Ayre C-5xe, Classe CDP-202, and Marantz SA-7S1

[merlinus]

I am considering these for my system to replace a 17-year-old Sony C77ES.

Does it come down to features vs. sonics?

Ayre supports SACD, DVD-A, and DVD-V soundtracks. Classe does not support SACD. Marantz does not do DVD anything.

All are fairly close to one another in price.

Thoughts and suggestions much appreciated!

[dtb300]

Modwright (Dan Wright) has brand new Sony 9100ES with full mods - wont do DVD-A, but they also offer new Denon 3910 with full mods. Many reviews out there on both of these players not being touched by any stock players costing 2-3 times as much.

[twitch54]

Merlin, Of the three you listed I'd go with the Ayre, had a chance to listen to it for the first time this past week and thought it to be everything positive that had been said about it.

But if you would like to save yourself some serious $$$ and have sonics as good, or even better, I agree with DTB300,check out ModWright's Sony9100ES Modded player.

FWIW, while not in the market to replace my digital front end, if I were the ModWright unit would be on my 'short list' for sure.

[David Meek]

Merlin, I twitch :B a little on the subject of modified components, so I'd recommend the Ayre.

[merlinus]

Many thanks for all the responses -- much appreciated!

I too "twitch" at the idea of modded gear. What happens when it needs repair and the modder has gone to another galaxy?

After further research, I discovered that of the three, only Marantz manufactures its own transport. A dealer/friend stated, audio quality being equal, that this should be an overriding factor.

Too bad the Marantz SA-1 is no longer available -- by all accounts it was one heckuva machine.