Ayre Acoustics Ex-8 Streamer/DAC/intergrated amp

Excellent sounding all-in-one Streamer/150 watt intergrated amp/DAC I initially bought used to downsize my current system of a DartZeel CHT 8550 integrated amp ($26k) and Lumin X-1 streamer ($14k).  As good as the Ayre EX-8 is, and its damn good, it couldn't quite match the DartZeel/Lumin X-1, not surprisingly given the cost difference.  But the Ayre is impressive and gave me pause during the A/B comparison, particularly the Ayre's natural tone and superb bass, imaging and sound stage.  It does run warm so make sure it gets adequate ventilation.  This unit has all the options available.  There is a slight scuff on the left side panel, otherwise I don't see any defects.  By the way, the binding posts are particularly easy to use.  Buyer covers shipping and PayPal fees, although I will take other forms of payment.  Asking $4850.00.  This is a great unit for someone who wants hi-end sound but wants to save on space and cables.  See description below and check out the reviews.  

Ayre Acoustics EX-8 — Fully Loaded, Black

Fully-balanced zero-feedback, discrete circuitry and Ayre's double diamond output stage plus patent pending asynchronous S/PDIF and Roon Ready digital with Ayre's proprietary 16x oversampling and minimum phase filter make for one hell of a combination.

This is pure audio holography from the best in the business. Fully Loaded / includes ALL digital options and is Roon Ready. Black anodized finish.

The EX-8 integrated amplifier provides a total solution for state-of-the-art music reproduction. Simply add any source (digital and/or analog) plus a pair of loudspeakers or headphones, and enjoy a musical experience that invigorates your soul. Built around Ayre’s exclusive innovations, the Ayre EX-8 includes fully-balanced, zero-feedback (real-time) circuitry throughout for natural musicality.

The EX-8’s modularity makes it amazingly versatile. Featuring three analog inputs (one balanced) and up to six digital inputs (Ethernet, USB, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, and two Toslink) it’s prepared to be the hub for most any system. With the Ethernet module installed, it is Roon-ready and pre-configured to stream Spotify, Qobuz, and Tidal. The EX-8 will integrate into virtually any home system today and is designed to be upgradeable for inevitable future technologies.

The EX-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. Likewise, selecting speakers to go with the EX-8 is easy. The Double-Diamond output stage and pure linear power supplies produce 100 watts of power, allowing music to flow effortlessly into your life. The EX-8 delivers Ayre’s latest innovations in a single chassis, giving you authentic music, at an unexpected price.



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 Double Diamond output stage
Ayre’s exclusive Equilock gain stage
Analog volume control
Linear analog power supply
High-speed circuit board material

Up to six digital inputs (This one has all):
Ethernet, Asynchronous USB,
AES/EBU, S/PDIF, Optical (2)
AyreLink communication system


SPECIFICATIONS
Audio Inputs
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)
Analog: 1 Balanced XLR, 2 Single-ended RCA

Outputs
Speaker Output: 100 watts per channel continuous into 8 ohms
Line Output: 4.5 Vrms balanced, 2.25 Vrms single-ended
Headphone Output: 4.0 Vrms balanced, 2.0 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 3.75″ H
(44cm x 33cm x 10cm)
Weight
24 pounds (11 kg)