Best alternative w/digtal inputs to Ayre QB-9 DAC?

Obvious suggestions would be the Metrum Octave III, the Chord QuteHD and the NAD M51.

Correction. It should be Ayre QB-9 DAC connectivity requirements.

I suggest you call Neutrik and see if they can help you with your Ayre QB-8 DAC connectivity requirements. I did and they helped me go from a XLR 110 ohm to a BNC 75 ohm connection (Ayre CD player to DAC). Their device worked perfectly.

See:

http://www.neutrik.us/en-us/

Neutrik is the leading provider of professional entertainment connector systems. Neutrik has developed, produced and distributed state-of-the-art connectors for more than 30 years. The product range includes XLR connectors, plugs, jacks, speaker-connectors, data-connectors, Patch-Panels, power-connectors, BNC connectors and special connectors for industrial applications. Neutrik’s strength is the early understanding of market needs, fast response through innovative designs, features and benefits based on customer feed-back as well as the application of state-of-the-art production technologies. Neutrik is committed to manufacturing excellence, with product quality based on ISO 9001-2000, reliable customer relationships and effective marketing. Neutrik USA provides sales, technical support and distribution throughout the United States. The corporate office is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, where all sales, marketing, and distribution are centered. From rock bands to lighting design, industrial equipment to broadcast studios, Neutrik products provide the robust and reliable connectivity solutions for most any industry. Quality Thinking – Quality Design, that's Neutrik.

Since nobody responded…It is very hard for me to resolve the difference between the W4S DAC-2 with an Audiophilleo 2 for USB on the W4S and the QB-9. The Audiophilleo 2 was a minor upgrade over the stock USB. Both of the W4S and the Qb-9 are coming out in revised forms with DSD and other improvements.

I"ve run into the same problem after adding an Apple TV (which only outputs toslink) to my 2-channel setup. Would be curious to know what others recommend.