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Ayre QX-5 vs Lumin vs dCS Bartok

Of these 3, which would you go with?  Building out a new system with Roon and one of these as the digital hub.  I like the Ayre AX-5, and am leaning towards the QX-5 as a matching component.  However, the others seem a step above, please share your thoughts.  Thanks.
shulse01
drrsutliff
884 posts
 
I own the QX5/20 and have used it for a while as a Roon endpoint on my network with an i5 core in another room.  Very nice sound much like @rossb describes.  Recently added a Wolf Alpha 3SX server to my rack and connected it by USB through the Wolf’s reclocking USB output.  I did not know the Ayre QX5/20 could perform at this level...  very rich tone now as well as the previously noted air and detail.  Much more muscular in presentation. 
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I"ve heard it in uber systems and it's a great DAC/digital front end.  I will scale with better equipment to a very high level.
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,311 posts
 
shulse01
as above, if you are searching for a musically rich tone, look no further than the QX-5.
Happy Listening!
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Funny thing is that I don't know anyone who have heard the QX5/20 not enjoy it and feel that it punches well beyond it's price range.  There is a reason that Ayre is taking it's time with a reference DAC.  
shulse01 OP
3 posts
 
Thanks everyone.  Purchased the QX5/20 and have it on order.  No looking back, this should be great sound.
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