I have (and will soon be selling) a QX-8 to upgrade to the. QX-5.
The 8 is so wonderful in so many ways but since my budget allows the improved performance of the 5 (which I evaluated in a wonderful setting) I am making the move
Ayre Acoustics QX-5 Twenty Streaming DAC
Had the Ayre QX-8 Streaming DAC for some time and it was an outstanding DAC. I just recently upgraded to the Ayre QX-5 Twenty Streaming DAC. IMHO, the Ayre QX-5 Twenty Streaming DAC is one of the best DACs on the market today. Although not inexpensive, it's a big-time value compared to some of the more expensive megabuck DACs on the market today. An "AMAZING" piece of gear!!!!