New Ayre QX-5 Twenty DAC? Any updates?

[joeinid]

I know there was a QX-5 demo at Audio Consultants in Evanston, Illinois. Did anyone attend? Any updates? Looks like it will be a spectacular DAC.

[joeinid]

http://www.normanaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Ayre_QX5.jpg

[audio.bill]

Joe - There's a lengthy thread about this DAC on Computer Audiophile including comments from the Audio Consultants demo here (http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/ayre-acoustics-qx-5-twenty-%96-digital-hub-28422/index3.html#post553858). There are additional details about the DAC earlier in the thread and followup comments after the linked post, including comments from 'scottsol' who works at AC. Hope that you find this helpful!

[joeinid]

Thanks! I've been scouring the various forums and hope there's someone here who can give their personal opinion of the QX-5. All reviews seem great so far.

[bmichels]

I have another question about "ROON Ready" : From what I understand, to use ROON with the QX-5, you need to have on the same network a PC (or a modern powerful NAS) running ROON Server. So, what "ROON Ready" means ? Why a DAC needs to be "ROON Ready" if ROON run on a server, we just need the DAC to be a "STREAMING" DAC that has an Ethernet port ?

So, this "ROON Ready" designation has nothing to do with ROON itself, it is just that the DAC can stream & read files from a NAS through Ethernet ? correct ?

[the professor]

Has anybody heard it yet?

[Perfect Sense]

I have another question about "ROON Ready" : From what I understand, to use ROON with the QX-5, you need to have on the same network a PC (or a modern powerful NAS) running ROON Server. So, what "ROON Ready" means ? Why a DAC needs to be "ROON Ready" if ROON run on a server, we just need the DAC to be a "STREAMING" DAC that has an Ethernet port ?

So, this "ROON Ready" designation has nothing to do with ROON itself, it is just that the DAC can stream & read files from a NAS through Ethernet ? correct ?

You can find the short answer on the ROON website:

"ROON Ready network players have Roon’s high-resolution streaming technology built in.

Roon will discover them on your network, deliver the highest possible quality audio, and even allow volume control right from the Roon user interface!"

https://roonlabs.com/partners.html

[bmichels]

You can find the short answer on the ROON website:

"ROON Ready network players have Roon’s high-resolution streaming technology built in.

Roon will discover them on your network, deliver the highest possible quality audio, and even allow volume control right from the Roon user interface!"

https://roonlabs.com/partners.html


Thanks

[Perfect Sense]

Thanks

Adding to that, you do need ROON Core installed on a NAS or computer on your local network.

[bmichels]

Adding to that, you do need ROON Core installed on a NAS or computer on your local network.

Yes I understand this :-( I wish they installed enough processing power in this DAC to run ROON Server on it directly ...

[Perfect Sense]

Yes I understand this :-( I wish they installed enough processing power in this DAC to run ROON Server on it directly ...

I believe it's much more complicated than that unfortunately. You would need a specific OS for the hardware (the Ayre QX-5 in this case) to make this a reality. The most simple and cost effective solution is to get a NAS which can run the ROON core, from where you can stream directly to the QX-5 over Ethernet.

[bmichels]

I believe it's much more complicated than that unfortunately. You would need a specific OS for the hardware (the Ayre QX-5 in this case) to make this a reality. The most simple and cost effective solution is to get a NAS which can run the ROON core, from where you can stream directly to the QX-5 over Ethernet.

I guess a SonicTransporter (https://microjukebox.com/collections/audio-server/products/sonictransporter?variant=18167614724) (with 2Tb SSD or 8 Tb HD (https://microjukebox.com/collections/audio-server/products/sonictransporter-ap-8tb-roon-server) and ROON server Pre-installed ) will be the simplest solution...

http://www.audioshark.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=16896&stc=1

[Perfect Sense]

I guess a SonicTransporter (https://microjukebox.com/collections/audio-server/products/sonictransporter?variant=18167614724) (with 2Tb SSD or 8 Tb HD and ROON server Pre-installed ) will be the simplest solution...

http://www.audioshark.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=16896&stc=1

Then you're all set :) Please share your experiences along the way!

