Ayre Codex

For my home theater system, my TiVO cable box is connected to my LP OLED 4K HDR TV that uses a toslink connection to my DAC that connects to my Ayre AX-7e integrated amp.

I wish I could use an Ayre DAC but the Ayre QX-5 DAC is too expensive for this application. The Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC has great sound but ONLY has an USB input and no toslink (optical) inputs.  Are there any options to convert optical to UBS for inputting to the Ayre QB-9 DAC?  My guess is probably not.

As stated above, the Ayre Codex DAC ($1,795) is designed as a DAC / head amp for standing on a desk and not a cabinet (my use).  My retailer really likes the Ayre Codex DAC (used as a DAC) so I should probably give it an audition in my system. The Codex has received outstanding reviews.

Any additional comments on the Ayre Codex DAC or other possible DAC's I should look at?   

Mytek Brooklyn is just under $2k, and the Schiits are all very good.

I like the Codex a lot. I think its performance is just a hair behind the QB-9 DSD / C-5xeMP (I have both) but others have come to the opposite conclusion. One thing to keep in mind is that the Codex gets pretty hot when left on for a few hours, so I wouldn’t put it in a completely enclosed space without some ventilation.

There is a converter for all sorts of digital inputs to USB made by Mutec, called the MC-1.2. It’s a little pricey at $450 new.

How hot was the Codex get?   Is the Codex okay to be placed in a cabinet with the front door closed and the back open?

It does get hot.  For your application, I would only ask Ayre.