Perfectly proportioned, the QB-9 DSD is destined to convert your computer into an uncompromised digital library of your favorite music. A simple USB connection engages the Asynchronous transfer mode ensuring accurately timed music with jitter levels over a hundred times lower than previous USB solutions.

Custom Ayre Asynchronous USB technology further reducing electrical noise in the system. New ESS DAC chip (ES9038Q2M) for improved signal to noise ratio and spatial detail. Six layer board design for optimal circuit isolation.

Oct 16, 2009 · These days, it seems you can't shake a stick without hitting a USB DAC, but Ayre's QB-9 ($2500) is something a little different. Ayre's marketing manager, Steve Silberman, was adamant: "The QB-9 isn't a computer peripheral. It makes computers real high-end music sources." What makes the QB-9 different? I'll just hit the high points here.

Jan 29, 2014 · The Ayre QB-9 DSD is so much more than a QB-9 that plays DSD files. The QB-9 DSD contains five upgrades from the previous model, the smallest of which is the enabling of DSD playback. The QB-9 DSD is really a completely new DAC.

Mar 8, 2023 · The Ayre QB-9 Twenty is the latest of several upgrades made to this series over the years. New faceplate, new circuit, updated DAC chip. $3500 US retail. The faceplate is very handsome in person by the way.

Jul 28, 2021 · Ayre currently offers a special upgrade program called "The Twenty" for arguably their most popular product, the QB-9 DAC that has sold in the thousands worldwide. Hefley emailed that the QB-9 DAC itself is no longer in production, however, when it was, he wrote, "the MSRP was $3450 and if it was still in production the new MSRP would probably ...

Dec 1, 2010 · The Ayre QB-9 is the very first USB computer audio dac that makes use of the so-called “Streamlength Asynchronous Audio Protocol”, developed by Gordon Rankin of Wavelength Audio. This technique makes it possible to slave the computer to the clock inside the dac.

Apr 3, 2012 · For me, moving to the QB-9 was a massive improvement. The sound is more spacious and airy, with quite a lot more small detail revealed in recordings. In my system, the DAC1 USB is no slouch and still enjoyable, especially when used with an async USB interface, such as a Halide Bridge.

Oct 11, 2019 · Here is what has been improved with the Twenty update: Our Diamond output circuit improves musicality and bass response. A new JFET differential stage lowers the noise floor. AyreLock power supply regulation for better rendering of fine musical detail. New AC noise filtering for improved resolution.

Dec 22, 2024 · The Ayre QB-9 set the gold standard for transforming your desktop/laptop from just an ok digital playback audio device to a top-of-the-line digital system. Ayre uses Gordon Rankin’s of Wavelength Audio, “Streamlength” technology that basically eliminates the jitter from the computer in a USB transfer from computer to DAC.