Ayre QX-8 Digital Hub/DAC/Headphone Amplifier

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.

Key Features:

• Zero-feedback, fully-balanced discrete circuitry
• Ayre’s Asynchronous S/PDIF input.
• ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip
• Ayre custom digital clock
• Ayre’s Minimum Phase digital filter
• Single-pass 16x oversampling
• Ayre’s Diamond output stage
• Ayre’s exclusive Equilock gain stage
• Linear analog power supply
• High-speed circuit board material
• Up to eight digital inputs:
• Ethernet, Asynchronous USB,
• AES/EBU, S/PDIF (2), Optical (3)
• AyreLink communication system

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.

Technical Specifications:

• USB: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHz
• PCM: 16, 20, 24 bits
• DSD64 and DSD128 (as DoP)
• Optical/SPDIF/AESEBU: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
• PCM: 16, 20, 24 bits
• DSD64 (as DoP)
• Network: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
• PCM: 16, 20, 24 bits
• DSD64 (as DoP)
• 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)

We endeavour to despatch same day for orders placed up to 1pm on available stock items (items with stock message "Usually dispatched within 24 hours"). Please remember to check with us first for a physical stock check if next day delivery is important to you. Any items with stock message "Usually dispatched within 72 hours" are items that we do not hold in stock but order in from the importer or manufacturer as soon as a customer order is received. Occasionally these may be delayed beyond 72 hours due to importer/manufacturer stock levels but we will inform you as soon as we can if this is the case.

UK Orders

We despatch the bulk of our UK mainland items on a 24 hour service – Free of Charge. Non Mainland locations - Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, the Scilly Isles, the Scottish highlands and Islands, the Channel Islands and Northern Ireland may take a day or so longer and are not Free of Charge. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail 24 or special delivery. Larger items are delivered using a courier service such as DPD or UPS.

International Orders

Due to the nature of our products and brand restrictions we are only able to send certain items internationally. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail Small Packets Airmail with International Tracked and/or Signed depending on value of item and availability of the service. Larger International shipments are sent by insured and tracked services using UPS. If there are any delays due to specific customs regulations, etc, you will be contacted by Hifisound or by the courier with a request for any further information required. Customs duties can apply for shipments to any countries outside of the UK depending on where the product you have bought is made. Customers are responsible for all taxes and duties incurred when the items enter their country.

Collect in Store or Home Install

At the request of the manufacturer some items cannot be supplied by mail order but you can click and buy them and then elect to collect them from our store or arrange a home install (if applicable). Applicable items clearly state that they are Collect in store or home install. Once ordered you will receive a message prompting you to contact us by phone or email to arrange for us to deliver and install or to reserve and collect from our store at your convenience, you will also be advised of the delivery time / stock availability as not all Home install / collect in store items are held in stock.