Ayon Audio CD-5 versus CD-5s

I received the following summary list from Paul at Ayon;

1) Improved volume control design
2) New Pre amp design
3) Improved tube output stage
4) 24/96 asynchronous USB input
5) XLR inputs

Hi Zephyr,

I just recently sold my CD-5 to trade up to the CD-5s with xlr input. Thanks for sharing that info re: the differences. My Dealer got a 'lite' version of your update. Btw, Ayon have also further refined the power supplies in the CD-5s according to their website. Ayon recently updated the CD-5s page on their site, so you may not have seen that yet.

Designing a twin lense, sacd/rb player adds cost and complexity. I think Ayon (like Vitus) decided to focus on smoking good rb performance and building awesome value players. There is also a tweak I know of which improves the CD-5s a further 15% ;)

It does have some updated parts but does it sound better?

Wig, my player is just landing from Austria now, but a mini review will follow after it's done 250-300hrs on the Isotek cd :)

Let me know of your initial impressions.