If you like the sound of the QB-9, you might move to the Codex. That device adds a toslink input and shares the QB-9 sound. Some users actually prefer the Codex, including golden ears Jim Smith.
Ayre QB-9 DAC - alternative connections?
I bought a used QB-9 and am overwhelmed with its performance in my system streaming Tidal Hifi from my iMac to my preamp via USB cable. With only one USB input into the Ayre DAC, I am unable to use it at the moment to accept a digital signal from my Oppo 103 (which has only two digital outputs: coax and Toslink.)
Does a device exist which would accept the USB stream from my iMac and a coax/toslink connection from my Oppo that would permit me to utilize the Ayre for both digital streams? If so, would such a device likely degrade the sound from either sources? Otherwise, I will consider another DAC to pair with the Oppo.
Many thanks for any insights you can provide.
Does a device exist which would accept the USB stream from my iMac and a coax/toslink connection from my Oppo that would permit me to utilize the Ayre for both digital streams? If so, would such a device likely degrade the sound from either sources? Otherwise, I will consider another DAC to pair with the Oppo.
Many thanks for any insights you can provide.
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I’m not aware of any way of getting from S/PDIF to USB cleanly. Ethernet to USB, yes. USB to S/PDIF, yes. I think you are stuck with USB with this DAC. If you want to use your Oppo, you need a different DAC. Even then, you will get this kind of jitter: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154408.0 Steve N. Empirical Audio |
@whitestix, I also suggest you consider the Ayre Codex DAC. it has both USB and optical (Tolink) inputs. I own the Codex DAC and like it very much. As was noted above, several people, including me, like it over the Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC. If possible, I suggest you use the Codex DAC's balanced XLR outputs to connect to your preamp. I am using its balanced outputs to connect to my Ayre AX-7e integrated amp and it sounds wonderful. It is an outstanding DAC for its $1,995 price. |
Gents, The obvious solution, which I was reminded of by my pal, is simply to rip all my CD's to my external HD and then I can dispense with the need for the Oppo CDP and alleviate the need for another DAC! I have downloaded Audirvana and Apple XLD and will through the task of ripping my 600 CDs on to my external HD. |
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