how do you know if you need a dac ?

The Ayre CX-7 has also 2 xlr and unbalanced analog outputs,You should try them and see if the sound is better than the digital xlr you should use it instead. usually in this level CD players have very good build in dac I am not sure you need standalone dac for your system.

OP- I got out of vinyl for the same reasons years ago. No regrets. Happy listening!

Tom

“how do you know if you need a dac”

Answer: Only when you try an external DAC and the music sounds better. Make sure it’s returnable if it doesn’t.

@itzhak1969                      "  The Ayre CX-7 has also 2 xlr and unbalanced analog outputs,You should try them and see if the sound is better than the digital xlr you should use it instead"


 Preamp is rca only, so if I wanted to try the xlr from the Ayre , would have to get the adapters.....and not sure if would make a difference ?   could try I guess.

I have the Ayre QB9 DSD DAC. I believe the DAC that Ayre uses in their CD Players is equal if not better sounding. Are you certain you can't use your CD player as a stand alone DAC as well? If not, I'd call Ayre.