I've owned E2cs then e4cs, then E500's (Se530's), and then moved to UE-11's. I have to say I was unhappy with the sound moving up from my E500's. They were clearly better, but not as much better as I hoped. The UE-11's had a sharper sound to them and I guess I like the warmer sound signature if that means anything. But after listening for a while and trying the E500's again, I couldn't listen to them. Regardless of how I liked the type of signature, the UE-11's were just that much better.    I'd say they're worth the price for sure but definitely...

I love this DAC. I heard decur's Wavelength Cosecant at a meet and he was explaining to me the wonders of async DACs and I fell in love with it but could not afford one. My choice then became between the Wavelength brick and the Ayre QB-9(Which hadn't been released yet). I had high hopes for the QB-9 and it did not disappoint. Compared to tube amps it seems slightly fast and digital, but it's a great sound. I think the value is on par with Wavelength products so I would rate it better than the brick and worse than the cosecant.