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Apollo R + Codex v. different CDP or Ayre QX

My current system is an Ayre AX-7e with Apollo R or MH 5 TT as source, with Sig 2 Ce’s.
 I mostly listen to CDs and look forward to more streaming via Tidal or Spotify Hi Rez(use both).
Ultimately I plan on following the Ayre/Vandy upgrade paths. 
Ive been thinking of adding a Codex and using the Apollo as transport to the Codex via Toslink, vs adding a different balanced CDP, vs waiting for Ayre to release more in the 8 series. 
As to other CDP’s I was thinking of a used ARC CD8($4,500- IDK on tube hrs), or Cary 306 SACD($2,750), both of which have BurrBrown DACs and balanced output l. 
A recent conversation with a dealer that’s expert in Ayre and Vandy, suggested I wait for the 8 series release, and hinted at an Ayre spinner release in the not distant future. 
Thoughts?
Thanks 
jetson
jetson OP
140 posts
 
Thanks Joey,
That may be the ticket. I was looking at a Kx5e MP, and am waiting on a call back from Michael at Ayre to discuss upgrading that to Twenty version. Course, then I still need to get a used to Vx-5 Twenty amp and a QX hub. I figured all in I would be looking at about $15k without interconnects - but I’d never have to address my system again except for upgrading speakers. 
I’ll talk to John about the 8 vs. 5 system. 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,935 posts
 
“I’d never have to address my system again....”

:-)

first hit is free...says the audio crack dealer....

but it I do like your thinking...
jetson OP
140 posts
 
Before I went to Verona I thought that I would be choosing between used Ayre separates and later upgrading the speakers or possibly an EX-8 and Quatro CTs. At this point I made one decision for sure.
I’m getting Quatro CTs this year.

With the Quatros I could this year also add a used QX or add a different DAC, plus get a new TT/cart for the cost of the EX. 

Next year I could sell the QX or other DAC at nearly what I paid, and get separates (Ayre or other) to replace the AX7. 

That way I’d have much improved SQ now, also upgrade my vinyl side, and then have another SQ improvement when I upgrade the amp from the AX-7.  

So, in the end I think I’m going with Quatros, Scout or Prime plus used DAC this year.  Amps next year. 

BTW The Apollo as transport into the EX-8 wasn’t disappointing. 

Lots to consider. 
Thanks again,
Jim



gdnrbob
4,450 posts
 
Whoo, that is a great move!

Do I dare move up to a EX-8? 
Heck, I still need to find a KX-R.
...Such are the trials of this 'hobby'
Bob

hgeifman
2,242 posts
 
@joey54, I also own the the Ayre AX-7e integrated with the Ayre Codex DAC and they sound great together as you stated above.   I looked at the Ayre EX-8 integrated and it looks nice.  You said its price is $6,950 including the built-in USB DAC.  I also need the Toslink cable input option that I believe increases its price but I do not know the cost for this. 

I use my Ayre AX-7 in my 2 channel home theatre system including the Wireworld Supernova 7 Glass Toslink cable from my LG OLED TV to my Ayre Codex DAC.  For my application, my current system sounds great and I do not see the need to upgrade.   Based on your experience with the Ayre EX-8, is an amplifier upgrade worth it in my application?   
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