Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Looks like digital is really coming of age. So many great products out or coming-out.  The irony is that some companies are offering outstanding products, but are working on ref gear that isn't even out yet.  It's almost the opposite of releasing your ref gear first and doing the trickle down effect.  Seems like companies are working out the bugs etc.. on moderately priced gear and then upping the ante.  We all win either way.

I listened to the Arye codex on my system.

Besides the codex being so hot you cannot touch it,  the yggy was far superior.  

I also did not need a DAC that also wears multiple hats.

The yggy is warm if left inside a cabinet by the codex is dangerously hot.  I was able to bring it home from the dealer for an in house demo.

Psickerson, 
There’s no better comparison between products than having both in your system side by side. I do recognize that all rendered opinions are subjective and only reflect individual taste. No question some will choose the Yggy rather than the Ayre. The converse is also true. You are fortunate to have a direct comparison.
Charles,

I agree with Charles. I have heard those two side by side at a store when a customer was in with the Schitt to hear the differences. I listened via the Audeze LCD-3's, which I enjoy and know well.  I found the Codex to be more accurate, better staging and imaging.  I feel that listening with can's give you a great idea of detail, both micro and macro, but not as good at sound staging.  I'm very very surprised the Codex got so hot.  I'm in shock actually.  Did you ask the dealer about this?  I've used the Codex well in excess of 20 times at many dealers as well as in friends systems. I have many who own one and not one have said they run THAT hot.  Not taking anything away from the Schitt as I know there are many who love the company.  I always enjoyed their designers products when they were with their other companies years ago, so again not taking anything away from them.  To my ears the Codex is the best under 5k or so DAC I've listened to and I"ve heard many of them out here.  Again, JMHO and that's why there are so many companies who are making equipment.  We all listen for different things and all equipment reacts differently with other gear.  How many times have we listened to something and loved it, but got it in our systems and it just didn't work?  

This is why Matt always talks about what's in HIS system when he reviews for everyone. There have been so many DAC's sold because of this thread and they aren't all Empirical as Matt has loved (I bought one and loved it).