Ayre QX-5 vs Lumin vs dCS Bartok

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.

shulse01
as above, if you are searching for a musically rich tone, look no further than the QX-5.
Happy Listening!

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.  

Thanks everyone.  Purchased the QX5/20 and have it on order.  No looking back, this should be great sound.

I use Roon via ethernet to my QX-5/20, with balanced analog to a KX-5/20 preamp and VX-5/20 amp. Of course the sound is great, but just clicking play on my computer and watching the AyreLink turn everything on is a fascinating convenience. A DX-5 DSD handles Blu-ray. I’m hooked on the Ayre sound, or perhaps the absence of it that results in transparency.

db