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What solid state dac is similar to Ayre CX-5e?

I have recently aution a few system on my trip to New York. After comparing a few cd player, I felt Ayre's sonic attributes would suit me the best. I would buy it now if I want a cd player.

My recent experiment with PC audio was a great success and confirmed that PC audio is the way to go. The convinience of PC interface simply make me listen to more music! Therefore, I need a dac instead of a cd player.

My system consists of the following:
Aesthetix Calypso preamp
Art Diavolo amp
Audio Note speakers

I would like to focus my search for a solid state Dac as the few tube dacs (Audio Note, Wavelength, and MHDT )I tried was too much of a good thing in my full tube system.

I really Ayre sound as I thought it was very neutral in a way that no frequency range stand out. I could not detect any noticable charateristics. It is refreshing that all of the cds i play all sound different. Of course, all of the tube units I tried sounded more "beautiful" especially at the dealer's all solid state system.

I hope I have provided enough information for you to make recommendation. My budget would be in the same ball park as the Ayre.
Thanks

Here
kentchai

Showing 5 responses by kentchai

kentchai OP
32 posts
 
I am remain open to all options. Imac/itune is my first choice, but I may choose a PC/Jriver to save cost.

It would be really simple if I end up with USB dac. Empirical Off-Ramp or Freeway would be my choice if I choose non-usb dacs.

My budget is about $5K for the Dac.
kentchai OP
32 posts
 
Thanks for the input.

Could you please enlighten me on the firewire route option? I am not aware of any dac with firewire input. Or are you talking about firewire to spdif convertor?

The esoteric gears look impressive, but I have not heard it before. How would you discrbe the sound? Similar to Ayre's school of sound?

Thanks
kentchai OP
32 posts
 
How is the Bel Canto compare to the Havana?
kentchai OP
32 posts
 
Maxx2man,

Could you please describe the sound characteristic of the Berkeley Dac, since you have been playing with one? I could not find any review online as it is a new product. Have you heard an Ayre, a comparison will be awesome here?

The Weiss look really interesting, I am going to look into it.

Cerrot,

Thanks. Your description of the esoteric is very helpful. I need to look up the price for D05 to make sure i can afford it:-)

Thanks.
kentchai OP
32 posts
 
Thanks everyone for your inputs.
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