Ayon CD2 is AMAZING

Does it have digital input so it can serve as a DAC?

I don't think so. The CD5 has a digital out, but I don't think the CD2 does. Have to check. The CD2s does have a digital input.

Not so sure on the amount to spend on a TT setup to get the same sound quality as the CD2. I just bought a Clearaudio TT setup (the Champion Limited) for a shade under 5K, and I was told that it would "approximate" the sound quality of the CD5. We'll soon see- the TT arrives in about three weeks. Waiting on the next shipment from Germany.

Besides, isn't the point of an analog setup to surpass the sound quality of CD's?

According to the Ayon website, the CD-2s has two digital inputs, a 75 Ω S/PDIF (RCA), and a USB...

Besides, isn't the point of an analog setup to surpass the sound quality of CD's?
Afc

Exactly. My CD-2 sounds exceptionally good in my system, some recordings like FIM's Gilberto and Getz and Oscar Peterson recording were jaw dropping the first couple of spins. 5K is about what I can muster for an analog set-up, so if it can approximate the sound of the CD-5 it will be worth it .

Afc I would be interested in how you like your new TT. and what CDP you have

I like the turntable. The Champion Limited package comes with the Unify tonearm and the Aurum Beta S MM cartridge. Clearaudio screwed up my order- they sent the table with the clear plinth instead of the black plinth. So, as compensation, they upgraded the cartridge to the MC Talismann free of charge. It's got a very detailed sound, more "live" than CD. It lacks the bottom slam of the CD player, though.

Nice, a bit different from CD. I like it, sounds very nice, and I have some stuff on vinyl that was never put on CD.

My CDP is the Ayon CD5.