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Lumin U1 Mini + Ayre QB-9 Twenty

I just finished with a major upgrade to my digital front end and am extremely happy with the results.  I had a QB-9 DSD which served me well for many years but the Twenty upgrade seemed like such a bargain at $1500 I just couldn't resist.  

For those interested - here is what the upgrade provides:


We’ve made a number of innovations since the release of the QB-9. Here is what has been improved with the Twenty update:

  • Our Diamond output circuit improves musicality and bass response.
  • A new JFET differential stage lowers the noise floor.
  • AyreLock power supply regulation for better rendering of fine musical detail.
  • New AC noise filtering for improved resolution.
  • Custom Ayre Asynchronous USB technology further reducing electrical noise in the system.
  • New ESS DAC chip for improved signal to noise ratio and spacial detail.
  • Six layer board design for optimal circuit isolation.
  • Proprietary reclocking to eliminate USB domain jitter.
  • PCM play back up to 384 kHz
  • Native DSD capability up to DSD256 (4x)
  • HDCD decoding
The upgrade was not subtle IMO.  Everything improved - blacker background, improved clarity and detail, and better bottom and top end.  All of this contributed to a wider and more defined soundstage.  I can't recommend the upgrade enough if you have a QB-9. 

I was using a Mac Mini as a source streaming Amazon HD, Qobuz and Tidal to the QB-9, but got the itch to try something more dedicated as a source and was impressed with the reviews I've read not the Lumin U1 Mini so I decided to give it a try.

The combination of the U1 Mini and the Ayre is really something special IMO.  The Lumin interface is fantastic and super intuitive.  The SQ improvement took it up another large step over the Mac.  My system has never sounded better.  For anyone who is interested it's comprised of a Levinson 326s pre, Parasound JC1 mono's, Aerial 10T's and a JL Fathon 112V2.

Just wanted to pass along my experiences in case anyone else is considering this combination.

Ag insider logo xs@2xhk_fan
displayname
81 posts
 
Thanks for sharing! I haven't heard much about Ayre dacs, so it's good to have another quality option in the mix at this price range. 
tenpop
3 posts
 

Interesting observations about the Ayre.  I have an Ayre cx7e CD player and love it. Have heard great things about the Twenty upgrades.

 As I'm new to streaming and the Ayre only offers USB input could it just be connected directly to the network and stream Amazon or Qobuz via tablet?  Or does it require USB connected streamer?  I have an older Proceed AVP being fed by an Auris streamer via coaxial. The Proceed appears to be very ahead of its time with 4 Shark processors and Burr Brown chips in ladder volume control. (balanced inputs are limited to one set on the AVP and there's no AES to connect the CD so kind of a problem.) But it sounds really good.

Do you think from your experiences that Ayre's newer Twenty products might offer a sound via streaming that fits what I already enjoy and improve my streaming as compared to CD?

Thanks for any input or thoughts you might have.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
hk_fan OP
460 posts
 

I've streamed from my mac mini and also my Lumin U1 Mini.  Never tried streaming across the network but don't see why it wouldn't work.

I can't compare to the Proceed as I've never heard it, but the Ayre is still an excellent sounding unit.  I have one I'm not using if you're interested in a bargain!

tenpop
3 posts
 

Thanks, I'd have to think more about how to make something like that work with my existing stuff.  Are you able to email me? (yahoo)

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