/ Marcus

[bmichels]

reading the manual, I see that on the QX-5, the ethernet port and the 2 USB port all 3 use the same input N°10, so... I wonder if it is possible to have the QX-5 connected to the network (where I have a NAS attached) and also at the same time with a USB Stick in the USB port, and then for music playing, being able to switch between local music (USB) using mconnect and the music stored on the NAS (using ROON) ?

[Scottsol]

Yes, you can have multiple sources attached via input 10.

The correct app for the QX-5 is MConnect Control which is a version specifically designed for the QX-5.

On the computer audiophile thread you can now follow Blackstone's QX-5 adventure as he picked his up last night.

[bmichels]

Yes, you can have multiple sources attached via input 10.

The correct app for the QX-5 is MConnect Control which is a version specifically designed for the QX-5.

On the computer audiophile thread you can now follow Blackstone's QX-5 adventure as he picked his up last night.

thanks a lot

[bluedoor]

Anymore feedbacks about the qx5?
How does it perform via USB (fed with a PC/Mac or streamer) vs the ethernet connection?
And the other digital inputs to a transport? SPDIF vs AES/EBU?

[Mike]

Anymore feedbacks about the qx5?
How does it perform via USB (fed with a PC/Mac or streamer) vs the ethernet connection?
And the other digital inputs to a transport? SPDIF vs AES/EBU?

It's really a top performer and holds its own against the competition in the store and I find the connection type is not overly important sonically. I guess if pushed, the Ethernet sounds a tiny bit better, but I like the Aurender app, so USB for me.

One word of caution: long break in. 800-1000 hours is not unreasonable.

[bluedoor]

Thanks for your insight.
Who does the Ethernet connection works? We simple connect it to a router and the device can see the library (stored on a NAS for instance) with the ROON server on a MacBook?
If so, why do you need an Aurender (or any other streaming device)?
800 to 1000h is just insane...

[Mike]

Thanks for your insight.
Who does the Ethernet connection works? We simple connect it to a router and the device can see the library (stored on a NAS for instance) with the ROON server on a MacBook?
If so, why do you need an Aurender (or any other streaming device)?
800 to 1000h is just insane...

The Ayre app isn't as complete as the Aurender app.


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[joeinid]

The QX-5 Twenty is my only dac at this point. I use one of the spdif inputs for my modified Sonos. I have the network input fed by a cat 5e cable and the usb is fed by my Lumin U1.

Break in does indeed take a long time but it's well worth it.

Coming from other dacs, it's apparent that the QX5 is very natural and easy to listen to.

I don't want to use the word analog sounding because after hearing my friend Bruce's table and cart setup, no digital sounds analog. His vinyl setup sounds amazing. But, my Ayre has been the wonderful for me. It sounds as right as it could be, to me. It does not immediately blow you away, which to me is good because those kind of pieces don't last. The QX5 grows and grows on me everyday. It's dead quiet and sounds musical to me.



Anymore feedbacks about the qx5?
How does it perform via USB (fed with a PC/Mac or streamer) vs the ethernet connection?
And the other digital inputs to a transport? SPDIF vs AES/EBU?

[bluedoor]

The Ayre app isn't as complete as the Aurender app.


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ok.
Forgot to ask his performance as a preamp (attacking a power amp).

[joeinid]

The mConnect app is ok, nothing great but works. It can be a little wonky at times but the sound is worth it. The QX5 shows up on the network. I has not used the wifi antenna to augment the dac, I don't feel I need it. I am considering the Melco server to feed the ethernet connection. It should be an excellent combo. Feeding it Aurender will be awesome too.

I love roon, bit don't like having a computer in my room. I guess you could set it up in an adjacent room to keep the noise down.




Thanks for your insight.
Who does the Ethernet connection works? We simple connect it to a router and the device can see the library (stored on a NAS for instance) with the ROON server on a MacBook?
If so, why do you need an Aurender (or any other streaming device)?
800 to 1000h is just insane...

[kzhtoo]

Joe, congrats on the QX-5! Didn't know you have one. Sounds like a wonderful piece.

[joeinid]

Thank you. It's a great dac. I've become an Ayre fan for sure.

[the professor]

I couldn't agree more Joe.

It just does so many things right. With nothing that gets in the way.

I only use the USB being fed by my Lumin U1.


