Ayre Codex vs. ESS SABRE ES9010K2M (Yamaha AS801)


Hey all:

I'm thinking about purchasing a Yamaha AS801 which has the ESS Sabre DAC in it.  I have an Ayre Codex presently.  Wondering if the Yamaha DAC would be a good replacement for the Codex or if I should buy a DACless amp and keep the Codex.  Does that make sense?

Thoughts appreciated.

soundchasr

Showing 2 responses by erik_squires

Sorry for my awkward post, I've not compared the Codes as a line level DAC, I defer to the experience of others, but I would _not_ be surprised it is equally outstanding there too.
Depends.

What makes the Codex outstanding is the diamond output stage with headophones. Really amazing. No DAC chip can replace that.

If you aren't listening with headphones, then I prefer the ... AKC?  The other DAC maker. :)