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Replace Ayre Codex with Topping D90 DAC

My Ayre Codex takes USB from an ultraRendu and sends balanced analog to an Ayre A7e integrated that drives KEF LS50s.  The sound level has become nearly inaudible, and I suspect it's a problem with the Codex -- substituting a microRendu made no difference; the sound level with the Ayre C-5xeMP disc player is fine.  Should I send the Codex to Ayre for service or buy a Topping D90?  Anyone hear the two DACs?
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Showing 2 responses by hgeifman

hgeifman
2,113 posts
 
@dbphd, I agree with the above posts that the AYRE CODEX DAC is excellent sounding.

The CODEX operates in 2 modes.  One as a preamp and the other as a DAC.   Unfortunately, sometimes the setup for one operation or the other is not easy.  Please confirm your CODEX DAC is set fo DAC only operation.  When the round button is moved, you want the screen to say DAC and not preamp.   Please keep us posted.
hgeifman
2,113 posts
 

@dbphd, 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 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 to my Aurender and had to turn the iPad volume control way up. Does your Mini, Roon, or anything else have a volume control that needs to increased? Please double check again, all setting on these devices to ensure their volume control is set high. I am not a Roon user but does Roon have a volume control setting that need increasing? Any comments from ROON Users?

Of course, if none of the above works, please call Aye on Monday.

I previously owned the Ayre CODEX DAC and thought it sounded terrific. The other DAC’s mentioned above are okay but I feel the Ayre CODEX DAC is a step above. In any case, please contact Ayre Customer Service for repairs, if needed. Thanks. Howard


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