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 1 response by jchiappinelli

You might want to consider Schitt's Bifrost 2 Multibit. Same price as the D90 but fully user upgradable, both in firmware and software. DAC obsolescence is almost guaranteed given the pace of development in DACs. It is generally acknowledged that the D90 measures exceptionally well but the BF2 has a better sound. Let your ears (and only your ears) be the judge of course but for me, upgradability is important in DACs.

J.Cip