The QX-5 Twenty is my only dac at this point. I use one of the spdif inputs for my modified Sonos. I have the network input fed by a cat 5e cable and the usb is fed by my Lumin U1.

Break in does indeed take a long time but it's well worth it.

Coming from other dacs, it's apparent that the QX5 is very natural and easy to listen to.

I don't want to use the word analog sounding because after hearing my friend Bruce's table and cart setup, no digital sounds analog. His vinyl setup sounds amazing. But, my Ayre has been the wonderful for me. It sounds as right as it could be, to me. It does not immediately blow you away, which to me is good because those kind of pieces don't last. The QX5 grows and grows on me everyday. It's dead quiet and sounds musical to me.

[fourxmotion]

I have a QX-5 Twenty and VX-5 Twenty inbound. I am looking forward to experiencing first hand what everyone is raving about.

[Mike]

Congrats. Local dealer?


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[the professor]

Congrats!

[Mike]

I've been playing with this DAC all weekend in my system at home. Definitely a great performer. Very musical.


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[La Dolce Vita]

I have a QX-5 Twenty and VX-5 Twenty inbound. I am looking forward to experiencing first hand what everyone is raving about.

Congratulations!


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[joeinid]

Any update on your Ayre combo? Give them plenty of time to break in and they will reward you for your patience. I'm curious about your thoughts.

As good as the QX5 is, I still always prefer a preamp in my system. A preamp really helps bring the musicality to a system.


I have a QX-5 Twenty and VX-5 Twenty inbound. I am looking forward to experiencing first hand what everyone is raving about.

[La Dolce Vita]

Any update on your Ayre combo? Give them plenty of time to break in and they will reward you for your patience. I'm curious about your thoughts.

As good as the QX5 is, I still always prefer a preamp in my system. A preamp really helps bring the musicality to a system.

+1 Wholeheartedly agree!


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[Kuoppis]

In case of interest: there's John Atkinson's review of the QX-5/20 in the latest Stereophile. He also used it to create the analog master tapes for the vinyl version of Sasha Matson's "Tight Lines".

Quote: "After I'd resolved the issues of system synergy, there was no doubt in my mind: Ayre Acoustics' QX-5 Twenty is one of the finest sounding, most versatile, digital audio products I've had the pleasure of using... Class A+ with a bullet!

Interesting read.


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[the professor]

Wow!

[Mike]

In case of interest: there's John Atkinson's review of the QX-5/20 in the latest Stereophile. He also used it to create the analog master tapes for the vinyl version of Sasha Matson's "Tight Lines".

Quote: "After I'd resolved the issues of system synergy, there was no doubt in my mind: Ayre Acoustics' QX-5 Twenty is one of the finest sounding, most versatile, digital audio products I've had the pleasure of using... Class A+ with a bullet!

Interesting read.


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I concur. I love connecting it via Ethernet and using Roon with it.

[Kuoppis]

I concur. I love connecting it via Ethernet and using Roon with it.

This is major praise from one of the most respected audio reviewers (at least by me) in the industry.

A heartfelt congrats to Charlie Hansen for his outstanding work!


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[kzhtoo]

I concur. I love connecting it via Ethernet and using Roon with it.

Hi Mike, what server you use to connect to QX-5 via Ethernet?

[Mike]

Hi Mike, what server you use to connect to QX-5 via Ethernet?

None.


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[kzhtoo]

None.


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So, no music server is needed? Sorry, I'm illiterate when it comes to Roon.

[Mike]

So, no music server is needed? Sorry, I'm illiterate when it comes to Roon.

Run Roon on your Mac/PC (assuming it meets the very modest minimum requirements). Make sure the Mac/PC is connected to the network via Cat 5/6. Then, run another Cat 5/6 cable to the back of the QX-5 Twenty. Control the QX-5 Twenty with Roon on your iPad. Done.

Let me know if you have any questions.

[infonut]

If you're streaming Tidal would it be better to use the Mconnect app and go straight to the QX5 from the internet rather than bringing in your Mac/PC and Roon into the chain? I would think that simplifying the signal path would be better.

Do you find that using an audiophile ethernet cable is an improvement over a generic cable? I would think that a unit like the QX5 would clean up whatever issues might be present on the ethernet input.

[joeinid]

Welcome to the forum infonut, thank you for joining.