AYRE QB9 DSD

An FYI on Lampizator DACs:
The super-high priced ones have been getting all of the press lately - Model 7 and Golden Gate.
However, their best selling DAC ever is the Model 4 now in Generation 5 form. While a decked out Lampizator Model 4 will cost about $1500 more than the Ayre DAC under discussion, but it is also considerably better sounding - no contest IMO. There is also a Model 5 between 4 and 7 DACs.

It is the best sounding dac I have ever heard. I have heard many at around its price point but not the crazy priced ones like the lampi.

Please see the review of the Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC in the Computer Audiophile web site below:

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/565-ayre-acoustics-qb-9-dsd-dac-review/

Please read his conclusion at the end of the article.

I own the Ayre QB-9 USB DAC and it is terrific. I am very impressed with the way it sounds. The new DSD version is much better sounding then my previous Ayre CX-7e CD player. The highs are better and so is the bass. Everything is better!

My Ayre QB-9 is connected to my Luxman Class A integrated L-590ax amplifier for my Sonus Faber Olympic II Speakers. The Luxman L-590ax is balanced and I am using Harmonic Technology Magic Link 2 balanced interconnect cables from my Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC to the Luxman. My MAC Book Pro computer is connected to the Ayre QB-9 using the Synergistic Research Active SE USB Cable. All files are in AIFF format (uncompressed) and stored on my external LaCie 3TB d2 USB 3.0 Thunderbolt Series Hard Drive.

It is hard for me to describe how it sounds. It seems the music is fuller, with more detail and with better bass control. I am hearing more of the music with the Ayre QB-9. The mid range is outstanding. The music is clearer, more airy and easier to listen to. I never get tired listening to it. Overall, the Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC sounds excellent in my system and I highly recommend you audition it. I listen to blues, classical, jazz,folk, country and new age.