QX-8 vs Hegel D50
The D50's output voltage is 2.5V RMS against the QX-8's 4.5V RMS. Both share bit depth (24-bit), max sample rate (384 kHz), and dsd support (DSD256).
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DigitalDACsStreamersHeadphone Amplifiers
About the QX-8
The Ayre QX-8 Digital Hub is a versatile state-of-the-art digital music solution that serves as a DAC, network streamer, digital preamp, and headphone amplifier. Built with Ayre's exclusive zero-feedback, fully-balanced discrete circuitry, it delivers natural musicality using the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip, custom digital clock, Minimum Phase digital filter, single-pass 16x oversampling, Diamond output stage, and Equilock gain stage. It features a linear analog power supply, high-speed circuit board material, and AyreLink communication. Modular design allows configurations from Digital Base ($4950) to Full ($5950) with Ethernet (Roon Ready, Spotify, Qobuz, Tidal Connect) and asynchronous USB. It drives demanding headphones via balanced and unbalanced outputs powered by the Diamond amplifier circuit. Designed for upgradeability and integration into any home system.
Specifications
Digital Audio
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
- Bit Depth
- 24-bit
- Max Sample Rate
- 384 kHz
- DSD Support
- DSD256
- MQA Support
- No
- DAC Chip
- ESS ES9038Q2M
Analog Output
Analog signal output specifications
- Output Voltage
- 4.5V RMS
- Max Output Voltage
- 9.0V RMS
Connectivity
Input and output connections
- Bluetooth
- No
- Wi-Fi
- Yes
- Ethernet
- Yes
- Digital Inputs
- USB, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, Optical
- Analog Outputs
- XLR, RCA
Streaming Services
Supported streaming platforms and protocols
- AirPlay
- No
- Chromecast
- No
- Roon Ready
- Yes
- Spotify Connect
- Yes
- TIDAL Connect
- Yes
- Other Services
- Qobuz
Physical Dimensions
Size, weight, and appearance
- Dimensions
- 438 × 114 × 330 mm (W × H × D)
- Weight
- 5.7 kg (13 lbs)
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions