Aesthetix Romulus Eclipse
|
Yes, you want the option. Depending on your source you want to choose: USB (which re-times the bitstream) and SP/DIF, AES (that don’t re-time the bit stream)… optical is normally avoided as typically it is inferior to the others. |
I am currently using both inputs to the Codex, the USB and optical. It would be good to have multiple inputs and not just USB. |
@gdnrbob
Good point. I would not recommend a USB only DAC and thr QB-9 is. They make great DACs that use AES and other normal inputs. |
@jc4659
The Ayre QB-9 Twenty outclasses the Codex easily, but remember it has only USB input, unlike the Codex which has USB, and optical.-That little change forced me to change my steamer from Bluesound to Innuos-though it was for the better.
B |
I had a QB-9 in my headphone system. It was fantastic for its time. I upgraded it to QB-9 20… now an excellent contemporary DAC. If you enjoyed the CODEX then buying a contemporary Ayer DAC is a good move. |
The codex is amazing with headphones, but as a DAC I went with a Mytek instead.
|
I was using my MacBook and Codex to play HiRez music never sounded right The Bluesound Vault was more musical now steaming with Aurender N10 once I switch out the Codex for the Pandora it will be sublime |
I moved up to an Ayre QX5/20 that was offered at a great price used here on AudioGon. A definite improvement. |
I compared the QB-9 DSD to the Codex and kept the QB-9. The older DAC sounded more refined and articulate. I feel it would be a worthy upgrade and these days you can find them on the used market at very reasonable prices.
Having said that, I've since sold the QB-9 and use a Benchmark DAC3 as my primary source.
|
@gdnrbob was it a sonic upgrade? Can you describe what the improvements were? |
I upgraded to the QB-9 Twenty.
The upgrade was too inexpensive to pass by.
Bob |
I have a Ayre Codex and like it's sound. Thinking about trying a Denefrips Pontus ll. Want to see if a R2R dac is worth the hype. |
Still have my Codex. Agree about the wonky control button. I moved onto a Holo Springs ladder DAC. |
I will be going to Aesthetix Pandor the Codex very good dac even better when I upgraded the power cord to Audioquest Thunder it's hard for me to let go of the Codex sense I make the Codex Cradle
Enjoy the Music
Tom |
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. |
|
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. |
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. |
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 |
