What do you think of Ayre CX-7e and Arcam FMJ CD33/36?

michaelv · « **on:** 13 Apr 2006, 02:28 am »

Hi,
I'm looking to upgrade cdp . The two i'm interested in are:

Arcam FMJ CD33 or CD36 = $2,500

Ayre CX-7e = $2,950

What do you think of these two players? Is it worth 500 on Ayre to Arcam?

thanks.

lcrim · « **Reply #1 on:** 13 Apr 2006, 04:58 pm »

I am not trolling for an arguement but if you have decided to spend at the $3000 level, hard drive based playback, even if you have to buy a new PC should be high on your list. Very high quality playback along with fast access to all of your Redbook titles is available at the cost of a small learning curve.

PhilNYC · « **Reply #2 on:** 13 Apr 2006, 07:17 pm »

I've heard the previous models of each (Ayre CX-7 and Arcam CD23 - I owned the Arcam) and prefer the Ayre for a more organic and full-bodied sound. Not sure about the current models of each...

michaelv · « **Reply #3 on:** 13 Apr 2006, 09:30 pm »

I've just walked out from the local store which caries Ayre CX-7e. I think it's wonderful player and built like a tank! I just need to listen to Arcam CD36 to compare....and make my decision later.

thanks.

WEEZ · « **Reply #4 on:** 13 Apr 2006, 10:09 pm »

If you can swing the price of the Ayre, that would be my choice between the two. Phil's description is accurate, imho.

If you like the Ayre, and want to spend less, try to listen to a CEC TL-51XR. You could buy over a hundred CD's with the savings; or add a modest vinyl rig to your system

report back..

WEEZ

mcrespo71 · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 Apr 2006, 10:29 pm »

I've never heard the Arcam, but I heard the original Ayre CX7 and thought it was a really, really good player. I think Phil's description is dead on- sounded really full and musical.

arthurs · « **Reply #6 on:** 14 Apr 2006, 12:09 am »

I would second giving the CEC a listen. I just got the transport version and it is ssssswwwweeeeet. Matched it up with a DAC60 with sonicap mods and some upgrade tubes and for less than $2500 I have the best digital I've had yet.

This setup replced a Cary 303/300 which is no slouch. I've heard Ayre and Arcam, but like Phil only the previous versions. Limited to that choice I would also recommend the Ayre line.

michaelv · « **Reply #7 on:** 14 Apr 2006, 01:24 am »

I have never heard of CEC . Do you you have any links to the manufacture website? I would love to try ..and if it can save me money, i won't limit myself to only Ayre...

thanks.

arthurs · « **Reply #8 on:** 14 Apr 2006, 01:41 am »

Here ya go....

http://www.cec-international.de/pages/s40.html

Mutine is the dist. for North America I believe.

http://www.mutine.com/

Cheers! Art