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Schiit "Gumby" owner considering Ayre Codex -- advice?

I have an Audio Research system driving Vandersteen Treos, and listen mostly to classical music.  My DAC is a Schiit "Gumby" (Gungnir Multibit).  My listening tends toward solo piano, small brass ensemble, but also big symphonies (Mahler, Bruckner).  I look for a relaxed sense of detail and openness and texture.

Yesterday, I was given a very strong recommendation for the Ayre Codex.  So now I'm wondering what sort of differences that might reveal in my system.  I've seen raves for the Codex, including comments from Gumby owners who switched.  But I've also seen at least one comment from someone who preferred the Gumby.

What sort of people / systems / listening do you think favor one over the other?

Given my system and listening, should I look for the opportunity to sell the Gumby and get a used Codex?

Thanks in advance!

rach_fan

Showing 1 response by jjss49

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@rach_fan

nice you are getting a codex to try... people can spew all they want about which is better, bottom line you need to find out for yourself in your system, as both sound good, just different presentation

that been said, a few points to you

- you need a good optical connection in (unless you are running usb) for the codex - get a real glass cable, makes a difference
- use the codex balanced outs... it sounds substantially better thru its xlr outs compared to the rca outs
- best to run in dac mode (disable the internal volume control)

bottom line, for me, i had a gumby and sold it, kept the codex... but that is in my system, to my ears - codex provided a more saturated, rich sound, which i value

also the goofy internal relay clicking between tracks that the gumby does bothered me

have fun, good luck
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