Salon 2 / Ayre Question

 
For the last two days I've been auditioning the Revel Salon 2's with the top of the line Ayre gear: KX-R, MX-R monoblocks, C-5xe player.

Although this is a very impressive setup, sounding stunning at times, it was failing to engage me into the music. It was as if the system was trying too hard, for lack of a better description.

The midrange liquidity that I have heard from much less expensive systems (like ARC) was just not there. It sounded a bit forward and forced, too eager..?

These auditions have left me wondering if perhaps Mark Levinson gear would be a better match for the Salons.

Has anyone else ran into this with the Salons/Studios?

What gear are Salon 2/Sudio 2 owners partnering their speakers with? Am I better off using a hybrid preamp to aliviate some of the issues I'm mentioning above?

I'm extremely curious on the feedback from Revel owners
Thanks !!