Ayre QX-5 Twenty

Though I don't own a QX-5, I do/have owned the Codex, QB-9 Twenty. Both perform well above their price point, IMHO.

As to why they use what they use, I would suggest contacting them directly.

Ariel or Ryan will probably respond. There are a bunch of Youtube videos on Youtube, too. Ayre is a really good company to deal with- at least from my experience.

Bob

I have owned a QB-9 for around a dozen years, I had it upgraded to the QB-9 Twenty about the years ago. It is an outstanding DAC and also for the money. Relaxed, details, natural. Excellent DAC.

A great company that upgraded my 8 year old DAC for a reasonable price. I believe they basically returned the same case with an all new DAC. 

I have the qx-5 dac. It is my favorite dac that I have owned, and I have owned close to 15 dacs over the last 3-4 years. I’ve had the T+A Dac 200, Denafrips T2, Holo May, Audio Mirror, Gustard, Topping, Aqua La Scala, Weiss 501, Mojo Mystique, Musetec, and a few others. I have most of them on my YT channel.

https://youtu.be/u3sb_fVpQJ8

Thanks for the info. You gave the Ayre a ringing endorsement to say the least!

With the QX-5, I assume there is no reason to have a separate server/streamer, which is a big savings as well. 

@phastm3 

What does the Ayer do better that the T+A cannot? I know you have very good experience with various DACs that you mentioned.

Forget about the Ayre. I owned the QX-5 twenty for some years. I liked it.

I decided to sell it and I purchased a MOJO audio DAC.

The MOJO blew the Ayre away. No comparison. The increase in SQ

was astounding.Check out Mojoaudio.com.You will see the multitude of awards.

that Mojo's products have garnered. Give Ben a call. He offers a 30 day audition trial. There's a demo Mystique SE on sale for $5999.

bander - "blew it away" huh?  On that advice, I'm gonna purchase a unit from MojoAudio??....who is this company.  2 men and a dog, in a garage??  A little bit of nepotism going on here?

jymc sorry you're having a bad day. You clearly don't know know about what you speak..

^^ That is one of the weirdest post I’ve ever seen on this site. But looks like lots of bad days in their posting history. Mojo Audio is a fine and known brand around here for many years. Lots of oddness in that one post, even for here. 

Another vote for Ayre.  I have QX 5 and AX 5.  Competes with anything out there at any price.  Great support from the company and US made.  Internal Ethernet streaming is excellent.  I also have a separate streamer, not sure it's needed. 

joc3021

The AYRE AX-5 and QX-5 makes for a very fine combination for those Audiophiles not wanting a disc-spinner.

Happy Listening!