Ayre USB DAC

[veloaudio]

Looks like $3500 retail. I can't imagine any dealers would be lower. Although, I read about a rumored preorder special but I couldn't find out any details.

U.S. Retail Price List

[Hopstretch]

MSRP is $3500, Dinny.

Digital Music Sources

There's a retailer list on the site. I think their dealer network is pretty tight and doesn't discount much.

[veloaudio]

Buy some music and you could win one:

Win a Naim DAC with new Naim Label releases! - Topic Powered by Social Strata

Edit: In stores in December 2009. Might be able to call a local dealer and see if they are offering a pre-order special.

[Hopstretch]

Back on topic. Ahem ahem.

New review with some good comparisons.

One bit of fresh intel in there, that 24/192 capability will become standard on all new units fairly shortly.

[screaming oranges]

Yesterday an auction ended for a QB-9 at $1500 (or $1600 was it?). I saw it while browsing the "Recently ended auctions" category.

Funny thing is, no one bid.

[Hopstretch]

I think that's just A'gon systems weirdness. The seller cancelled the auction pretty much straight away, but it still "runs" for the two-week period.

[screaming oranges]

I think that's just A'gon systems weirdness. The seller cancelled the auction pretty much straight away, but it still "runs" for the two-week period.

ahh, didn't know that. Explains a lot of things!

[The Monkey]

'stretch, how's the bass on the Ayre?

[grawk]

'stretch, how's the bass on the Ayre?

Fishy

[Voltron]

[Hopstretch]

I think it's solid, Dinny, but Ryan and Doug both complained of "fuzziness" a few pages back. After reading that I did a little test for my own satisfaction, playing a couple of tracks with fast, punchy bass lines on the TT and computer (using high-res rips of the same vinyl pressings) at the same time and switching back and forth on the pre-amp while listening.

To my ears (using both the HD800s and the Quads), while there were audible differences between the "pure" analog tracks and the digital files, there was nothing to latch on to in the bass region particularly.

Anyway, have them ship me that Naim DAC before it goes to you and I'll give you a nice comparison.

[n_maher]

I think that's just A'gon systems weirdness. The seller cancelled the auction pretty much straight away, but it still "runs" for the two-week period.

Your knowledge of the inner workings of Audiogon is truly inspiring.

[Hopstretch]

Your knowledge of the inner workings of Audiogon is truly inspiring.

Oh, I'm a mere amateur. Tom Hankins' computer was hitting the site so often they got a domestic violence restraining order against him.

[Dreadhead]

Anyway, have them ship me that Naim DAC before it goes to you and I'll give you a nice comparison.

Naim DAC? Impressions please.

[Dusty Chalk]

Oh, I'm a mere amateur. Tom Hankins' computer was hitting the site so often they got a domestic violence restraining order against him.

:rimshot:

[randerson3024]

Well, my QB-9 came in, and after about 4 hours of listening, it sounds really good with the Amarra Mini software. Impressions to come later. This is my first experience using a computer as a source.

[swt61]

Just listened to this DAC. ASR brought it to the Dallas meet. The system was laptop>Ayre>BHSE>OII

Damn nice!

[Mr.Shadow]

So, what is the verdict on the Ayre ?

Does it live to the "ASync USB" reputation ?

[randerson3024]

So far, so good. Amarra makes it sound more musical to me, and less "electrnonic". I am having licensing issues on the boat, so it will be awhile until I can use the full blown version of Amarra. I am also waiting for a Kimber USB cable. I have no idea how much of a difference it will make. I have heard that Belkin cables sound good as well, but I haven't had a chance to try one.

[Mr.Shadow]

Now comes the real question, how do the Ayre compare to DACs at its price range.

BTW, are you using a MAC as the computer feeding the Ayre ?

[randerson3024]

Now comes the real question, how do the Ayre compare to DACs at its price range.

BTW, are you using a MAC as the computer feeding the Ayre ?

I am using a new iMac feeding the Ayre. I'm afraid I can't comment as to it's quaility comparing to DAC's at it's price range. I am using a Reimyo DAP 999, which is much more expensive, and much better, but I expect it to be. I colleauge has a PS Audio (not the Perfect Wave), and the Ayre sounds much better. The only other comparison I can make is a straight comparison to an Esoteric DV-60 which is used as a video and SACD source as well as a transport to the Reimyo for redbook CD playback. So far, the Esoteric does better the Ayre on standard CD's, but the Ayre does sound good. I haven't attempted to compare SACD playback to computer playback with the Ayre since the source is so different. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

[ultros]

For those who've heard both, how does the QB-9 compare to the Buffalo 32s in terms of sound quality?

[grawk]

strawberry

[randerson3024]

if it isn't made to the USB spec, it may likely be worse than a $.50 cable that is made to spec. if it is made to spec, i can't imagine it making any difference whatsoever.

I have heard the Belkin competes with the expensive ones. I guess I will find out when it comes.

[Lil' Knight]

I bought the Belkin Gold usb cable off ebay for 2 bucks. Better look and build than other generic cables. Doesn't hurt to give it try.