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Ayre Codex - to keep or not to keep

I'm using a balanced headphone and the RCA out to my single-ended amp in DAC mode.  Here is my concern, when I do A/B comparison using headphones in balanced and unbalance modes, there is a night and day difference in the sound quality. In balanced mode, the music is much more resolving at all volumes (especially higher volumes), with better imaging and sound staging across the highs and lows. Initially, I thought the major difference was just the increase in volume but now, I don't believe that's the case. In general, Ayre's equipment really seem to be designed to be used in balanced systems. Can anybody confirm that in DAC mode, the XLR balanced outs sound noticeably better than the unbalanced RCA outs like with the headphone outs?  The Codex still sounds very good via the RCAs but I'm wondering if there are other DACs in the market, in the same price range, that sounds better in a single-ended system.   With that said, I have few different options, one I can move away from a single-end amp design and get an amp with balanced circuitry (would like to get the AX-5 Twenty for it's out of my budget and AX-7e is not powerful enough for my speakers) or I can look into a getting a different DAC that works better in a single-ended system.  Let me know what you guys think. Thx
nycjlee
hgeifman
2,359 posts
 
I heard the Ayre Codex DAC today with the Ayte AX-7e integrated amplifier.  My first impression was that it sounded terrific.  I continued to listen to a wide variety of music and liked the Codex DAC very much. I took a break and listened again. I still cannot believe how this small box sounds can sound so good.  I ordered the Ayre Codex DAC and delivery is expected in about 2 weeks (sooner I hope).

When I first saw the Codex DAC, I did not recognize the DAC since it was on its side using three AYRE Myrtle Wood Blocks ($15 for 3 blocks) to allow the cooling on its side to be okay.  They also suggested the $300 Synergistic Research metal circle type blocks for the same purpose.  The Codex DAC gets warm (but not hot) and the Myrtle blocks ensures the air circulates around the unit for cooling.  Yes, we tried it with and without the wooden blocks.  We also tested it standing up and on its side. In my opinion, the Code DAC laying on its side using the Myrtle wooden blocks sounded the best.   The Synergistic Research blocks also sounded very good.  I am holding off on these blocks until later.

The setup controls are very easy to use. I was able to change from USB to Optical input and change outputs from DAC to pre-amp operation very easily.

hgeifman
2,359 posts
 
Sorry. Ayte = Ayre.
hgeifman
2,359 posts
 
I received my Ayre Codex DAC today and changed the input source to USB and the output device to Pre-amp (goes direct to my power amplifiers).  The unit was then installed in my main audio system and my first impression is out of the box, it sounds very good.  As I noted above, I purchased 3 Ayre Myrtle wooden blocks ($15) and placed the Codex on its side (yes, it looks better in this position). It was interesting to see that the writing on the back of the DAC corresponds to the unit being on its side.  The unit is very small but I had no problems connecting any of my cables.  

As an experiment, the Codex DAC will stay in my main audio system for a while and will then be moved to my two channel home theatre system (my original plan).  As another experiment, I will move my Prism Sound Callia DAC to the main audio system to see how it sounds compared to my Bricasti M1 SE DAC.    Today, I received instructions from Prism Sound to update the firmware on the Callia so that it will work okay with my Aurender N10.    Yes, this means I have more work to do installing the firmware.

The Ayre Codex DAC is an amazing small 3 pound box that sounds very good.  I am anxious to break it in for improved sound.  Based on results so far, the Ayre Codex DAC is recommended.
maplegrovemusic's avatar
maplegrovemusic
1,113 posts
 
Ayre beats out the Briscatti ? Interesting ... Or might be on same level as Brisctti? ... Or might be even close to Briscatti ? ... Interesting .
respected_ent
190 posts
 
After about 200 hours of break-in, Codex will really open up and sound significantly better, and the sound will continue to improve until 400 or 500 hours. 
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