Ayre QX-5 vs Lumin vs dCS Bartok


Of these 3, which would you go with?  Building out a new system with Roon and one of these as the digital hub.  I like the Ayre AX-5, and am leaning towards the QX-5 as a matching component.  However, the others seem a step above, please share your thoughts.  Thanks.
shulse01

Showing 1 response by drrsutliff

I own the QX5/20 and have used it for a while as a Roon endpoint on my network with an i5 core in another room.  Very nice sound much like @rossb describes.  Recently added a Wolf Alpha 3SX server to my rack and connected it by USB through the Wolf’s reclocking USB output.  I did not know the Ayre QX5/20 could perform at this level...  very rich tone now as well as the previously noted air and detail.  Much more muscular in presentation.