QB-9 on the fritz

[ChrisAZ]

My QB-9 has apparently gone on the fritz. I reported a few weeks ago that I was getting a lot of static type noise out of my Mac Mini / Amara / Ayre QB-9 server and tried a number of fixes before I swapped the XLRs between the QB-9 and my integrated amp for RCA interconnects. The static sound went away for several weeks and then reappeared again yesterday. So this time I swapped out computers first (my Air Book for my Mac Mini) and that didn't work. Then I swapped out my Schitt Bifrost from my bedroom headphone system for the QB-9 and the static went completely away. I checked the QB-9 out with my Air Book and Schitt Lyr headphone amp (and all different interconnects) and the static is still there - the DAC is the problem. Only problem is the SB doesn't sound to my ears nearly as good as the QB-9. So now the question is do I spend the $$ to get the QB-9 repaired and upgraded to the Ayre QB-9 DSD at the same time (which will likely take months) or go for a new DAC that might be a little more flexible (the Ayre only has a USB connection). What a PITA.

[Glisse]

Sorry to hear that.

I don't think Ayre would put you in the "upgrade queue" for a QB-9 with a fault, so you may want to give them a call.

Given your description (moving from XLR to RCA fixed the problem for a while), it sounds like a ground fault. You might want to try running a wire from a chassis screw on the QB-9 to the Ground connection on the MA6600 and see if that removes the crackling as a temporary fix.

[ChrisAZ]

Originally Posted by Glisse

Sorry to hear that.

I don't think Ayre would put you in the "upgrade queue" for a QB-9 with a fault, so you may want to give them a call.

Given your description (moving from XLR to RCA fixed the problem for a while), it sounds like a ground fault. You might want to try running a wire from a chassis screw on the QB-9 to the Ground connection on the MA6600 and see if that removes the crackling as a temporary fix.

Sounds like a good idea - the chassis screws are really difficult to loosen, they aren't of standard size, but I'll give it a go. In the meantime I've sent them an email explaining the situation and we'll see what they say. Chris

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[ChrisAZ]

Ayre has been very responsive and they've walked me through checking variables, unfortunately to no avail. So I'm awaiting instructions to send the QB-9 back to them for repair and upgrade. They've been great thus far. Chris

Update: The QB-9 is going back tomorrow to be repaired and updated to the QB-9 DSD. I'll post a report when I get it back with the upgrade. Chris.

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