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Apollo R + Codex v. different CDP or Ayre QX

My current system is an Ayre AX-7e with Apollo R or MH 5 TT as source, with Sig 2 Ce’s.
 I mostly listen to CDs and look forward to more streaming via Tidal or Spotify Hi Rez(use both).
Ultimately I plan on following the Ayre/Vandy upgrade paths. 
Ive been thinking of adding a Codex and using the Apollo as transport to the Codex via Toslink, vs adding a different balanced CDP, vs waiting for Ayre to release more in the 8 series. 
As to other CDP’s I was thinking of a used ARC CD8($4,500- IDK on tube hrs), or Cary 306 SACD($2,750), both of which have BurrBrown DACs and balanced output l. 
A recent conversation with a dealer that’s expert in Ayre and Vandy, suggested I wait for the 8 series release, and hinted at an Ayre spinner release in the not distant future. 
Thoughts?
Thanks 
jetson

Showing 1 response by hgeifman

hgeifman
2,113 posts
 
@joey54, I also own the the Ayre AX-7e integrated with the Ayre Codex DAC and they sound great together as you stated above.   I looked at the Ayre EX-8 integrated and it looks nice.  You said its price is $6,950 including the built-in USB DAC.  I also need the Toslink cable input option that I believe increases its price but I do not know the cost for this. 

I use my Ayre AX-7 in my 2 channel home theatre system including the Wireworld Supernova 7 Glass Toslink cable from my LG OLED TV to my Ayre Codex DAC.  For my application, my current system sounds great and I do not see the need to upgrade.   Based on your experience with the Ayre EX-8, is an amplifier upgrade worth it in my application?   
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