Replace Ayre Codex with QB-9 DSD?


Time in front of the Codex with the instructions hasn't solved the problem of inaudible audio.  I'll try again tomorrow, but I don't recall difficulty when I originally set up the Codex.

I found a used QB-9 DSD for about $1200.  Would that be a worthwhile upgrade for balanced input to an Ayre A7e integrated that drives KEF LS50s?
Ag insider logo xs@2xdbphd
@dbphd, I am sure you have already done these steps but let us review. The Codex DAC is set for DAC operation. All wires from your source are plugged in correctly to the Codex and also from the DAC to your amplifier. And, the required settings on your source are set correctly to output to the Codex DAC. Okay. I am sure these are correct but I have to ask.

And, of course, your amplifier is set for the correct source input from the CODEX, correct? Sorry, but I have to ask and I am sure it is correct.

As @beetlemania suggests above, I also recommend you call Ayre first thing Monday morning for help. Based on your description and verification of settings, cables, etc., it seems the unit needs to be returned to Ayre for service.

Several years ago, my Ayre QB-9 DSD DAC stopped working. Nothing I did, or my retailer did, solved the problem. We shipped the unit to Ayre for repairs. Please keep us posted.







Hgeifman, thanks for the post. I plan to revisit all the connections and settings today.  Inaudible audio occurs only with Roon and the ultraRendu that sends USB to the Codex that then sends balanced analog to an Ayre A7e integrated.  An Ayre C-5xeMP disc player that uses the A7e but not the Codex sounds as great as ever.  

IIRC the problem was a spontaneous event that occurred before I moved the Mac Mini that runs Roon core upstairs.  Both the Mini and ultraRendu were connected to a Google MESH module, but now the Mini connects to an Ethernet port of the router rather than the MESH network.  That move did take down the Roon control app on the iPad, so I had to reload it, but it seems to be playing Roon files now.  

Moving the Mini didn't effect running Roon bridge on my iMac nor the other Roon endpoint, an Ayre QX-5/20 connected to the MESH network via Ethernet.  I hope my memory is correct, and this is not a network
issue.

If my effort fails, I'll contact Ayre.  They're working on my DX5 DSD now.
I had an AX7e a while back.  Isn’t there a tape loop or something that’s mutes the unit?  I remember something similar and it was my error.

best of luck
In addition to the above post, please review your Roon volume settings.  I am not a Roon user so please see this link:

https://kb.roonlabs.com/Volume_Leveling
@dbphd, Someone on your other Audiogon post reports:

"ROON does have a volume level but I always leave it at 100 and use my AX-5 to set the volume".