Ayre QX-5 Twenty DAC
Best digital hub for audiophiles seeking premium sound and versatile connectivity.
The Ayre QX-5 Twenty is a sophisticated digital audio hub designed to elevate your listening experience. It masterfully handles high-resolution files and integrates seamlessly with popular streaming services, connecting to a wide range of digital sources. At its core, the ESS ES9038PRO DAC chip and a precision quartz crystal oscillator ensure exceptional digital performance. With its extensive input options and user-friendly design, the QX-5 Twenty offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience for audiophiles seeking a premium digital centerpiece.
$12000.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
225
/ 489
#225 in Audio Converters
Price vs Category Average
+175%
Above average
Maximum Sample Rate
768512
/ kHz PCM, DSD
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking natural and musically engaging sound reproduction
- System builders wanting a versatile all-in-one digital hub
- Listeners prioritizing long-term reliability and ultra-low noise performance
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level or mid-range pricing
- Users preferring a standalone, intuitive native streaming interface
- Tidal subscribers who rely heavily on native MQA decoding
Performance breakdown
Digital Resolution
Handles high-resolution files with industry-leading precision and clarity.
Connectivity Versatility
Comprehensive input options integrate effortlessly into any complex digital ecosystem.
Circuit Purity
Zero-feedback design delivers an exceptionally clean and natural sonic signature.
Headphone Amplification
Powerful output drives demanding headphones with remarkable authority and detail.
System Integration
Functions seamlessly as a high-end preamplifier for streamlined system setups.
Build Integrity
Robust construction reflects a premium commitment to long-term audio performance.
Key Specs
Maximum Sample Rate
768 kHz PCM, DSD512
Supported Bit Depths
16, 20, 24 bits
Audio Inputs
USB, Optical, SPDIF, AES/EBU, Ethernet
Output Interface Types
RCA, XLR
Line Output
4.5 Vrms balanced, 2.25 Vrms single-ended
Headphone Output
9.0 Vrms balanced, 4.5 Vrms single-ended
Power Consumption
60 watts
Dimensions
44cm x 33cm x 10cm
Features
- Supports high-resolution audio up to 768kHz and DSD512.
- Integrated DAC and network streaming capabilities.
- Versatile digital inputs including USB, AES/EBU, and Ethernet.
- Balanced and RCA outputs for flexible system integration.
- Includes a high-quality headphone amplifier.
- Zero-feedback circuit design for pure sound.
- Functions as a preamplifier with volume control.
- USB2 board upgrade enhances sound quality.
What customers say
The Ayre QX-5 Twenty DAC is celebrated for its exceptional musicality and reference quality. Reviewers highlight its detailed and resolving sound, which remains fatigue free, offering an appealing analog like quality. The soundstage is precise with natural dynamics. Its smooth yet textured presentation, thanks to proprietary filtering and zero feedback design, enhances the listening experience. This DAC also excels as a versatile digital hub, simplifying systems with integrated streaming and volume control. Despite its premium price, the outstanding sonic performance and robust build quality are consistently seen as excellent value, making it a highly satisfying digital source.
Know before you buy
Yes, the QX-5 Twenty features an integrated volume control, allowing you to connect it directly to a power amplifier. This eliminates the need for a separate preamp in your digital-focused audio system.
The zero-feedback design is a signature Ayre approach that avoids the timing errors often introduced by global feedback loops. This results in a more natural, open, and fatigue-free sound quality.
The built-in headphone amplifier is quite robust, offering 9.0 Vrms via the balanced output and 4.5 Vrms via the single-ended output. It is designed to drive a wide range of high-end headphones with ease and precision.
The QX-5 Twenty is designed as a versatile network streamer that integrates with popular high-resolution streaming services. It functions as a Roon Ready endpoint, ensuring seamless playback and library management.
The DAC is highly capable, supporting PCM files up to 768kHz and DSD files up to DSD512. This ensures you can play virtually any high-resolution audio file currently available.
The USB2 board upgrade is a specialized enhancement that optimizes the digital signal path for USB connections. It significantly reduces jitter and noise, resulting in a cleaner, more detailed soundstage compared to standard USB implementations.
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