Replace Ayre Codex with QB-9 DSD?

@dbphd, Several years ago, I also had no sound coming from my Ayre QB-9 DAC.  I returned it to my retailer who confirmed the QB-9 DAC was not working.  The unit was sent to Ayre for repairs.  

Please call Ayre Acoustics for advice.  You probably are going to need to ship to them for repairs.   Sorry.   

When I first noticed the problem, the sound was very low.  Now there is no sound.  I don't recall make any changes in the the interim.

@dbphd, Any news on adjusting the Roon volume level mentioned above?  

Let us start over, again. My assumption is the problem is NOT the Codex DAC (gut feeling).  Any chance of borrowing another DAC from a friend and see what happens? This test will confirm the CODEX DAC works or does not work.

Let us also assume, for minute, the issue is either the Mini or ROON.  What do you mean by inaudible audio?  Does that mean NO sound or just a little sound?  I had a similar issue when streaming from my iPad and had to turn the iPad volume control up to its highest setting.   A little sound means a volume control setting, somewhere, needs to be increased.  In other words, if the CODEX DAC is not working, you will get no sound.  

Does your Mini, Roon, or anything else have a volume control that needs to increased?  Please double check again (sorry), all setting on these devices to ensure their volume setting is set high.  If none of the above, what else could it be?

If nothing, please call Ayre Acoustics for advice.  Please keep posted.

@dbphd, Someone on your other Audiogon post reports:

"ROON does have a volume level but I always leave it at 100 and use my AX-5 to set the volume". 

In addition to the above post, please review your Roon volume settings.  I am not a Roon user so please see this link:

https://kb.roonlabs.com/Volume_Leveling

I had an AX7e a while back.  Isn’t there a tape loop or something that’s mutes the unit?  I remember something similar and it was my error.

best of luck

Hgeifman, thanks for the post. I plan to revisit all the connections and settings today.  Inaudible audio occurs only with Roon and the ultraRendu that sends USB to the Codex that then sends balanced analog to an Ayre A7e integrated.  An Ayre C-5xeMP disc player that uses the A7e but not the Codex sounds as great as ever.  

IIRC the problem was a spontaneous event that occurred before I moved the Mac Mini that runs Roon core upstairs.  Both the Mini and ultraRendu were connected to a Google MESH module, but now the Mini connects to an Ethernet port of the router rather than the MESH network.  That move did take down the Roon control app on the iPad, so I had to reload it, but it seems to be playing Roon files now.  

Moving the Mini didn't effect running Roon bridge on my iMac nor the other Roon endpoint, an Ayre QX-5/20 connected to the MESH network via Ethernet.  I hope my memory is correct, and this is not a network
issue.

If my effort fails, I'll contact Ayre.  They're working on my DX5 DSD now.

@dbphd, I am sure you have already done these steps but let us review. The Codex DAC is set for DAC operation. All wires from your source are plugged in correctly to the Codex and also from the DAC to your amplifier. And, the required settings on your source are set correctly to output to the Codex DAC. Okay. I am sure these are correct but I have to ask.

And, of course, your amplifier is set for the correct source input from the CODEX, correct? Sorry, but I have to ask and I am sure it is correct.

As @beetlemania suggests above, I also recommend you call Ayre first thing Monday morning for help. Based on your description and verification of settings, cables, etc., it seems the unit needs to be returned to Ayre for service.

Several years ago, my Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC stopped working. Nothing I did, or my retailer did, solved the problem. We shipped the unit to Ayre for repairs. Please keep us posted.

Why don’t you call Ayre? They really do have great customer service! I mean, they’ll either tell you how to reset the Codex or, worst case, tell you it needs service. Are you on the other side of the world and the time change doesn’t work for you?

I briefly heard a Codex maybe four years ago but haven’t directly compared it with a QB-9. I think Ayre would tell you the Codex and QB-9 DSD each have their strengths and are overall equal, more or less. The QB-9 Twenty, however, is a clear level above the DSD version.