Ayon CD-2 sonics? thoughts? opinions?

For those interested, I just purchased a CD-2 from Paul at USA Tube Audio in Arizona. He has a very high opinion of the CD-1, and they have a sale on their limited stock of CD-1 players that is so good I almost couldn't pass it up to get the CD-2.

Will do, Chayro. Also, the unit I am auditioning is the CES demo, so it has 50 hours or so on it already. I think I read somewhere that this unit isn't supposed to be run continuously for days on end to be broken in; can anyone here confirm that? I believe I read 8 hours per day, then shut it off for the night. Maybe that was a different unit I read that about, though. I've done a good bit of research on CD players in the last month.

I apologize for the poorly-typed post above. My point was that USA Tube Audio is basically allowing people to steal the CD-1 from them. :-)

FWIW, the impression I got from Paul at USA Tube Audio is that the CD-1S is designed to be lower cost and slightly lower performance than even the CD-1. Although the CD-1 is now discontinued in Europe, I believe Paul told me Ayon intends to sell the CD-1 in the US for a bit longer.

I suppose what is implied here is that the CD-2 will be vastly superior to the CD-1S.

I believe MSRP is $5500.

I can post a "preliminary" review of the CD-2 next week if folks are interested. It will only be preliminary because my unit had an XLR output go bad due to rough handling in shipping so I can only run it on the RCA cables I have on hand (Gregg Straley Reality Cables and Gabriel Gold Revelation mkI and Rapture cables) but I think I have a good overall feel for the unit now.

HC

Not in my case. I purchased a pair from Gary ("Glory") before I called about the CD-2.

I've not heard of any link between any of the players from Ayon Audio, AyonUSA/USA Tube Audio, and Steve at GG.

Glad to hear you like the CD-1/Rapture combo. Those custom two-box speakers you have look great! With the Revelator drivers you must be in heaven.

I've talked to three people who have heard the CD-1 and the CD-2. All three indicated the CD-2 is a significant step forward, so if you like the CD-1 sound the CD-2 would be the next logical step for you, I think.

I'm still burning in the Raptures, and they'll be ready to go by the time my CD-2 returns from USA Tube Audio with the initial shipping damage repaired, so here in a couple weeks I should really be in for a treat! I'll be sure to post a detailed review of both the CD-2 and the Rapture at that time.