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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
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,130 posts
 
can you borrow a codex from Ayre dealer ? i suggest a glass fiber ( not plastic ) Toslink cable

you might also consider an ARC dac

also dont sell short an Aesthetix CD player, it has the built in Pandora dac and can be upgraded to signature then Apollo levels which I can assure you are staggering......
joey54
434 posts
 
On the new EX-8 Integrated amp, they are now shipping and on display at the Audio Connection in Verona, NJ. I have just tested it in my system and it beats my current setup handily. I currently have an Ayre AX-7e and a Codex and they do sound great together, but the EX-8 is better. You should touch base with JohnnyR to discuss. Good Luck!

oh, the EX-8 costs $6950 with the built-in USB DAC.
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
13,130 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



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