Ayre QB-9 vs. W4S DAC2 thru USB?

Yeap, the DAC2 lower price + all those included features make me wonder. Many good comments about its sonics, although not much about the USB input. The DAC2 would allow me to use this DAC for my CD player used as transport plus use a computer...which would be nice.

I know Ayre's reputation, and the QB-9 seems to be a great unit. Somebody on this forum mentioned it sounded thin to him. What's your experience, meaning what have you been able to compare it to? I'm thinking it would nicely complement my tube pre and amp.

When you eliminate the dealer markup you can sell an audio product for a lot less. Don't let the W4S reasonable price deter you; it is worth 2-3X its price, and would cost that much if sold through a dealer network and the cosmetics were gussied up. I think it is a stellar product, and I have been listening to CD's since my first Magnavox CDB 350 (650?) back in 1986.

No dis to Ayre, which has a first rate reputation and deservedly so.

Neal

Lewinski,
My only comparison is to my Esoteric DX50. I can't hear a difference in my setup and I'm quite pleased with it. Rest of my stuff is in my system page that should be linked with post.

larry