DX-5

About the DX-5

The Ayre DX-5 is a high-end universal A/V player combining a disc transport, advanced digital-to-analog conversion, and analog output stages derived from Ayre's acclaimed C-5xe MP disc player and QB-9 USB DAC. It supports playback of all major digital media formats including CDs, SACDs, DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, Blu-ray discs, and computer audio files via USB. The DX-5 features fully balanced, dual-differential circuits from digital filters through analog outputs, utilizing Ayre's proprietary Minimum Phase digital filters and EquiLock analog gain circuitry for superior linearity and low distortion. It uses Texas Instruments DSD1792A DAC chips (original model) or ESS ES9016 Sabre DACs in the upgraded DX-5 DSD version, supporting PCM up to 32 bits and DSD data decoding with jitter reduction. The USB input employs asynchronous Streamlength protocol for jitter-free audio and supports up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution. The player also includes HDMI output for multichannel audio and video, Ethernet for DLNA streaming, and composite video output. Power supplies are linear, double-regulated, and zero-feedback for minimal noise. The DX-5 is praised for its detailed, resolving, and fatigue-free sound, making it a reference-level source component for both audio and video applications.