Ayre Codex

Can’t wait to see what they come up with for a 5-series DAC. I tried the Codex as a DAC in my system (Vandersteen 3A Signature, Ayre AX-5 Twenty) and it sounded warmer than the Ayre C-5xeMP I normally use. However, it seemed like the soundstage wasn’t as wide or deep. As a headphone amp + DAC I feel it’s definitely top-shelf.

I like the Codex a lot. I think its performance is just a hair behind the QB-9 DSD / C-5xeMP (I have both) but others have come to the opposite conclusion. One thing to keep in mind is that the Codex gets pretty hot when left on for a few hours, so I wouldn’t put it in a completely enclosed space without some ventilation.

There is a converter for all sorts of digital inputs to USB made by Mutec, called the MC-1.2. It’s a little pricey at $450 new.

I agree - you should ask Ayre for the real answer. My guess is that it'll be ok since there’s a way for the heat to escape. I’d be concerned if it were going into a rack with all sides closed off and no fan to draw out the hot air.