Ayre Codex

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

I agree - you should ask Ayre for the real answer. My guess is that it'll be ok since there’s a way for the heat to escape. I’d be concerned if it were going into a rack with all sides closed off and no fan to draw out the hot air.

Someone told me the Ayre Codex DAC get very hot when used with a headphone but just warm when used only as a DAC.   Is this true?  

As was suggested above, I plan on calling Ayre today and will post their response.  Thanks.

Ayre reports "the heat from the Codex is perfectly normal.  The heat comes from the Diamond output stage and pure analog power supply which are used in the Codex".  

Ayre says “this creates more heat, but it is a big part of the reason it sounds so good”.   There are no problems storing the Codex in my cabinet and I plan on listening to an Ayre Codex shortly.

I like the Ayre Codex DAC for its technology features of zero-feedback, improved power supplies, fully-complementary analog circuitry and fully-balanced analog circuitry. Every review I have read has praised the Codex DAC for its sound quality.  I am concerned that a lower cost DAC will not give me the sound quality I am looking for.   

In addition, I like the synergy between the Codex DAC and my Ayre AX-7e amplifier. Unfortunately, I have been very busy and am unable to visit my local retailer for a listen.  I still do not understand how this small 3 pound DAC can be so good.

Any comments on the Ayre Codex DAC operation and sound quality are appreciated. Thanks.