2. digital
  3. 158126-2164

Replace Ayre Codex with Topping D90 DAC

My Ayre Codex takes USB from an ultraRendu and sends balanced analog to an Ayre A7e integrated that drives KEF LS50s.  The sound level has become nearly inaudible, and I suspect it's a problem with the Codex -- substituting a microRendu made no difference; the sound level with the Ayre C-5xeMP disc player is fine.  Should I send the Codex to Ayre for service or buy a Topping D90?  Anyone hear the two DACs?
Ag insider logo xs@2xdbphd
mickeyb
578 posts
 
Topping good? Really? Don’t believe it. No way better than the codex. 
thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 
Ayre Codex is way better than a Topping. Whoever tells you Topping is great, either (1) never tried anything other than a Topping, or a similar chi-fi DAC, or (2) believes all DACs sound the same, bits are bits, etc.
jchiappinelli's avatar
jchiappinelli
117 posts
 
You might want to consider Schitt's Bifrost 2 Multibit. Same price as the D90 but fully user upgradable, both in firmware and software. DAC obsolescence is almost guaranteed given the pace of development in DACs. It is generally acknowledged that the D90 measures exceptionally well but the BF2 has a better sound. Let your ears (and only your ears) be the judge of course but for me, upgradability is important in DACs.

J.Cip
gdnrbob
4,447 posts
 
@jchiappinelli, 
Ayre offers upgrades, too.
But, I agree that Schiit DAC's are very good. Though you would need to get a Gungnir or Yggy to compete with the Codex.
Bob
hgeifman
2,239 posts
 

@dbphd, Let us start over, again. My assumption is the problem is NOT the Codex DAC (gut feeling). Any chance of borrowing another DAC from a friend and see what happens? This test will confirm the Codex DAC works or does not work.

Let us also assume, for minute, the issue is the Mini or Roon. What do you mean by inaudible audio? Does that mean NO sound or just a little sound? I had a similar issue when streaming from my iPad to my Aurender and had to turn the iPad volume control way up. Does your Mini, Roon, or anything else have a volume control that needs to increased? Please double check again, all setting on these devices to ensure their volume control is set high. I am not a Roon user but does Roon have a volume control setting that need increasing? Any comments from ROON Users?

Of course, if none of the above works, please call Aye on Monday.

I previously owned the Ayre CODEX DAC and thought it sounded terrific. The other DAC’s mentioned above are okay but I feel the Ayre CODEX DAC is a step above. In any case, please contact Ayre Customer Service for repairs, if needed. Thanks. Howard


More to discover