I use to own the Ayre QB-9 USB DAC. At first, I was impressed with the way it sounded. I used the MAC Book Pro computer with 4 GB RAM and the 120GB solid state drive. I used the Seaport Free Agent Go Pro 500GB external hard drive to store my music files (a 2nd one for backup). The Furman AC-215 power conditioner was needed so the MAC computer did not interfere with the audio components. It took several phone cals to my retailer to get the setup correct.
After many months of listening, I decided I did not like it the way it sounded in my system. In addition, there were too many boxes and too many wires in my living room. I sold everything and returned to my Ayre CX-7e CD player. I never looked back and like my CX-7e CD player very much.
For me, I liked the sound coming from the Ayre CX-7e better than the sound coming from the MAC computer and the Ayre QB-9 DAC. It felt more natural and clearer than the computer and DAC did. I suggest you audition the Ayre QB-9 in your system and then you can decide.
After many months of listening, I decided I did not like it the way it sounded in my system. In addition, there were too many boxes and too many wires in my living room. I sold everything and returned to my Ayre CX-7e CD player. I never looked back and like my CX-7e CD player very much.
For me, I liked the sound coming from the Ayre CX-7e better than the sound coming from the MAC computer and the Ayre QB-9 DAC. It felt more natural and clearer than the computer and DAC did. I suggest you audition the Ayre QB-9 in your system and then you can decide.