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I am considering the Ayre Codex DAC for my 2-channel home theater system. The optical outputs on my LG OLED 4k HDR TV will connect to the Codex DAC. I am running balanced XLR cables from the Codex DAC to my Ayre AX-7e integrated amplifier.
Are there any problems, or concerns, using optical output from my LG TV to the Codex DAC? My current optical connection works fine. All of the reviews on the Codex were very positive. Is it a concern that the Codex DC get very warm? Ayre said no but I am interesting in hearing from actual Codex owners. My DAC is in a cabinet with the front door closed and the back open. Are there any problems connecting cables and power cords to the Codex because of its size? The Codex USB input connection will not be used.
Any comments on the Ayre Codex DAC are appreciated. And, yes, I am planning to audition the Codex DAC shortly. Thanks.
Follow Ups:
I heard the Ayre Codex DAC on Saturday with the Ayre AX-7e integrated amplifier (my amplifier). My first impression was that it sounded terrific. I continued to listen to a wide variety of music and liked the sounds of the Codex DAC very much. I took a break and listened again. I still cannot believe how this small box can sound so good. I ordered the Ayre Codex DAC and delivery is expected in about 2 weeks (sooner I hope).
When I first saw the Codex DAC, I did NOT recognize the DAC since it was on its SIDE (not standing up) using three Ayre Myrtle Wood Blocks to allow its cooling to be okay. They also suggested the $300 Synergistic Research metal circle type blocks for the same purpose. The Synergistic Research blocks also sounded good but not worth $300. For my application, the Myrtle Wood Blocks are fine.
The Codex DAC gets warm (but not hot) and the Myrtle blocks ensure the air circulates around the unit for cooling. Yes, we tried it with and without the wooden blocks. We also tested it standing up and on its side. In my opinion, the Codex DAC laying on its side using the Myrtle wooden blocks sounded the best. I ordered three Ayre Myrtle wood blocks ($15 for three).
The Codex setup controls are very easy to use. I was able to change from USB to Optical input and change outputs from DAC to pre-amp operation very easily. I am looking forward to installing the Codex DAC in my system.
I will be running balanced interconnect XLR cables from the Codex DAC to my Ayre Integrated amplifier. I considered several other DAC's in a similar price range but purchased the Codex DAC because of its excellent sound quality and its synergy between it and my Ayre amplifier. Thakns again for all your comments below.
I received my Ayre Codex DAC on Friday (12/16/16) and changed the input source to USB and the output device to Pre-amp (goes direct to my Hypex Bridged NC400 power amplifiers). The unit was then installed in my main audio system and my first impression is, "out of the box", it sounds very good. As I noted above, I purchased 3 Ayre Myrtle wooden blocks ($15) and placed the Codex on its side (yes, it looks better in this position). It was interesting to see that the writing on the back of the DAC corresponds to the unit being on its side. The unit is very small but I had no problems connecting any of my cables.
As an experiment, the Codex DAC will stay in my main audio system for a while and will then be moved to my two-channel home theatre system (original plan). As another experiment, I will move my Prism Sound Callia DAC to the main audio system to see how it sounds compared to my Bricasti M1 SE DAC. My local retailer suggests I listen to the Ayre QX-5 Twenty DAC.
I received instructions from Prism Sound to update the firmware on the CALLIA so that it will work with my Aurender N10. However, the CALLIA volume control needs to be turned to its lowest setting BEFORE I WILL connect the CALLIA to my power amplifiers (for the first time). I prefer not to blow out my speakers if the volume is set too high. I am waiting for Prism Sound to confirm the LOWEST volume setting is zero and the 100% setting is the maximum amount of gain (volume). Can anyone answer this question?
The Ayre Codex DAC is an amazing small 3-pound box that sounds very good. I am anxious for it to break in for improved sound. Based on results so far, the Ayre Codex DAC is recommended.
Yes, as Abe suggests make sure your tv can output stereo PCM. I was looking forward to using my Arcam rDAC for my tv and found it wouldn't work. I figured it might be my DAC. Then I tried it with my Bluesound Node 2 and same result, no sound.That's when I found out my tv doesn't output PCM (sometimes it takes me awhile to catch onto things). I did purchase a DAC specifically for the tv that could take the multi-channel signal and output stereo. I'm not so concerned about ultimate audio from my tv and the reasonably priced DAC does a great job and the tv audio is very satisfying.
Just wanted pass on my experience, you may not have a problem at all. Good luck.
Cheers,
Scott
Edits: 11/15/16
If your TV is a Smart TV, the optical output will output PCM. However, as you noted, if the TV is not a Smart TV, then the optical output cannot be used for inputting to a DAC. My previous Pioneer Elite Plasma would not output a PCM signal. The capability must be verified for every TV to ensure it works as you require.
Another option is to run the optical output from your cable box to your DAC (I did this with my Pioneer TV and it worked fine). Please NOTE that the correct settings must be set in the cable box to output the correct signal type.
Thanks for the reply, howgeif. I'm in the same boat you were; I have a Panasonic Plasma that doesn't output PCM. And unfortunately I don't use a cable box; we stream and watch antenna tv. Thanks for the suggestion though.
Cheers,
Scott
Most 'audiophile' DACs will not support multichannel audio so be sure the output of your LG TV can be set to 2-ch (stereo) PCM.
Thanks for the suggestion. Yes, I changed the LP OLED 4K TV to output PCM and it works perfectly. Do you have any comments on the Ayre Codex DAC for this application? Thanks.
I do not own the Ayre Codex but it's one that I wouldn't mind trying someday. IMHO, the Ayre is overkill for use primarily for TV duty. Not that it would be bad on the TV but I'd put it in my main audio system and use a lesser ($) DAC on the TV.
Edits: 11/24/16
Thanks. I am using the Bricasti M1 SE DAC in my main system and it sounds terrific. I like the Ayre Codex DAC for its technology features of zero-feedback, improved power supplies, fully-complementary analog circuitry and fully-balanced analog circuitry. Every review I have read has praised the Codex DAC for its sound quality. I am concerned that a lower cost DAC will not give me the sound quality I am looking for. In addition, I like the synergy between the Codex and my Ayre AX-7e amplifier. Unfortunately, I have been very busy and am unable to visit my local retailer for a listen. I still do not understand how this small 3 pound DAC can be so good. Any comments on the Ayre Codex DAC are appreciated. Thanks.
I had the Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC (excellent BTW) on my AX-7e and I've read that the Codex comes very close to it's performance. So if you have the money to use a Codex on a TV I can't see why it wouldn't sound great.
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