Ayre QB-9/20 (board rev. 3.1)

I must admit, I'm a big fan of Ayre (just take a look at my system), so naturally, I was thrilled when I upgraded to the Ayre QB-9/20 (board rev. 3.1).

Previously, I had been using the Ayre CX-7e(mp) since 2006 and the Topping D10 Balanced DAC (driven by a Mac Mini M1 / Roon) for the past few months (while my QB-9 was being upgraded). I compared them using the same source bits - a CD for the Ayre CX-7e(mp) and an AIFF rip of the CD for the Topping D10 Balanced DAC and the Ayre QB-9/20 DAC.

Trying to put my listening experience into words without going full audiophile has been a challenge. The Topping D10 Balanced sounds similar to the CX-7e(mp) in "measure mode," like art painted on a glass pane. However, after just three tracks with the QB-9/20, that single pane transformed into a stack of panes with depth and dimension. It felt as if I was no longer just listening to Lana Del Rey, but rather intimately connected to her voice, as if she was singing solely for me. Perhaps it's a bit much, but I enjoy the allusion, and I'm a huge Lana Del Rey fan.

After about 350 hours of burn-in time, the QB-9/20 reached a consistent and confident state. Joy Division's "Closer" has been a staple in my music collection since 1988, and Ian Curtis' voice has never sounded more immediate. Martin Hannett's stripped-down and intimate production style, which often hides sonic surprises on lesser systems, is brought to the forefront by the QB-9/20. It not only separates and highlights individual tracks but also brings out those hidden details.

Furthermore, the QB-9/20's reproduction of Pink Floyd's "Time" is incredibly engaging. The ticking clock and chimes startle me every time, regardless of how familiar I am with the song. The final ringing of the grandfather clock even triggers memories of a clock from my parents' friends' home, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

For me, the goal of a system isn't necessarily to reproduce a live performance, but rather to faithfully convey the producer's intent, limitations, and artistic choices. The Ayre QB-9/20 succeeds in transporting me to the studio, placing me behind the monitors to truly appreciate the mix. My only gripe is that it accentuates the weaknesses of my CX-7e(mp), particularly in terms of low-end responsiveness, articulation, and previously unnoticed details. However, it allows me to dissect and appreciate the layering of tracks with newfound clarity. That's pretty cool. Bravo!