Yea, its becoming an increasingly target-rich environment when it comes
to USB DACs. Just so happens that I got the Ayre, after spending a bit of
time comparing it to the new Bel Canto 3.5. Theyre both right nice, but
the Bel Canto with all of the extra fangles, optional battery supply, and a
proprietary USB to something-or-another glass converter will run you
close to twice the price. To clarify, Bel Canto does not have a USB input,
and you need a special converter to use a USB output into it. Now, this
converter is supposed to be special in its own right, but itll cost you an
extra $500. To my ears, preferred the Ayre, but a very subjective
question.
Regarding Wavelength, they are indeed meant to be very wonderful. I
didnt compare them, though, (although it was sitting right next to the Ayre
and Bel Canto when I was listening) because I had decided that I was
done with tubes and thus didnt really want to know one way or the other.
For what thats worth, which is admittedly not much.
Also for what its worth, the proprietary Wavelength asynchronous USB
clocking bits are exactly the same bits that drive the Ayre. Wavelength is
strictly tubed gear, and they have for the first time licensed their tech to
Ayre for use in their (solid state) DAC. So, as far as that goes, the Ayre
and Wavelength likely share more in common than you might otherwise
find in comparing tubed and solid state gear. (A little more background: all
the fuss is over jitter messing with your digital signal coming from the
source to the DAC. The Wavelength / Ayre asynchronous USB tech is
meant to be one state-of-the-art means of licking that issue. The Bel
Canto USB converter is another solution designed for the same issue.
Each among others has its share of proponents. Fortunately, or
unfortunately, you get to decide which you prefer.)
There are many others, to be sure, just beyond my ken.
One more thing to consider, though, is how much functionality youre
looking for in a DAC-like package. Some (more and more it seems) can
do multiple inputs, source selection, volume control, etc. So, the
functionality / connectivity package is also important. Returning to what I
know, for example, the Bel Canto has multiple inputs and volume control (I
believe), so you can run more than one source into it, use it as you might
a pre amp even in place of and so forth. You could, for instance, run
a CD transport and a computer into the same DAC. If thats of use, then
its of use. The Ayre, on the other hand, has a single USB input and thats
it. It can sit there passively between one USB source and an amplification
stage, one or both of which must have their own volume control as the
Ayre doesnt do volume, full stop. If you want anything more, Ayre doesnt
make the DAC for you. (And if you are looking for more, hear that Naim
has made a recent foray out from is Naim-incestuous world with a well-
received multi-source DAC that I meant to, but never did, hear).
As for NOS DACs, spent about a year with a MHDT Havana before
moving to the Ayre. Its right nice, really sings with some volume behind
it, and theres something inherently and undeniable sensible about running
redbook CD material (assuming thats what is at hand) at native
resolution. But, I ultimately found myself wanting for more detail and the
Havana seemed to require some real volume behind it before it got to
swinging could be a little flat of lower volume levels (which is the end of
the volume range I tend to play in thanks to the old living arrangement).
So, if youre already inclined away from the NOS world, I wouldnt be the
one to convince you different. A great option, but ultimately not the
answer for me. Best of luck.
