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P5-xe, codex, XLR interconnects

I have an Apollo CDP, Music Hall TT with Goldring 1012 cartridge, feeding through a Clear Audio Nano phono pre, with both going to an Ayre AX-7e. Speakers are Sig 2 Ce.
With a budget of about $3k, I’m trying to figure my next best step.
I’m trying to decide whether I’m better off:
1-getting a new codex, and having about $1k for XLR Interconnects,
2- or getting a new Ayre PX-5e + XLRs
3- or get used codex and PX-5e (both on Audiogon now) and use existing unbalanced interconnects
4- saves more $ and wait for the release of the AX-8e, or spend elsewhere 

I mostly listen to CD’s, maybe 15% vinyl, but also looking forward to going more streaming. 

I guess I’m mainly interested in the difference between balanced streaming through the codex vs the unbalanced CDP,  and the difference between the Clear Audio phono pre and the Ayre phono pre, of course that assumes i’m Not better off upgrading the cartridge. 

I realize this is a question with 100+ answers and appreciate the guidance of you all. 
Thanks 
jetson
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,472 posts
 
I have an all Ayre balanced system......  Interconnects are not that big of a deal.   Surely there is some tonal change, but there are tonal changes as you go from one venue to another.  Other then that, all the balanced cables I've tried are great.   Speaker cables on the other hand make a world of difference.
jetson OP
140 posts
 
I keep going back to @tomic601’s comment, start at the source I use most. 

So how inferior is the Rega Apollo R as a transport to the codex vs a significantly better CD player such as a used ARC CD-8 ($4,500 used) or perhaps something a bit less expensive.  Basically, I could put my CD source questions to bed. 

@beetlemania I hear you on the Ayre 8 series
@stringreen I’ve got AQ Rocket 44 Bi-wire. 
jetson OP
140 posts
 
I’m going to move this to a new thread under CD players rather than keep it alive here-it seems more appropriate. Thanks to everyone for their input
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,935 posts
 
jetson

let us know where you put the new thread...

but some thoughts....your Rega is quite a musical CD spinner and generally recognized to punch far above its weight class sonically...
but..IMO..
both Ayre and ARC CD players are in a totally different class. I used both extensively in evaluating components for our systems. I found both to be superior to my Mc MCD205
there are still lots of good to great CD players out there - even as the world seems to be moving to streaming or server/dac combinations...
jetson OP
140 posts
 
Moved to https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/apollo-r-codex-v-different-cdp-or-ayre-qx
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