ARC VSi60 vs Ayon Spirit II/III

Gary,

Any updates. Have you auditioned the Ayon Spirit II/III?

I have a Spirit II and can highly recommend it. I've also had my eyes on the ARC vsi60 since I'm a bit of an Audio Research guy as well. But have the opposite problem - have not been able to audition it yet.

Feel free to email me if you have specific questions about the Spirit II.

- David.

I cannot give you the usual audiophile speak, but I had the VSi60 with some Vandersteen quatros, and I thought it was a great amp. Lovely mids and extended highs, very nice imaging, etc. OF course, those speakers had a powered lower end, but I have nothing but excellent marks for the VSi 60.

Really, if I went back to tubes, I think I would buy another. For the used money, I am not sure you can beat them.

In the end, though, you have to compare yourself, with your own speakers, etc. If you cannot, then buy used and if you dump it you won't lose nearly as much.

As always, it comes down to personal preferences and mine don't favour ARC. Nothing wrong with the company, I don't like ARC gear I have heard. I have auditioned the Ayon Spirit 2 and Orion and loved both of them and would happily have bought them.
It's just that I am cheap and go for second hand gear. You don't seem to see much second hand Ayon, which tells it's own story. I bought a Pathos Inpol2 instead, equally good in fact and an amp I would recommend to anyone.

Neutron,
I`ll admit I`m much more familliar with Audio Research gear than Ayon(formerly owned an AR preamp and have heard many AR setups over the years). Given the Ayon`s design and circuit I`d pay close attention to Reynold`s impressions. I would bet that purely on sonic performance the Ayon is superior. Class A/no NF/ and triode operation when done right is very hard to beat. There sould be a more alive,dynamic sound with a more organic tone and harmonic richness along with improved texture.I hope you have the chance to hear it in your system.

Hi Folks,

Unfortunately, I haven't yet had the opportunity to spend time with the Ayon. I have enjoyed the ARC equipment I've had in the past (and the audition time experienced with the VSi60), but just on gut feel alone, I know the Ayon is the right path for me.

I've been paying close attention to all commentary, and very much appreciate everyone's input. That's what I love about this community, the passion and interest people take in helping other's find that right path, with all its infinite variety. And yes, I'm paying particularly close attention to Reynolds perspective, especially since Reynolds seems to be the de facto Ayon subject matter expert.

Unfortunately, there's a very small window of opportunity to purchase a Spirit (any iteration) through Audiogon. It's not for lack of advertisement. There's virtually no useful information in the "Bluebook", which says a few things to me. The distribution network/available used inventory is limited, the product is that good, or most likely, a combination of the two. And, sadly enough for me (boo hoo), the capital outlay is a factor. But hey, where's there's a will, there's a wAy(on)...sorry, couldn't resist.

Thanks all!