For the best performance of the Codex I highly recommend using the balanced output connections. I directly compared mine connected by high quality RCA cables to the same level XLR cables. The XLR output is notably better.
Oppo 103 comparison with an Ayre Codex
I have a new Ayre Codex DAC, a pretty good DAC. I connected my Oppo 103 to my preamp with RCA cables and also connected the Oppo via a decent Toslink cable. I could switch back at forth RT between the analogue path vs the digital path > Ayre DAC and I will be damned if I can perceive any difference, not even in SPL. The Codex was a bit of any improvement over my Ayre QB-9, a much-heralded DAC, which itself was a demonstrable improvement over the five sub-$1K DAC’s that preceded it streaming music from my iMac. The QB-9 acquisition prompted me to sell my TT, it was that good. The Codex is slightly better.
Two observations:
1. The DAC in the Oppo 103 is very good.
2. Knowing that my $20 Toslink cable is as good as the RCA connection, it frees up the $350 Cerious Technology Graphene Express IC cables to be used elsewhere in my system.
While I am moving to have all my music on an external HD and playing the music through the Audirvana software, with its error correction, etc., I will always have use a CD player. By far, the great valued-component component in my sytem has long been the Oppo 103. It was the best $550 I have ever spent in an audio purchase. I did hear an Oppo 205 and it was slightly sonically superior to my Oppo 103, which makes sense. I have no clue why Oppo discontinued their sales of the Oppo CDP’s.
Two observations:
1. The DAC in the Oppo 103 is very good.
2. Knowing that my $20 Toslink cable is as good as the RCA connection, it frees up the $350 Cerious Technology Graphene Express IC cables to be used elsewhere in my system.
While I am moving to have all my music on an external HD and playing the music through the Audirvana software, with its error correction, etc., I will always have use a CD player. By far, the great valued-component component in my sytem has long been the Oppo 103. It was the best $550 I have ever spent in an audio purchase. I did hear an Oppo 205 and it was slightly sonically superior to my Oppo 103, which makes sense. I have no clue why Oppo discontinued their sales of the Oppo CDP’s.