The company uses premium high-quality parts (capacitors, resistors, tube sockets, RCA/XLR jacks, and circuit board material) to improve performance. Ayon claims the output impedance of the balanced and unbalanced outputs are both approximately 300 ohms. The unit features a soft-start power-up (and warm-up) function to help extend tube life. Each channel’s output stage uses its own circuitry and is physically separated from the other. One of the main features of the CD-3sx is a custom-designed Class A triode output stage based on the 6H30 vacuum tube for both single-ended and balanced operation. The remaining switch on the rear selects the output type-RCA, XLR, or both. The analog-out mode allows the setting of normal (for connection to an integrated amplifier or preamplifier) and direct (for connection directly to a power amplifier). The gain selection allows maximum output to be set at normal (RCA 2.5Vrms, XLR 5Vrms) or high (RCA 5Vrms, XLR 10Vrms). The polarity selector switch allows the user to choose normal (0 degrees) or inverted (180 degrees) absolute polarity. The main analog outputs are provided for traditional connection to a preamp, integrated, or power amplifier in both RCA and XLR. In addition to the variable-level output jacks, a second pair of jacks provides a fixed-level output.
A single digital out (SPDIF RCA) connector is provided. Digital inputs are AES/EBU, coaxial, TosLink optical, I2S (RJ45), DSD on three BNC jacks (left data, right data, clock), and USB (rates up to PCM 24-bit/192kHz and DSD128). The CD-3sx has two RCA analog inputs available for connecting additional sources. The rear panel of the CD-3sx houses all the interface connections (AC power, digital inputs, analog inputs, and analog outputs), in addition to four configuration selector switches. A hidden on/off toggle switch for power is located on the bottom panel towards the front of the unit centered between the Ayon logo and the left side of the display. A display in the center of the front panel shows information for CD playback, active input, playback data rates, volume level, upsampling, and filter status. In front of the transport, seven recessed, illuminated buttons (play/pause, stop, next track, previous track, volume-, volume+, input selection) allow you to control basic features. Securing the smoked acrylic/aluminum transport cover on top of the CD transport engages a small pin/switch in the assembly that enables playback. The CD-3sx comes with a magnetic CD-clamp to hold the disc in place. This much versatility allows the unit to take up residence in a broad range of systems. It can serve as a CD player, a multi-input PCM/DSD-capable DAC, and an analog-input preamp. The CD-3sx is a Class A vacuum-tube, top-loading CD player/DAC with added preamp capabilities for analog sources. Ayon Audio’s vacuum-tube-based CD-3sx plays those CDs, and many other modern digital music formats (PCM/DSD) as well. Owners of Red Book compact discs (like owners of LPs) are still eager to play and listen to the music stored on their silver discs. LOUD SPEAKERS from - Aretai, Audio Solutions, Brodmann, Canton, Fisher & Fisher, Franko Serblin, German Physiks, Kalista, Larsen, Magico, REL, Scansonic HD, SGR, Townshend, Wilson BeneschĬABLES from - MIT, Tellurium Q, Townshend, YterĪUDIO ACCESSORIES ( Includes: Racks, Isolation Feet, Power Conditioning etc.) from - Artesania, IsoAcoustics, GigaWatt, Labatorium, Magico, SGR, Stillpoints, TAOC, Townshend, and Wilson Benesch.Ayon Audio CD-3sx CD Player/DAC/PreamplifierĪyon Audio CD-3sx CD Player/DAC/Preamplifier Class A Tube SatisfactionĬategories: Tubed preamplifiers, Disc players, Digital-to-analog converters | Products: Ayon Audio CS-3sxįrom the time digital music became a mainstream format (in the early 80s), millions of CDs were produced, covering every genre of music. TURNTABLES & ACCESSORIES from - Brinkmann, Clearaudio, Dohmann Helix, EAT, Ikeda, Kalista, Kirmuss, Métronome, Morch, Wilson Benesch MUSIC SOURCES from - Accustic Arts, Antipodes, Ayon, Brinkmann, darTZeel, Innuos, Kalista, Métronome, MSB, Norma, & Vinnie Rossi My focus is around offering you special solutions from mid-level systems through to some of the best in high-end audio, all chosen to help you enjoy a wonderful musical experience.ĪMPLIFIERS from - Accustic Arts, Alieno, Ayon, Brinkmann, darTZeel, German Physiks, Karan Acoustics, MSB, Norma, Townshend, Vinnie Rossi & Zesto Audio I can offer you access to an extensive range of personally selected equipment of some of the “best-of-class” HiFi gear through our highly respected brands.