Need Balanced DAC with optical and coaxial inputs for 2 channel home theater system

I have received suggestions for the "Schiit" Yggdrasil, Lyngdorf TDAI 2170 ($5,000 integrated amp with DAC), NAD Masters M51 DAC, Wyred 4 Sound DAC-2 DSDse ($2,600) and the exaSound e22 DAC $3,500).  I am sure all of these DAC’s are excellent choices and I am still reviewing my options.

Since I am using the Ayre AX-7e integrated amplifier, I looked at the Ayre Codex DAC but it has USB and Optical (Toslink) inputs only.  My Ayre retailer recommends I change my cable box connection from the DAC to the TV since it eliminates the need for the coaxial input.  I can then use the Ayre Codex DAC. This means I connect my TiVo cable box using HDMI to the TV and use an optical cable from the TV to the DAC. This simple solution eliminates the need for the coaxial connection, simplifies the wiring and eliminates the need for switching sources on the DAC.  Does anyone have any comments on this type of connection?

I like the synergy between the Ayre AX-7e amp and the Ayre CodeX DAC.  Another retailer highly recommends the exaSound e22 DAC and has offered me an attractive price. I have never heard of exaSound Audio Design before his recommendation. exaSound Audio Design was founded by a group of Canadian audio enthusiasts who also happen to be electronics engineers, software developers, musicians and entrepreneurs. Their hardware and software is designed in-house from the ground-up. exaSound products are hand-built and engineer-tested in Canada.   Based on my positive experience with Ayre products, my gut reaction is to buy the Ayre Codex DAC.

Does anyone have any comments on the exaSound e22 DAC vs. the Ayre Codex DAC?   Any comments are welcomed.  Thanks.

I just purchased the Mytec Manhatten.  I haven't heard the others on your list.  I suggest you give that a look.

I changed my mind.  I am going to pass on the Ayre codex DAC (USB and optical inputs only) since I have decided to keep the optical cable going from my TiVo cable box to my DAC.  I do not like using an HDMI cable from the cable box using to the Pioneer TV and then an optical cable going to the DAC.  I prefer the audio signal coming direct from the cable box to the DAC using one optical cable.  The Wyred 4 Sound DAC-2 DSDse DAC looks very interesting to me.  Does anyone have any comments about this unit?

I love my M51....it's a killer DAC.   I am using it in a Sub/Sat speaker system and it great with movie soundtracks.    TV, Netflix, BluRay all sound awesome through this DAC .   What was really suprising is how well Pandora sounds through it,  much better than through my OPPO 103d.   

I wouldn't take the Codex off your list just yet, until you had chance to listen to it.  I recently finished burning in my Ayre Codex DAC and after 500 hours, the music the DAC produces is exceptional. I agree that the number and types of inputs are not ideal, the sound this device can produce is unbelievable. Well worth it for me to work inside it's input limits.  I've heard many DAC ranging from $300 to $10000 and Arye has made something special with this model.  Honestly, I get more impressed everyday.  Personally I think it sounds better than the Ayre QB-9 DSD.   Someone told me to wait until it gets to 700 hours and the DAC will sound even better....I can't wait.  I would definitely recommend that you go and hear a demo before deciding.  If possible, go and listen to a bunch of different DACs before buying one and bring a CD you know intimately; one where you can notice the differences in the sound.  Good luck!