Ayre Codex

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.

A couple months ago I was looking for a new CD player. My price point was $2,000. Walked out of hifi shop with the Codex. Am using my Arcam CD player as a transport.

Anyway, the Codex is great! Soundstage is excellent, the unit doesn't sound digital/analytical. The sound is warm, without too much bottom end and the highs are not harsh or tinny. I am also using it with an Auralic mini with upgraded power unit and everything I am streaming sounds large. 

For the price I think you get great value.

I heard the Ayre Codex DAC today with the Ayre AX-7e integrated amplifier. My first impression was that it sounded terrific. I continued to listen to a wide variety of music and liked the Codex DAC very much. I took a break and listened again. I still cannot believe how this small box sounds can sound so good. I ordered the Ayre Codex DAC and delivery is expected in about 2 weeks (sooner I hope).

When I first saw the Codex DAC, I did not recognize the DAC since it was on its side using three AYRE Myrtle Wood Blocks ($15 for 3 blocks) to allow the cooling on its side to be okay. They also suggested the $300 Synergistic Research metal circle type blocks for the same purpose. The Codex DAC gets warm (but not hot) and the Myrtle blocks ensure the air circulates around the unit for cooling. Yes, we tried it with and without the wooden blocks. We also tested it standing up and on its side. In my opinion, the Code DAC laying on its side using the Myrtle wooden blocks sounded the best. The Synergistic Research blocks also sounded very good. I am holding off on these blocks until later.

The setup controls are very easy to use. I was able to change from USB to Optical input and change outputs from DAC to pre-amp operation very easily.

I received my Ayre Codex DAC today and changed the input source to USB and the output device to Pre-amp (goes direct to my power amplifiers).  The unit was then installed in my main audio system and my first impression is out of the box, it sounds very good.  As I noted above, I purchased 3 Ayre Myrtle wooden blocks ($15) and placed the Codex on its side (yes, it looks better in this position). It was interesting to see that the writing on the back of the DAC corresponds to the unit being on its side.  The unit is very small but I had no problems connecting any of my cables.  

As an experiment, the Codex DAC will stay in my main audio system for a while and will then be moved to my two channel home theatre system (original plan).  As another experiment, I will move my Prism Sound Callia DAC to the main audio system to see how it sounds compared to my Bricasti M1 SE DAC.    Today, I received instructions from Prism Sound to update the firmware on the Callia so that it will work okay with my Aurender N10.  

The Ayre Codex DAC is an amazing small 3 pound box that sounds very good.  I am anxious to break it in for improved sound.  Based on results so far, the Ayre Codex DAC is recommended.