Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

I'm sure you have had success ctsooner, but I can't afford more $4K power cords or $12K interconnects.  If I'm missing anything it most likely isn't musical information....any more atmosphere and low level detail will put me on the level of Quantum Music!  Growing up I was enthralled with a Sansui Receiver, Bozak speakers and a Garrard/Sure source lashed up with zip wire!  I'm definitely good to go.  Happy listening:)

Dave, I get it, I really do, but when did I ever mention cables that cost that much?  Also, this whole thread is about the BEST sounding redbook DAC not which 12k CD player is nice.  As for detail, you have to have detail and it needs to be delivered in proper time in order to get the best sound. Again, that's the whole premise of the thread.  I was and am not trying to be snarky in any way.  I appreciate great sounding systems that aren't costly, but you referenced a 12CD player that is 3k more than my new Ayre QX5 and it doesn't do nearly as much.  

I had two posters here ask me what your post meant and what you are trying to say. I'm not sure I know either. not trying to be difficult, just trying to understand your point in context to what Matt has been posting about.  Thanks.

Sorry...not really trying to force any particular point, other than I have found a single box player with really good power delivery, ancillaries and interconnects can give you world class sound.  I do understand however that the world has moved on from CD's....for that I have a digital module in my amp.  Most of my music has been collected over decades and represents a vast array of material that is no longer available...certainly not as a digital download.  My main system is for serious listening only anyway....no background crap or social schmultz!

Dave that's cool. It's all good. This thread has a life of its own anyways and we r waiting on Matt and a few of us who are waiting on new or upgrades DACs to discuss lol. 

Guys, the show at Audio connections on Sat was a ton of fun.  Michael from Audiostream showed up and we spoke most of the day (sorry Michael, lol).  Alex from Ayre showed off the QX5 and Roon. First time for each for me. I really enjoyed Roon and will incorporate it into my new digital set up I'm thinking.  Ketch, we NEED to speak, lol.

No true impressions of the QX since it only had 30 hours on it at best. It DID warm up and by 6pm is was sounding surprisingly good for that few hours on it.  I was enjoying the music, where earlier in the day I couldn't listen. This is WHY you can't judge gear until it's fully broken in.  I heard the bones of this thing though and I can tell that it's a winner that punches well above it's price of 9k.  Ten digital inputs of every type.  Streamer built in and easy to set up and use.  I honestly like that, plus it's a good looking unit that is built in true Ayre fashion.  Flawless construction and solid throughout.  I got to spend a ton of time with Alex Brinkmann as we all went out to eat afterwards too.  A really fun day.

Alex spoke about the special digital and analog filtering they are able to do by working with ESS on the DAC.  The unit implements their new double diamond analog stage as well as double filtering of the RF on the incoming power.  The unit has a very very low noise floor and they have optimized each of the ten inputs.  Even the satellite TV will sound better according to Alex and I have no reason to not believe him.  He's very open and honest about his gear.  Even the weaknesses of some pieces.  he likes to get feedback so they can keep engineering better products and improve what they have.  I was very impressed as you can all tell.

The sound of the headphone single ended jack with 0 hours breaking was balanced as heck.  It's basically the award winning Codex headphone amp with the best parts Ayre could find. With the money to play with for the headphone jack, they decided to make a world class headphone amp that has both balanced as well as 1/4" and 3.5mm single ended inputs.  Those of you who own a source and DAC/headphone amp will LOVE this piece.  I think it could become one of THOSE DACS as it will be an all in one piece for your personal audio system.  You can just stream Tidal or Qbuz (however it's spelled) and call it a day with a pair of LCD3/4's or Hifiman 1000's or the new Focal Utopias.

I can't wait to get mine and break it in.  Just wanted to share what I have for now.  Color me duly impressed so far.