Firstly, thanks to everyone for the information. This thread/site has been extremely helpful in my research for the source upgrade/replacement.
Just wanted to share my current setup and my need for upgrade (as it relates to QB-9).
A. For Redbook CD music -- Quad 988, conrad-johnson CT6 tube preamp, conrad-johnson MV60 tubeamp, and slowly looking to upgrade Rotel RCD-1072 redbook player (retail $700).
B. For blu-ray/DVD movies -- Sony blu-ray BDP-S550 which has RCA outputs to CT6 preamp. (On a side note, my digital cable line is a source of ground loop, and I have to plug in my HDTV and conrad-johnson MV60 amp in the same wall outlet to keep the humming noise down to an acceptable level. I've already tried coax cable Isolators w/o success).
C. For High-Rez music and On-demand movies from the internet (e.g. Netflix) -- I recently ordered a new Levono laptop (with HDMI output but no Blu-ray) which I plan to use for viewing Netflix movies on my HDTV (hdmi) and audio output to my Quads via headphone jack to CT6 preamp. [i am assuming I can use the USB output to Ayre QB-9 for this]
For my source upgrade, I have the following objectives: sound performance comparable to Ayre CX-7e (I haven't heard this CD player, however, based on the professional reviews that I have read, this is my budget for comparison). Also based on what I have read about Ayre QB-9, I thought it was going to be my one-stop solution for all (except for world peace). Using the optical audio output from the blu-ray player to a DAC would also solve my ground loop problem. Without this input, QB-9 only solves 2 out of 3 requirements.
Would like to hear others view on my situation if I missed anything or if anyone has a different perspective. Thanks.