
Ayre QX-8 Digital Hub Streamer DAC
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The QX-8 Digital Hub provides a total solution for state-of-the-art digital music reproduction. An Ethernet cable, USB source, or most any digital component connected to the QX-8 will allow you to enjoy a vast digital music library. You can also simply plug-in your favorite set of headphones and enjoy a musical experience that invigorates your soul. Built around Ayre’s exclusive innovations, the Ayre QX-8 includes fully-balanced, zero-feedback (real-time) circuitry throughout for natural musicality.
The QX-8’s modularity makes it amazingly versatile. Featuring up to eight digital inputs (Ethernet, USB, AES/EBU, S/PDIF (2), and Toslink (3) ) it’s prepared to be the digital hub for most any system. With the Ethernet module installed, it is Roon-ready and pre-configured to stream Spotify, Qobuz, and Tidal. The QX-8 will integrate into virtually any home system today and is designed to be upgradeable for inevitable future technologies.
The QX-8 also allows you to immerse yourself in music with your favorite headphones. Taking full advantage of the robust Ayre analog linear power supply, both balanced and unbalanced front panel connectors–driven by Ayre’s exclusive Diamond amplifier circuit–will effortlessly drive the most demanding headphones, allowing music to flow effortlessly into your life. The QX-8 delivers Ayre’s latest innovations in a single chassis, giving you authentic music, at an unexpected price.
Features
- Zero-feedback and fully-balanced discrete circuitry
- Ayre’s Asynchronous S/PDIF input
- ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip
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Ayre custom digital clock
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Ayre’s Minimum Phase digital filter
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Single-pass 16x oversampling
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Ayre’s Diamond output stage
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Ayre’s exclusive Equilock gain stage
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Linear analog power supply
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High-speed circuit board material
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Up to eight digital inputs:
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Ethernet, Asynchronous USB,
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AES/EBU, S/PDIF (2), Optical (3)
- AyreLink communication system
- Made in USA
Specifications
Digital Audio Inputs
Optical/SPDIF/AESEBU: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
PCM 16, 20, 24 bits
DSD64 (as DoP)
New to X-8 USB2:
- Jitter Reduction Re-Clocking
- Improved Galvanic Isolation
- DSD-Raw Capability
Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHz
Bit Depth PCM : 16, 20, 24
DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512 RAW
New to X-8 Net2:
- Increased DSD and PCM Sample Rates
- Improved Voltage Regulation
- Improved Galvanic Isolation
Sample Rates : 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 384kHz
BIT Depth : PCM 16, 20, 24
DSD64, DSD128 (as DoP)
- Tidal Connect
- Roon Certified
Outputs
Line Output: 4.5 Vrms balanced, 2.25 Vrms single-ended
Headphone Output: 9.0 Vrms balanced, 4.5 Vrms single-ended
XLR Input Polarity
Pin 1 = Ground
Pin 2 = Non-inverting (Positive)
Pin 3 = Inverting (Negative)
Power Consumption
60 watts in operating mode
Dimensions
17.25″ W x 13.00″ D x 4.5″ H
(44cm x 33cm x 11.5cm)
Weight
12.5 pounds (5.7 kg)
Options
- Digital Base (S/PDIF inputs only)
- USB (Asychronous USB added to digital base)
- Net (Ethernet input added to digital base)
- Full (Both USB and Ethernet inputs added to digital base)