My pal with the Sony unit is wondering if the addition of a Ayre QB-9 DAC might be a sonic improvement. I have one for him to try. It was the first DAC I have had that demonstrably improved the sound of my system so he would like to try it. It would seem that the Ayre might have some additive benefit to his system, but of course he will only know if he tries it and it is evidently possible from a connectivity standpoint.
It is not at all clear to me what the benefits of a "music server" or "music streamer" are. I have digitized my CD collection onto an 6TB external HD which I play through my iMac via Audivana connected by USB to my Ayre Codex. I stream Tidal Hifi through my iMac to the Codex. The digital set up cost me about $500 yet another pal just bought an NAD M50 for $3500 and I can't really see the benefit of it compared to my set up, given that he too has an iMac.
Any thoughts?
It is not at all clear to me what the benefits of a "music server" or "music streamer" are. I have digitized my CD collection onto an 6TB external HD which I play through my iMac via Audivana connected by USB to my Ayre Codex. I stream Tidal Hifi through my iMac to the Codex. The digital set up cost me about $500 yet another pal just bought an NAD M50 for $3500 and I can't really see the benefit of it compared to my set up, given that he too has an iMac.
Any thoughts?