Short answer: the HiFime UDA38Pro, though neither ranks well in its class. Both are rated 1.6/5 (#42 and #43 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos), and the HiFime UDA38Pro costs $249 against $1,950 for the Ayre Codex, so with nothing between them on measured performance, price settles it. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 43 DAC and headphone amp combos, and the SMSL DO400, ranked #1 at $499, is a better place to start if measured performance matters.
What the Ayre Codex does well: It combines a DAC and headphone amp with USB and optical inputs, RCA and XLR line outputs, and a 6.35 mm jack plus a pair of 3.5 mm jacks usable as a balanced headphone output. The tradeoff: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 68 dB, a level of noise and distortion that is a real audible weakness, especially with sensitive in-ear monitors.
What the HiFime UDA38Pro does well: It combines a DAC and headphone amp with USB and optical inputs and an RCA line output in a small 0.5 lbs (220 g) box. The catch: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 70 dB, a real audible weakness that can show up as noise or distortion.
Buy the HiFime UDA38Pro. Both are rated the same, and it costs $1,701 less than the Ayre Codex.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Ayre Codex | HiFime UDA38Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,950.00 | $249.00 |
| Ranked | #43 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #42 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 68 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 70 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 2 x 3.5 mm (pair usable as balanced) | 3.5 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (dual 3.5 mm, XLR line out) | No |
| Inputs | USB-B, optical | USB-B, optical |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (digital, 1 dB steps) | Digital (58 steps) |
| Dimensions | 2.2” x 5.4” x 9.1” (55 x 137 x 230 mm) | 3.9” x 3.1” x 1.2” (100 x 80 x 30 mm) (as listed, axis order unstated) |
| Weight | 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) | 0.5 lbs (220 g) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | - | 125 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated, external 9 V supply; 70 mW on USB power) |
| DAC Chip | - | ES9038PRO |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
Ayre Codex: $1,950.00 Ayre eBay
Pros: It combines a DAC and headphone amp with USB and optical inputs, RCA and XLR line outputs, and a 6.35 mm jack plus a pair of 3.5 mm jacks usable as a balanced headphone output. The volume knob steps in precise 1 dB increments.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 68 dB, a level of noise and distortion that is a real audible weakness, especially with sensitive in-ear monitors. Ayre does not publish a power figure into 32 ohms, so its ability to drive demanding headphones is unknown. The Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital rates higher and measures far cleaner for much less.
Full Ayre Codex review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (dual 3.5 mm, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 2.2” x 5.4” x 9.1” (55 x 137 x 230 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 2 x 3.5 mm (pair usable as balanced) |
| Inputs | USB-B, optical |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 68 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (digital, 1 dB steps) |
| Weight | 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
HiFime UDA38Pro: $249.00 HiFime eBay
Pros: It combines a DAC and headphone amp with USB and optical inputs and an RCA line output in a small 220 g box. HiFime rates it at 125 mW into 30 ohms with its external 9 V supply, which drives most headphones.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 70 dB, a real audible weakness that can show up as noise or distortion. Power drops to 70 mW on USB power alone, there is only a 3.5 mm output with no balanced option, and the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital rates higher and measured far cleaner.
Full HiFime UDA38Pro review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9038PRO |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 3.1” x 1.2” (100 x 80 x 30 mm) (as listed, axis order unstated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-B, optical |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 125 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated, external 9 V supply; 70 mW on USB power) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 70 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (58 steps) |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (220 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons