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Ayre Codex or Bryston

Hey all,

My system has gone through many changes lately, mostly in the effort to simplify the setup.
This is a nearfield setup on a desk.

I replaced my PMC speakers and W4S amp with Genelec monitors (not as good, but they do the job), and also listen with HD700's.

My source is PC -> Bryston BDA-2 -> Bryston BHA-1.

The BDA-2 to BHA-1 is XLR, as well as outputs to the monitors.

I was thinking of selling the 2 Bryston boxes and replacing with the compact Ayre Codex, which has all the features I need: DAC, Pre-amp, Headphone amp. Another option is the Mytek Brooklyn.

Thoughts ?
itsikhefez
9 responses Add your response
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
I would contact Johnny Rutan (audioconnection), as he introduced me to the Codex (which I love and own 2). I am pretty sure he knows about Bryston  and can give you the best answer to your question.
Bob
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
I'm another that hasn't compared the Codex to the Bryston although I have heard many good things about Bryston. I have a Bluesound Node 2 connected to a Codex with a Wireworld superNova 7 glass optical. Yes, I said optical as in toslink and the combo kicks butt on my Cambridge 851-C cd player. Imagine that, a streamer beating a cd player. Using balanced outs on the Codex and the sound is truly superb. IMHO.
cedargrover
302 posts
 
I have not compared the two products you mention, but I own a Codex and adore it as part of all-Ayre stack.  
hgeifman
2,187 posts
 

+1 Ayre Codex DAC:  The sound quality of my Codex DAC is excellent and I suggest you give it listen. I currently use my Codex DAC as a DAC and its sound quality is excellent.  I also experimented using the Codex DAC as a pre-amp with great results.

I suggest you audition the Ayre Codex DAC.    


limniscate
241 posts
 
I briefly had a Bryston BDA-2 but didn't compare it to the Codex. I remember I couldn't tell an appreciable difference between it and whatever DAC (probably a Schiit Bifrost Multibit or first generation ODAC) I was using at the time though.
itsikhefez OP
63 posts
 
The DAC is less important in my opinion than the source. It sounds like you want the Codex for functionality.
True, but I am still interested to know the comparison.
I have the same functionality with the Bryston, but if I get comparable results, with less boxes (and money left over from selling), then its worth it
limniscate
241 posts
 
The DAC is less important in my opinion than the source. It sounds like you want the Codex for functionality.

If you want a cheaper option, get the SOtM sMS-200. It's about $450 new.
itsikhefez OP
63 posts
 
Thanks @limniscate. Do you know how it is compared to the Bryston combo I already have?

For USB, I'm using "just" a iFi iUSB + iPurifier.. your suggestions look more higher end
limniscate
241 posts
 
The Ayre Codex is great. Get it; then add a USB NIC to your computer, bridge the LAN ports, add a SOtM sMS-200 Ultra and tX-USB Ultra and prepare to be amazed. Take it to another level by adding a modded switch and master reference clock.
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