Ayon Vs. Audio Research Preamps

The Ayon room at the T.H.E. Show in Orange County was incredible and I bet you won't be disappointed with the Ayon. I am a Ref 5 owner and could be very happy with the Ayon stuff. The 5s CD player is a very musical sounding player too. I think they offer a 15 day money back guarantee; you might check on that.

Hifimaniac,

Thanks very much for your response. I am 70+ percent leaning towards the Ayon. I grew up w/ solid state and have an inkling to keep some solid state aspects in the preamp, which is what intrigued me about the Audio Research and their use of solid state power supplies (in their preamps). I have this possibly unfounded presumption that ss power supply offers better attack/impact.
As the Audiogon Webmaster is asking/requesting, the current amp setup consists of a highly modified Hafler 500 that's been modifed twice with the second go-around separating the twin 500VA transformers into a separate housing. Output caps are VH VfTf's & internal wiring is 14 ga solid core silver. I also use a Cary Audio CAD120s MkII w/the optional Jensen oil caps which is used in winter to help supplement heating of the house. All interconnects are Dynamic Design Nebula. For the record, this system is far from complete and the Ayon (or something else) is to be the end-all point of the system. I also agree with your comments on the Ayon CD player. I will eventually replace my current XA777 Sony ES with something - possibly the 5s. Time and cash....

Thank you again.

SW

I don't know why Ayon is'nt more popular. Everything seems right with them, price build quality and of course, the sound. There CD players in particular , seem unbeatablle at the price.
I have recently bought an ex dem Spark integrated and it is very hard to criticise it. It's very detailed but not harsh and fatiguing, wonderful tonal richness. I prefer it to the Viva Soloista I used before at twice the price, excellent though that was. About the only points I would make, it would be nice to have a true balanced input and if the power switch was'nt at the back.
You may not know this, but the 623C output valve was used in the Mig23 Foxbat. You've got to love the Russians, that's class.
I don't know why you don't hear more about Ayon, probably to do with distribution. The fact you rarely see any for sale second hand, tells you something.

David,

Thanks again - you've raised excellent points. I beleive I have my answer. In fact, I've told my vendor to proceed with placing the order. They're not going to be available until mid-Sept. I feel like such a junkie due to the wait...

On the CD commentary, have you heard anything about this new company called Playback? It is being founded by a 'seasoned' veteran at the helm - some guy by the name of Andreas Koch-sp-?? He was apparently involved at the initial spark (pardon the pun) of the CD revolution with Sony. Another local vendor said that in six months, we'll be hearing about nothing but this lineup. They're billed as being incredible value for the douhg - so they all say. Piqued my curiousity nonetheless. I am inclined to still run with the Ayon when the time comes, though.

Thanks again for your input.

Cheers.

Scott

Hi Scott, you're not alone. I currently own an Ayon CD-5s & am planning on upgrading my current pre-amp (CD-5s) to an Ayon Orbis. I've had a few discussions about the Orbis with Gerhard Hirt, and it's obvious to me (and clearly to you) the Orbis is superior to the Ref 5. It should be a killer pre & sound warm and very musical with my Boulder amp.

The PBD deck is a great SACD player & is a very different player to the CD-5s. One is a solid state SACD player & the other is a class a valve cd player. My opinion on RB vs SACD hasn't changed; a well recorded K2HD, XRCD or DXD disc should sound as good as an SACD on a 'garden' variety Ayon spinner. They're both mighty players though.

Cheers,
Melbguy