CODEX vs QB-9 DSD

[tbar]

Does anyone have experience and/or recommendations for a balanced headphone amp for use with Ayre QB9-DSD? I would be driving Sennheiser HD600 and Audeze LCD-2 headphones.

[aardvarkbark]

Originally Posted by Charles Hansen

....But the best of all is the new Melco server. It has 4 TB of internal storage, can access all devices on your network (NAS and computers with server software), and is controlled by a tablet or smart phone. It sounds better than ANY computer I've heard and the price is very reasonable. There are no driver or upgrade issues. It has a USB output to drive the DAC and supports all sample rates plus DSD....

Any possibility of offering an upgrade to the c5xe to allow running the Melco (or any server) through its DAC? I still prefer playing CDs, but if I load them on a server, it'd be nice to not have to add a second DAC.

[Coppy]

Originally Posted by thesaint519

I'd love to get some feedback on the QB9-DSD too. Anyone?

I compared the QB-9 DSD to the Codex and prefer the QB-9 so now own one. My system only needs the USB capability from a MacBook Pro. No issue with any SQ ranges with the AQ Jitterbugs, Wireworld Silver USB and Shunyata Digital PC plugged into A Hyda conditioner. Looks like you've made a good decision on the QB-9 DSD.

[Blackstone]

Edit.

[Blackstone]

Apparently a lot of people who have done the test prefer the QB-9.

[ctsooner]

I feel it's system dependent on which one you will like. I was at a dealer and heard them side by side running Vandersteen 5ct's and the Codex seemed better. The differences were very subtle by the codex seemed to be the one that I went to as did the dealer. I think like anything else it's all system dependent. Regardless, I'll be probably getting a Melco first and downloading everything to it and streaming Tidal. Then I'll bring etc QX5 into the system and run it vs my fully upgraded Empirical Audio OSDE/SE. it will be hard to beat it as mine is nearly as good as the Berkley ref at 15k. The Berkley does beat mine in most categories, but by the slimmest of amounts and not for the bucks. I have a feeling though that the Ayre will beat mine and by plenty. If so, I'll have to sell more Juice Plus to pay for it, LOL>......

[Tikkenator]

Enjoying my Codex as a DAC/headphone amp with Sony MDR-Z7s with balanced cable. I have tried it both running USB from computer and Toslink with a Squeezbox Touch. Just bought a BAT VK-300xSE and Wilson Audio Sophia 3s and will use this as my digital front end. Will report back.

[ctsooner]

Sounds like fun