More volume means more space to include a nice preamp section, which is precisely what Ayon has done. It’s massive with a capital M, with a half inch thick aluminum-brushed anodized black chassis bringing its weight to 45 pounds (18 Kg)!

The Ayon CD-5s establishes another benchmark in triode vacuum-tube CD-Player performance by combining a true balanced and single-ended tube output stage with tube rectified current sources in the power supply.

Whereas most CD players contain no preamp function, or at best a functional but unimpressive level control, the CD-5 has an audiophile tube preamplifier function built in. It is impressive in quality such that only the very finest preamps will improve upon it.

The AYON re-creates the performance as if you’re in a wood-paneled, book-filled library. It’s sweeter, more airy and more ingratiating than the way my mbl front-end does it, and also from how the group sounds live.

The CD-5s is now a kind of center of a system – this is a Compact Disc player, 24/192 DAC with a USB 24/96 input and an analog preamplifier. Each of those elements can be examined separately, because each was treated with equal attention. And one more thing – the tested model is the “Special” version, with better tubes and capacitors.

Ayon CD-5 “Reference CD-Player with integrated Preamp ” The Ayon CD-5 establishes another benchmark in triode vacuum-tube CD-Player performance by combining a true balanced and single-ended tube output stage with tube rectified current sources in the power supply. Based on a zero-feedback, pure tube circuit design, the

Ayon CD-5 reference CD player with integrated preamplifier Doug Schroeder February 2010 Specifications: Conversation rate 192kHz / 24 bit CD-Transport Philips CD-Pro 2 Tube complement – Analog output stage 4 x 6H30 Tube complement - Power Supply 4 x 6X4 Dynamic range > 110dB Output level @1 kHz / Rms - LOW 0-4V variable

There’s not even a hint of grit or harshness or missing texture. Oh, yes, tubey colorations are present—the sweet top end, the rounded edges, the added body, the beautiful tone—after all, this is a CD player with eight tubes from a company known for their SET amps. But the AYON CD-5s manages to keep them in check.

Manual Library Ayon Audio. FAQ. This website is not affiliated with or sponsored by Ayon Audio. To purchase CD-5/CD-5S spares or accessories, please contact the company via their website or visit an authorised retailer.

What makes this Ayon so formidable is that it’s the complete package – screamin’ good Redbook, a clean and rich sounding preamp stage, chocked full of inputs, with looks and a U.S. distributor with a good track record.