Ayon
14 June 2022
Now that most DACs are equipped with volume control so that they can be connected to a power amp directly, what could there be to gain by switching another component in the signal chain? In other words, when everything on the source end is digital, what is the use of a pure analog preamp? With this article, I hope to shed some light on this quandary.
premium
4 February 2022
Aqua La Diva M2 – Part 2
premium
After my review of the La Diva M2, Marco of Hexagon Audio was so kind to leave both La Diva models with me for some time. This has allowed me to carry out some more comparisons.
premium
3 July 2021
Since I was content with the sound in the Main Setup, it was time to accommodate the video section to the new situation. As it would turn out, beamer issues would lead to the start of a new Secondary Audio Setup / Cinema Room.
premium
27 March 2021
Audiocorner Company Visit
premium
Audiocorner is a HiFi shop in Lutjebroek, the Netherlands, that specializes in Ayon audio equipment. I paid an afternoon visit to have a nice chat with owner Eric-Jan Horstman and listen to the all-Ayon showroom system.
premium
11 December 2020
Qln Prestige One
premium
Being great communicators and musical omnivores, the Prestige Ones always put the music first with an energetic, vibrant and involving rendition of anything that you play.
premium
23 July 2020
Qln Sonora
premium
The Qln Sonora loudspeaker is equipped with a highly efficient, crossover-less, full-range driver (with a Whizzer/tweeter-cone) and a tweeter that mainly adds resolution at higher frequencies above 10kHz.
premium
21 July 2020
The Lybra Parallel Single Ended 300B tube amplifier is fast, articulate, clean, transparent and fabulously neutral. But when it is partnered properly it is also superbly emotional, highly lyrical, utterly non-technical and just purely magical.
premium
27 March 2020
Ayon CD-10 II CD Player
premium
The CD-10 II impressed me enormously. Regular readers will know that I am used to listening to very esoteric gear but somehow Ayon always manages to stir my music-loving soul, and, as it turns out, even with their entry-level products.
premium
3 December 2019
Ayon S10-II Signature
premium
The S-10 MkII is not only a streaming endpoint and a DAC but also an analog preamp complete with two analog inputs. And, unlike many competing products, the Ayon's preamp can actually replace a very good separate analog preamp.
premium
17 September 2019
Smooth and seductive, organic, big and powerful, and utterly realistic - the Zesto system does it all.
premium
25 August 2019
CH Precision P1 Phono Preamp
premium
Unlike many alternatives, the P1 refrains from imposing any character and it just lets the music speak for itself. But it does not only offer brilliant performance, it is also also the most flexible phono stage that I know to exist. Multiple inputs? Over 500 loading values? Tablet-control? Auto-calibration? Check, check, check, and check.
premium
18 March 2019
Audio Show Alkmaar 2019 – Part 1
premium
Between the Xfi show in Veldhoven and the High End show in Munich, the Audio Show Alkmaar is the always pleasant and relaxed variant where you go to meet people, listen to precisely enough systems so as not to get an overdoses, shake some more hands, eat a nice croquette and perhaps enjoy a few Westmalle beers.
premium
7 January 2019
The Spirit III makes music in a manner that makes it impossible to listen to passively, highly energetic, dynamic and powerful, with articulate, fast and very solid bass to make for a delivery that is instantly infectious.
premium
23 November 2018
Ayon Scorpio and S-3 Junior
premium
The Scorpio has a pleasant ripeness but without sounding warm. In fact, it sounds purer and more lifelike than various other tube amps that I tried. It is my new reference in its price class, and considerably beyond.
premium
18 November 2018
These two Kinki components make for highly involved and enthusiastic listening. They consistently make my foot tap to their supremely confident, rhythmic and dynamic presentation.
premium
28 October 2018
Kroma Audio Carmen
premium
Careful: after hearing these speakers, there is no way back!
premium
27 October 2018
Zanden 8120 and 3100
premium
Combining the best of transistors and tubes while avoiding all of the typical flaws of either of these designs, these components provide technical excellence and a highly emotional performance in equal measure.
premium
8 October 2018
Xavian Perla Esclusiva
premium
Pure and natural sounding beauties that also know how to rock!
premium
27 September 2018
Computer Audio Design USB I
premium
This cable offers a unique combination of technical accuracy and sonorous, full-bodied, natural and organic sound.
premium
20 September 2018
Curious USB Cable
premium
Curious Cables' Australian owner and designer Rob Woodland spent 12 months examining every aspect of USB cable design and came up with the subject of this review: the Curious USB Cable.
premium
16 September 2018
Part 5 of the Line Magnetic review
premium
16 September 2018
Part 3 of the Line Magnetic review
premium
16 September 2018
Part 2 of the Line Magnetic review
premium
16 September 2018
When I first learned of the Line Magnetic brand, I got excited right away. These are amps with attitude, proud of what they are. Then, when I discovered that the brand employs a wide range of tube configurations, I got even more excited. So, in order to make a nice showcase of the Line Magnetic brand and a good cross-section of their lineup, I set out to review a representative range of amplifiers using various tube types.
premium
Amplifier Reviews,
HFA Audio Setup History,
Passive Speakers Reviews,
SPDIF DAC Reviews,
USB DAC Reviews
18 August 2018
Finding my next reference speakers and amplifiers - part 3
premium
28 April 2018
Easy to use, yet highly versatile digital music player.
premium
1 March 2018
There is no way around it. The Ayon Stealth DAC/Preamp and CD-T II transport play with a level of musical involvement not matched by any solid state combination that I tried so far.
premium
16 April 2017
Truly excellent CD transport with S/P DIF and i2S connections
premium
15 April 2017
Physically huge preamp with solid operation and powerful sound
premium
6 June 2016
Highly revealing speakers that are capable of pure magic when matched with the right cables and electronics
premium