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Ayre Codex (former) Owners, what did you move on to?

The Ayre Codex DAC was and still is a very good DAC and owners of Ayre equipment tend to be loyal to the brand. If you have owned the Codex, what DAC or streamer/DAC did you move on to that was was an upward move? If you still own the Codex but compared it to other popular DACs but found them to be at best a sideways move, I'd like to hear from you too. I have owned my Codex for about 5 years and have not had the burning desire to change.  The Codex has been around for a while and I am just curious what others have moved up to even if it's another Ayre digital product.
jc4659
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
i still have mine, among several other dacs

to me, you need to move into the above $2000 price class of dacs to surpass the excellent sound the codex delivers, particularly through its balanced connections - not to mention the additional value as an outstanding headphone amp
badgerdms
158 posts
 
I got tired of how wonky the Codex is but am also not a giant believer in spending $5K for a DAC.  I'm using a Border Patrol DAC and a Chord Qutest both of which I like.  I actually put the Chord Hugo in my system and A/B'd with the Ayre which led to my decision to dump the Codex.  Went with the Qutest because a) didn't need the headphone out on the Hugo and b) got a great deal from someone in my local audio group.
xrayz
105 posts
 
Exogal Comet +  It's a completely different sound, at least in my system. Warmer, a little laid back. Actually the Codex was a little fatiguing to my ear.
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tomic601
12,911 posts
 
Aesthetix Pandors
jc4659 OP
550 posts
 
Thanks for the responses so far. I should add that I am running my MacBook Pro via a Curious USB cable to an Uptone IsoRegen reclocker using the Uptone LPS-1 power supply and then into the Codex.  I found it to give the Codex a smoother, cleaner, clearer sound especially evident on female vocals.
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