87%
Ayon audio Ayon CD-T II Transport
“Best Sound” Cost No Object LA Audio Show 2017 – The Show Newport 2016
Robert Harley & Neal Gader
The Absolute Sound Magazine Award
Ayon CD-T II – Tube Transport – Vacuum Tube
Features
Full-featured Top Loader CD-Transport
Signal Path
We believe that the simplest circuits work best together with the shortest signal path. That is why our pre-amplifiers to date have used single-ended pure class-A circuitry. The shorter the signal path is, the less possibility of sonic degradation from various sources, including the wire itself. Even on the circuit boards, the copper traces are kept to a very minimum length. The completely redesigned circuit board provides a more straightforward and direct approach to the signal paths.
● Warm up function
● Ultra short signal path
● Simplest direct circuit path for purest musical sound and high reliability
● Minimal discrete wiring for optimum signal propagation
● No DC servo that degrades the signal
● High quality parts throughout
● Fully hand assembled to insure the highest level of craftsmanship
● Low jitter digital audio clock system
● High precision clock
● 6H14 tube (digital output – signal buffer)
● A virtually jitter-free – 1 picoseconds – digital clocking system
● Digital output – S/PDIF (RCA), BNC, I2S, AES/EBU (XLR)
Power Supply
The power supplies have been further refined with new components and enhanced AC line noise filtration. Separate power transformer windings and filters provide total isolation between the CD-mechanism and digital signal.
● 2 separate R-Core / Low noise – insulated power transformer for digital audio signals & CD-mechanism
● Innovative power supply provides a high speed energy delivery on transients
● AC power line filter to avoid noise and hash from entering into the unit.
● 6 separate FET voltage regulators
Components
The type of parts used, therefore, must have a synergistic relationship to the circuit they are placed in. It is this relationship of, which type of part to use where, that sets our products apart from the masses.
● Selected, premium quality passive components used in all applications
● High quality grade E-capacitors
● High quality – RCA, BNC & XLR jack
● Gold-plated industrial grade PCB
Mechanical Construction
The high grade aluminum chassis imparts a richer, more lustrous tonality with a cleaner back-ground and less hash and grain. All brushed anodized anti-vibration-resonance and non-magnetic chassis’s are fully hand assembled to insure the highest level of craftsmanship.
● Backlit function buttons
● Modified suspension system to isolate the CD-transport from mechanical vibrations
● Anti-vibration magnetic integral CD-clamp system combined with dark acrylic CD-cover
● The aluminium feet are resonance absorbing types
● Metal remote commander
● Chassis finish: black / chrome
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Professional Reviews 87/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
88/100
Build Quality
93/100
Features Usability
85/100
Value for Money
81/100
Built for mechanical stability and ultra-clean digital delivery, the Ayon CD-T II Transport pairs a Philips Pro II mechanism with low-jitter clocking and a tube-buffered output stage. SoundStage Solo highlights its refined engineering, while the flexible AES/EBU, BNC, I2S and S/PDIF outputs make it a serious front end for ambitious DAC-based systems.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptional mechanical damping and transport engineering help ensure stable disc reading and a very low-noise signal path.
Very strong digital signal integrity, including 1 pico-second RMS jitter control and a high-precision clock.
Extensive connectivity, with AES/EBU, S/PDIF on RCA and BNC, I2S, TOSLINK, and optional word clock/sync support.
Luxury-grade build quality with a solid chassis, anti-resonance measures, and separate power-supply engineering.
&
Cons
High purchase price, with the optional DSD module adding significantly to the total cost.
Listening impressions are described more in engineering terms than vivid sonic character, so subjective musical color is less emphasized in the review.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 88/100
The review emphasizes a refined digital source with careful clocking, low noise, and a highly controlled transport mechanism, all aimed at giving the DAC a cleaner and more stable signal. Reviewers focus more on engineering improvements than on vivid listening adjectives, but the overall picture is of a transport designed to sound precise, calm, and musically well sorted.
Overall Sound
87/100
Reviewers describe the transport as part of a carefully engineered playback chain with an ultra-short signal path, improved power supply, and low-noise filtering. They do not give a flood of explicit tonal or spatial commentary, but the language suggests a clean, refined presentation rather than any obvious roughness or glare.
Digital Signal Integrity
90/100
This is the clearest strength in the review: jitter is said to be controlled down to 1 pico-second RMS, alongside a high-precision clock, dual ground system, and revised power supply. The transport also uses an anti-vibration magnetic clamp and suspension refinements, all pointing to stable disc reading and robust digital delivery.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 85/100
For a pure transport, the feature set is broad and well considered, with AES/EBU, S/PDIF on RCA and BNC, TOSLINK, I2S, and optional word clock/sync support. The review gives little detail about day-to-day usability beyond the remote control and output flexibility, but the connectivity is strong for system matching.
Streaming Software
82/100
As a CD transport, it has no streaming platform to judge, so the review focus is on disc handling and control rather than app software. Reviewers mention the remote and the transport mechanics, but say little about navigation or usability beyond that.
Features Connectivity
91/100
Connectivity is excellent for a transport: AES/EBU, RCA and BNC S/PDIF, TOSLINK, I2S, and optional BNC word clock/sync through the DSD module. That flexibility should make it easy to integrate into a wide range of digital systems.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
93/100
Reviewers praise the solid anodised chassis, bespoke aluminium feet, anti-resonance measures, and the improved magnetic clamp and suspension system. The separate R-Core transformers, voltage regulation, and extensive attention to mechanical and electrical isolation reinforce the impression of very serious construction.
Value for Money
81/100
The price is clearly high, with AU$9900 listed for the transport and another AU$1800 for the optional DSD module. The review does not call it a bargain or a value standout, so the impression is of a serious luxury component whose cost will limit its appeal even if its engineering is impressive.
Reviews
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Authorized dealers for Ayon audio Ayon CD-T II Transport
- A Tube High Fidelity — in-store — Almere, Flevoland, Netherlands (website)
- Absolute Hi End — in-store — Ormond, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Ambiance Concert — in-store — Angers, Pays de la Loire, France (website)
- AMPL’HIFI — in-store — Nîmes, Occitanie, France (website)
- Audio Gallery — in-store — Las Rozas de Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain (website)
- Audio Vinyl — online and in-store — Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland (website)
- AUIDOtrend — in-store — Kraków, Województwo małopolskie, Poland (website)
- Ayon audio USA — in-store — Scottsdale, Arizona, United States (website)
- Chameleon Audio — online — Greece (website)
- Class A Audio — in-store — Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia (website)
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