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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
rach_fan OP
25 posts
 
Lots of helpful info!  Thanks.  Especially, thanks gdnrbob and rvpiano.  I bought a used Codex, and it's on its way.  Unfortunately, my power amp died a week or so ago, so I'll have to make comparisons with my D-130. I don't know if it's the recordings I'm playing, but the system just doesn't sound as great with the D-130 in place of the SD135.  I will muddle on... :-)
gdnrbob
4,417 posts
 
@rach_fan ,
Congrats on the Codex.
Are the amps you are referring to AR?
Checked fuses? Looked inside for a blown Cap?
B
rach_fan OP
25 posts
 
Yes, both AR amps.  The SD135 is the one that failed, and the symptoms are exactly the same as before, when the ThermalTrak transistors were the issue.  My other thread has more detail.  I haven't unscrewed the 18 screws to remove the top, but I did peer inside through the grill, using a flashlight.  The big caps look okay.  Obviously something is wrong, but I would have to know where to look, and even then might not see anything.  Last time, I did remove the top, but I never had a visual indication of anything wrong.
rach_fan OP
25 posts
 
I finally opened the SD135. I can't see anything out of order. The failure mode was exactly the same as the previous time with the ThermalTrak transistors.  Wish ARC was willing to do anything for me on this. The good news is that I have found compatible replacement parts and a tech willing to install them.

I like the Ayre Codex! I'm still not sure what I'm hearing when I switch from it to the Schiit Gumby.  My first impression is that when I switch to the Gumby, the sound is slightly less articulate and shifted to a "thicker" center in the image.
taylor02
12 posts
 
Hello, having purchased two iterations of the Schiit Gumby, I think that you CAN do better and what you’re getting with the Gumby is the Mike Moffat filter which sounds great and is what makes the DAC so special sounding. In order to actually do better, you need to spend around 2x the price, though.
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