Ayon Vs. Audio Research Preamps

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

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

Melbguy,

Thanks very much for the comments. Here's what's transpired since my last 'blog'. I told my vendor to proceed with the order, but it turns out he never did. Great guy, but a little over-worked (aren't we all).

I called the US main office for Ayon in Arizona and spoke at length to their main tech Jerry. He explained to me in no uncertain terms (as my vendor also confirmed through conversations with his rep) that the CD-5s' pre-section challenges and most likely exceeds the performance of the Orbis. The CD-5s is also the pinnacle of Ayon's CD player offering. I said to go ahead and place the order for the CD-5s - which my vendor finally did. The comments of my vendor's rep and the US tech rep in AZ along with the fact that this will help eliminate having purchase another Dynamic Design Nebula power cord and interconnect - ultimately helped me make the decision. I realize the bottom line of any decision is how that choice sounds to an individual. I also planned on replacing my CD player, so this takes care of another step for my system's re-build. From a signal flow perspective, this also would seem to make better, more efficient sense.

I'd be curious to know of your contacts' comments on the differences or similarities of the CD-5s and the Orbis' pre sections.

Thank you again.

Scott

Hifimaniac,

I am way late in offering some commentary - my apologies.
At this point, there's about 100 hours on it. The 1st 50 hours were quite low on the wow factor (quoting Darell Sheets...). Had me wondering what I just spent all this dough on. Safe to say shortly thereafter a noticeable front-to-back depth started to reveal itself. What really came out was (is) this extreme attention to the minutia, the little stuff that had me going to the front door to see who was knocking kinda stuff. When the source material hits all the marks - e.g. The Blind Boys of Alabama "Spirit of the Century", the CD5s brings out the kind of emotion that raises the proverbial hair on the back of one's neck. For a 100% tube compliment, bass is certainly not in any short supply. This report must also state that the speaker cables and and interconnects are a large part and parallel the performance attributes of the CD-5s. They are the 10th Anniversary Series Nebula cables from Dynamic Design. Unbelievable. But that's another report. The only and I mean only thing sonically that I'd have me ntion is that the reproduction of those sharp, 90 degree/square-edged reproduction of base drum or more specifically electronic bass beats. I'd describe them as being akin to a 1/2 inch radius. I've been a life-long solid state user and this is my first, real foray into the tube lide. Good examples are found on the first two Moby CD's. It is safe to say this will never leave my possession. It's that good.
Physical Cons:
The remote runs eats batteries once every 3 months. Wayyyy too many buttons for a devoted two-channel prodigy. It also has to re-calibrate almost every time I use it. The remote has to be "read" by the main unit. A little more rare is when taking out a CD that had 4 tracks, for example, when putting a new one in with 8-10 tracks, it still reads only 4 tracks. I am going to write Jerry at Ayon and find out what the Pilot is doing wrong that's likely corrupting the read. One other item is that there's a "Fixed" volume button on the remote. If you're not careful and hit it - volume is set at 0dB. Shocks the hell out of you. Thankfully, my system is robust enough to handle it.
Hope that helps.
Scott

Denon1,

I agree with you that this machine is truly the best. It is the perfect match for my "highly hybridized" (crazy good-I can explain in another email if interested) Van L Speakerworks Quartet speakers. Cables are Dynamic Design 10th Anniversary Nebula. The level of micro detail and staging is, in my opinion, none better. Makes me that much more of a Howard Hughes (never want to leave the bunker).
Incidentally, I did originally order the CD-5s with the 1980 Russian-made "super tubes". Pricey - yes, but as long as I've gone this far, it seemed foolish not top it off with the best possible tubes. I just ordered a spare backup set for down the road. They ran $800 for the set. Not sure if it's just a ploy to sell more product, but Jerry & Paul at Ayon suggest that these may not be available forever. Seems like a good insurance policy likely needed only in retirement.

The remote thing is quite likely the nut behind the wheel syndrome. Certainly does not affect the quality of the output.

Thanks for chiming in.

Best regards,

Scott

David,

Thank you again for providing the feedback from Girhard comparing the Orbis linestage to the onboard pre of the CD-5s. I imagine the Orbis' father would have a stronger opinion of his offspring. The guys running the US operations in Phoenix Arizona (Jerry & Paul) are whom I have to blame for abandoning the idea of having a separate preamp and selecting the onboard pre feature of the 5s. Jerry in particular was less than subtle on his assertion the linestage section on the 5s challenged in many respects the character of the Orbis. That's frankly what pushed me over the edge to purchase it. I guess I look at it this way - a preamp can always appear in my future and be coupled with the 5s. It certainly cannot ruin anything - possibly make things that much better. Not sure if you caught the previous comments to Denon1, (can't even remember if I told you either) but I opted for the Russian made 1980's "super tubes" . Just ordered a spare backup set to put in my doomsday storage....

Thanks again.

Scott

Thanks to all who've responded. I apologize - I'm not the most timely in responding. And, yes, I've acquired a spare backup set of the 1980 Russian Super Tubes. Ya, expensive but considering I’m not likely to ever need another set of tubes is kinda reassuring. This unit will join me in the casket.
FYI - the remote issues and "other maladies" experienced are clearly the result of the ‘nut behind the wheel’ syndrome. I have got to listen to my compadres (you guys) and figure out where I put the manual….

Thanks again guys.

SW