room, your music, your decision.