Ayre QX-5 Twenty

Though I don't own a QX-5, I do/have owned the Codex, QB-9 Twenty. Both perform well above their price point, IMHO.

As to why they use what they use, I would suggest contacting them directly.

Ariel or Ryan will probably respond. There are a bunch of Youtube videos on Youtube, too. Ayre is a really good company to deal with- at least from my experience.

Bob

I have owned a QB-9 for around a dozen years, I had it upgraded to the QB-9 Twenty about the years ago. It is an outstanding DAC and also for the money. Relaxed, details, natural. Excellent DAC.

A great company that upgraded my 8 year old DAC for a reasonable price. I believe they basically returned the same case with an all new DAC. 

I have the qx-5 dac. It is my favorite dac that I have owned, and I have owned close to 15 dacs over the last 3-4 years. I’ve had the T+A Dac 200, Denafrips T2, Holo May, Audio Mirror, Gustard, Topping, Aqua La Scala, Weiss 501, Mojo Mystique, Musetec, and a few others. I have most of them on my YT channel.

https://youtu.be/u3sb_fVpQJ8

Thanks for the info. You gave the Ayre a ringing endorsement to say the least!

With the QX-5, I assume there is no reason to have a separate server/streamer, which is a big savings as well.