The Ayon CD5s $4,500 - combines excellent transport and DAC with terrific Class A preamp with analogue volume control. This 40 pound billet aluminum unit with very high quality caps, tube rectified power supply and 6H30 output tubes, produces liquid, highly nuanced and dynamic music, without the need for separate DAC and preamp and the attending power cords and interconnects. I personally have felt it is better, as in more like real music, than the top line units of other manufacturers. I am trading up in the same line to the Ayon CD 35SE ($12,500) or the CD 35HF ($22,000) to keep the same sound which I love, and the simplicity of the one box design.
The unit is ready for all computer audio via asynchronous USB and other inputs. There are ample analogue inputs for phono or DVD player etc. All sections can be bypassed so you can use your own DAC or Preamp if so desired. Tube rolling to NOS Russian Reflectors outstanding. The CD5s retailed for $12,500 and has just been retubed and inspected by USA Tube Audio. Perfect mechanically.
The unit is ready for all computer audio via asynchronous USB and other inputs. There are ample analogue inputs for phono or DVD player etc. All sections can be bypassed so you can use your own DAC or Preamp if so desired. Tube rolling to NOS Russian Reflectors outstanding. The CD5s retailed for $12,500 and has just been retubed and inspected by USA Tube Audio. Perfect mechanically.
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