Ayon CD5 vs Audio Aero Prestige

The cd-5s is a must hear,and potentially could save you 1,000s
Of dollars on a preamp and cables the cd-5s as a cdp layer is exceptional
And the preamplifier section is as good even if you had $15 k to spend on separates I would insist you here this special player- preamp unit,
And do read the reviews ,the 5 s version is even better.

All the guys that I know prefer using their preamps over the CD5's pre.

I agree with Audioman58. I recently bought ayon cd-5s that replaced esoteric k-03 in my system. I did compare the pre-amp section of the ayon cd-5s with plinius tautoro, arc ref-3 and in my system ayon cd-5s was better. I think unless one will go with $10K+ pre-amp, it will be difficult to beat Ayon cd-5s as cdp/pre-amp, Trully outstanding unit with great support from Ayon Usa.

Hi Orion, I think it is more helpful if posters have actually compared these players side by side as I have. I managed to dig out my old listening notes from the a-b-a test I did when I sold my old CD-5 vs the buyer's Audio Aero Prestige -

The buyer was using an Audio Aero Prestige player and we a-b-a tested it on the same music & the differences were certainly clear to me; the AA was more rolled off in comparison, the dac section was less detailed and accurate & the midrange was bloated. I also felt it had a 'sheen', like a veil clouding the music. The AA certainly sounded warm, though I felt that quality was compensating for omissions elsewhere. In comparison, the CD-5 had better weighted bass & extension, the above-mentioned veil was lifted, sound came from a dead quiet background & you then felt like the band were in the room playing for you. The buyer also noticed the improved detail and accuracy of the dac, whilst his wife noticed the above-mentioned veil being lifted, though on first impression said she preferred that quality in the AA.

...the end result? The buyer kept the Ayon and sold the AA.

I currently own the CD-5s and do not have the collective knowledge of many of the respondents chiming in here but echo many of the comments mentioned by melbguy1 (cheers mister!). There is certainly a reason this unit does not come up for sale as a pre-owned.
Its "micro-dynamics" are creepy. You may find yourself going to the front door of the home believing someone is knocking. No lie. As mentioned above, bass is fast, detailed and deep, which is something I was concerned about. I'd purchased the Cary slp98p pre and it was completely absent of bass below 30hz, although very nice in the middle. It's what pushed me over the edge for this purchase. Bass is the proverbial foundation needed in all (proper) reproduction.
Considering its inherent value of the CD-5s relative to an extra-preamp setup, it's my suggestion to spend the relatively nominal fee of upgrading the standard tube compliment in the CD-5s to the 1982 Russion "super tubes". Buy a back-up set for down the road - while they're still available.
This is the unit one takes to the casket...