Ayre SPDIF DAC

They don't seem to be showing anything new other than the DX-5 universal player with a USB input which is supposed to debut in January 2010.

It has been reviewed in the Oct 2009 issue of STEREOPHILE.

Like all other Ayre equipment reviews in that magazine, it received a 'Thumbs Up.'

I heard the DX-5 at RMAF. The Ayre rep said that the DX-5 should beat the QB-9 due to an improved output stage.

it's also supposed to run $8K-$10K (pricing yet to be finalized)...Soundstage's reporting on RMAF singled it out as a product to watch out for...here is the link to their commentary: http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/avtour2009/rmaf_ss01.html

Interesting. Ayre has openly loathed spdif in the past. Probably just seeing all the sales opportunities they are missing. In any event, maybe they will now start offering a spdif input on their cdp's going forward.