2. digital
  3. 133198-75349

Ayre Codex or Bryston

Hey all,

My system has gone through many changes lately, mostly in the effort to simplify the setup.
This is a nearfield setup on a desk.

I replaced my PMC speakers and W4S amp with Genelec monitors (not as good, but they do the job), and also listen with HD700's.

My source is PC -> Bryston BDA-2 -> Bryston BHA-1.

The BDA-2 to BHA-1 is XLR, as well as outputs to the monitors.

I was thinking of selling the 2 Bryston boxes and replacing with the compact Ayre Codex, which has all the features I need: DAC, Pre-amp, Headphone amp. Another option is the Mytek Brooklyn.

Thoughts ?
itsikhefez
limniscate
241 posts
 
The Ayre Codex is great. Get it; then add a USB NIC to your computer, bridge the LAN ports, add a SOtM sMS-200 Ultra and tX-USB Ultra and prepare to be amazed. Take it to another level by adding a modded switch and master reference clock.
itsikhefez OP
63 posts
 
Thanks @limniscate. Do you know how it is compared to the Bryston combo I already have?

For USB, I'm using "just" a iFi iUSB + iPurifier.. your suggestions look more higher end
limniscate
241 posts
 
The DAC is less important in my opinion than the source. It sounds like you want the Codex for functionality.

If you want a cheaper option, get the SOtM sMS-200. It's about $450 new.
itsikhefez OP
63 posts
 
The DAC is less important in my opinion than the source. It sounds like you want the Codex for functionality.
True, but I am still interested to know the comparison.
I have the same functionality with the Bryston, but if I get comparable results, with less boxes (and money left over from selling), then its worth it
limniscate
241 posts
 
I briefly had a Bryston BDA-2 but didn't compare it to the Codex. I remember I couldn't tell an appreciable difference between it and whatever DAC (probably a Schiit Bifrost Multibit or first generation ODAC) I was using at the time though.
More to discover