As good as Ayre QB-9 DSD but with SPDIF input?

I'm looking to run the Apple TV through it.

Agree that DAC holds its own. I prefer it to the Berkeley Alpha Series 1 fed with Audiophilleo plus Pure Power. Rest of the system is Simaudio i7 and Avalon Ideas.

Thank you for the info you guys! Will research these, especially the Hegel.

I've heard the Vega has more tonal saturation compared the Ayre but is in the same sonic ballpark, so that could be a safe (lateral) move. I also feel when changing gear I should try to get in a sonic upgrade if possible but, trying to keep it under 2-3k and open to pre-loved.

A bit of color on my usage pattern - my 99.9% use case is going to be Redbook CD, Tidal and Apple TV.

Thanks Winson. Lampizator seems to be getting quite a bit of attention. I'm concerned about long term reliability and ability to audition one.

I've been A/B'ng the Ayre and BADA Series 1 (AP2+PP) using Multi-Output Device support on the Mac. The Ayre clearly has more forward but natural vocals. Bass is slightly better defined on the Ayre. BADA has better soundstage depth.

This comparison is very telling of how much things have improved and changed in the last 4 years!

Update on my ongoing comparison between the Ayre and Berkeley.

On a Mac you can create a Multi-Output Device in Audio MIDI utilities which outputs the same stream to two or more audio devices and compensates for drifting clocks as well. This allows one to play the same piece of music to two USB devices at the same time and A/B between them.

I finally setup both DACs, level matched, same power cords and interconnects to the best A/B comparison I can. The result is that there are some differences in the vocals but for the most part the Ayre QB-9 DSD and Berkeley + AP1 sound very very very close to my ears.

So this solves my problem of finding something that sounds as good but has more inputs.

Just for kicks I've sorted these suggestions by prices listed on various review sites.

Sim Audio D300 V2 $1,000
Hegel HD12 $1,400
Hegel HD25 $2,500

Ayre QB-9 DSD $3,250
Auralic Vega $3,500
Exasound E22 $3,500

Berkeley Alpha Series 2 $5,000
Lampizator Level 4 $5,000
Mytek Manhattan $5,000
PS Audio Direct Stream $6,000
Calyx Femto $6,850
Meitner MA1 $7,000

I've sent and email to the Lampi requesting more info about the L4. I doubt this is going to show up on the used market anytime soon.

Happy Holidays!