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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
 
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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jjss49
6,608 posts
 
@rach_fan

nice you are getting a codex to try... people can spew all they want about which is better, bottom line you need to find out for yourself in your system, as both sound good, just different presentation

that been said, a few points to you

- you need a good optical connection in (unless you are running usb) for the codex - get a real glass cable, makes a difference
- use the codex balanced outs... it sounds substantially better thru its xlr outs compared to the rca outs
- best to run in dac mode (disable the internal volume control)

bottom line, for me, i had a gumby and sold it, kept the codex... but that is in my system, to my ears - codex provided a more saturated, rich sound, which i value

also the goofy internal relay clicking between tracks that the gumby does bothered me

have fun, good luck
gdnrbob
4,409 posts
 
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
Yup, that is what you should be hearing. As you go further up the DAC line, you not only hear more definition, but also a greater sense of 'timing'-Things seem to sound more alive. At least that is what I have found since moving from the Codex to the QB-9 Twenty.
@jjss49 ,
Good points.

I would add- get a good power cord.
John Rutan (audioconnection) sold me on the Audioquest Thunder. It really helped. PM me if you want to try one.
Bob
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