2. digital
  3. 128093-93261

Should I update Ayre QB9 dac

After waiting more than a year to have my dac upgraded I've learned that the QB9 is now discontinued. I've owned and enjoyed the dac since it first came out and have had no problems. The upgrade was supposed to be a major improvement and would cost $750. However now that new models are out I'm having second thoughts wondering if the new Dacs have improved technology that would blow the QB9 away.
So has anyone heard the QB9 and the Codex or have an opinion or have an opinion on going ahead with the upgrade?


sophia2
sophia2 OP
2 posts
 
Thanks for the feedback. I am running in ballanced mode into a BAT pre. Ayre always stressed using xlrs.
I called Ayre customer service and they recommended getting the upgrade. They felt I should give it a try and I could always move up latter. Also easier to sell with upgrades.
Seems the new DACs are emphasing features rather than major upgrades in processing. I'm told USB only was the sore spot for Ayre with the QB9 and the new models change that.
yage
401 posts
 
I've heard both as well and actually prefer the QB-9 DSD to the Codex. I thought the older DAC sounded a bit more refined. One of these days I'll get around to comparing it to the new QX-5 Twenty, but I don't really need multiple digital inputs right now.
paul79
174 posts
 
I liked the Codex with PCM, but DSD didn't sound very good through it. Not sure how the QB-9 DSD handles DSD, but maybe this is one reason people prefer it?
More to discover