2. digital
  3. 158220-68104

Ayre QB-9 twenty vs Chord Hugo TT2

Has anyone had the chance to hear both these DACs? I recently bought an Ayre AX-7e and really like it. I am using it with a Chord Qutest, which sounds great but am itching to try a balanced DAC with the Ayre. If I get the Chord used I think they will be within $500 to $1000 of each other depending on what I have to pay for a QB-9. Thanks in advance for any opinions you might have.
julian
gdnrbob
4,409 posts
 
I suggest you look at an Ayre Codex. Not quite a QB 9 Twenty, but very good for the money.
If you can score a used QB 9 non DSD, you will come out ahead with the upgrade- it doesn't matter which iteration, the upgrade price of $1500 is the same.

Bob
Ag insider logo xs@2x
dbphd
1,616 posts
 
I do think OP would be well served by using balanced connections from a DAC to the A7e.  I've been using a Codex to my A7e with KEF LS50s.  The sound is excellent.  Sources are an Ayre C-5xeMP disc player and ultraRendu Roon endpoint.
chesebert
66 posts
 
Make sure you use a high quality USB cable, preferably one with separate power as Codex USB is bus powered. I use a two headed cable so power is completely separated from signal until the very end. 
More to discover