Ayon CD player, CD1 valve CD Player, excellent boxed

Yon are based in Gratkorn, Austria where they make loudspeakers in house. They also produce a range of valve electronics and have even designed their own monster output triode, the 21cm tall 62B. However, the CD1 is their first source component and perhaps naturally also features glowing bottles inside its curvy aluminium casework. There are four of them, two 6H30 and two 6922 from Electro-Harmonix, but they do not run so warm that any ventilation is required.

Nor, more surprisingly, could I clearly detect their presence in the players sound, even when compared with solid state alternatives, which is unusual but very welcome as Id much rather be listening to the music than the output stage. When first powered up a red light on the back panel was illuminated which seemed odd enough for me to look at the manual (all I found on the player is the word phase next to the light).

You wont be surprised to hear that this relates to the phase of the mains supply, but as every standard lead I tried failed to defeat the LED, you might need to rewire yours. The Ayons casework is very nice, the curved corners and top-loading tray in machined aluminium giving the impression of a rather more expensive player (an impression let down a little by the rather basic screen printed lettering and the feel of the acrylic disc cover and blue bling LEDs of the control buttons). The light show is hidden when looking at the front so can be forgiven, but the idiosyncrasies of operation are a little more wilfully unnecessary. In order to get the CD1 to read a disc once you have pucked it in place, its necessary to press the stop button twice in quick succession.

Ive reviewed numerous top loading players in my time and not had to do this before, so why here? Still Ive had far more obscure players to operate and in truth this is a minor foible. Once in the system theres not a lot to grab hold of with this player. It has to be the most neutral valve powered disc spinner Ive come across, which is not very helpful if you are trying to write a review, but desirable if you want to listen to your music and not a piece of hardware. Despite the enthusiasm which some have for the sound of valves, it is still essentially a colouration rather than an enhancement.

It may sound like it is making up for what the recording process has lost, by adding certain harmonics, but that is not what high fidelity is supposed to be about. The Ayon arrived at the same time as the Boulder 865 integrated amplifier (of considerable cost and not inconsiderable transparency). Combining the two was not a great success, but certainly served to reveal the Ayon as a sophisticated sounding machine with good clean high frequencies and maybe as a result, an ability to reproduce reverb with ease. It is also usefully quiet, allowing you to hear low-level sounds without difficulty, and delivering excellent dynamic range.

Instrumental timbre is also well served; not so much so that you think ah, theres the valve sound, but it is the one factor that makes you wonder. My solid-state Resolution Audio Opus 21 reference costs 50% more and gives you a better focused and more subtle sound, but it doesnt extract much more detail or texture in the timbral department, qualities that set the Ayon apart from its price peers. The CD1 also has nicely mobile and weighty bass.

Manu Katchés kick drum really kicks while his snare reveals plenty of reverb and space in the recording. Its a tight sound and one that seems to have broad bandwidth as well. John Surmans saxophone is big and rich on the album Thimar and the double bass that follows it actually manages to maintain ones attention which cant be bad for a bass solo. Barb Jungrs rendition of Who Do You Love on a Linn SACD is a fabulously snappy piece of music with which the Ayon does decent service, keeping your toes twitching and at the same time letting you hear the fingers on the tabla which sits down in the mix but provides much of the pulse. It also managed to keep Zappas guitar from going white-out on the somewhat angular Filthy Habits from Sleep Dirt, keeping it just the right side of the edgy/uncomfortable divide.

Ayons CD1 is a refined and rhythmically crisp player with good build quality but styling that will suit some tastes better than others. The sweetness of its top-end and good timbral separation hint at the presence of valves without letting their excesses clog up the works. It is neither the most exciting nor the most subtle player at the price, but it delivers the best aspects of vacuum tube performance without making that fact obvious, an admirable stance which might not make it stand out but one that justifies its consideration. Ayon CD1 valve cd player excellent boxed.

Alternatively, you can collect in person and pay by cash. Large loudspeakers without original packaging may take a day or two and are often strapped to a pallet. If you have a problem with an item you are entitled to return it, we request that you do this within 14 days of receipt, you will need to inform us.

Here at Emporium HiFi we have over 30 years experience in supplying the best HiFi (high fidelity audio equipment) worldwide. Full contact details and latest stock lists on our website With our four branches in Suffolk, Kent , South-west London& South Wales we bring you the widest choice of high-end new and used, vintage and modern high-end HiFi at fantastic prices. Get images that make Supersized seem small. Tailor your auctions with Auctiva's. The item "Ayon CD player, CD1 valve CD Player, excellent boxed" is in sale since Friday, August 28, 2020. This item is in the category "Sound & Vision\Home Audio & HiFi Separates\CD Players & Recorders". The seller is "emporiumhifi" and is located in SUFFOLK/ NORFOLK. This item can be shipped worldwide.

Audio Outputs: Digital Coaxial RCA
Model: CD1
Playable Media Format: CD
Type: CD Player
Brand: Ayon
CD Changer Capacity: 1