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Ayon audio Ayon S-10 II
Ayon S-10 II
Vacuum Tube Streamer – Vacuum Tube Network Player
DAC – Preamp – Analog Inputs
The Real Benchmark in Network Players
For over 4 decades, Ayon Audio has been handcrafting world class vacuum tubes and vacuum tube audio equipment, setting the benchmark and new standards for high end audio performance. Altruistic reliability, product durability, Ayon Iconic design and superb resale value.
Since its market launch in 2016, astonishing consumers and professionals with a new benchmark of sonic precision and performance reliability, the Ayon S-10 II is hailed as the best in digital. The Ayon Audio S-10 II inspires the admiration and loyalty of Audiophiles worldwide. Styled to fit a new, modern design with unsurpassed audio quality. It is one of the few digital products capable of offering the finest in recorded music with real/live tonal characteristics. Voiced to perfection, the S-10 II Network Player, Streamer is exceptional and spectacular in every detail. We have re-designed the output stage, power supply, DAC, and the quality of the components have been dialed-in to purity in key areas.
Based on the S-10 modular platform, the new S-10 II can be configured individually in different versions, depending upon the request and the requirements. The S-10 II includes a Music network player, computer playback, NAS playback, USB drive playback, Roon, JRiver, analog preamplifier with a quadrable analogue volume control system, a new dual mono Digital to Analog converter, an updated PCM to DSD converter converting all PCM signals to DSD, Remarkable. Additionally, a separate self sufficient server unit with variable hard disk or solid state capacity, can be installed in the chassis of the S-10 II. Furthermore, we have implemented a completely new streamer platform that can be equipped with a second self sufficient streamer module as the server option, imbedded JRiver. Simply install the JRiver App on your Apple IOS or Android machine and you are ready to stream.
Of course, the Ayon S-10 II will produce a fast tight bass, warm fluid mids, super smooth highs, the best possible sonic performance is top priority. Its spacious 3D sound demonstration, combined with an enormous sound stage with agility, timbre and powerful reproduction, are only a few elements of the Ayon S-10 II, an exceptional device.
This vacuum tube based network player offers the outstanding performance you would expect from an Ayon Audio product, setting a new sound performance standard in its price range, really at any price.
All S-10 devices can be upgraded to the new S-10 MkII version.
Features & Design
Full featured Network Music Player, Streamer/DAC/Preamp/Analog Inputs – Signature Model
Pure Class A triode vacuum tube output stage for single ended & balanced operation
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.
Ayon S-10 II Network Player Streamer Functionality
*User interface on QVGA 5” TFT display
*Tidal – online streaming
*HiResAudio – online streaming
*Qobuz – online streaming
*Airable Services
*UPnP/DLNA
*AYON Controller app for iOS & Android
*Roon
*JRiver
*DSD (DIFF, DSF)
*WAV
*FLAC
*AIFF
*Dual-Band WIFI connection
*RJ45/LAN Gigabit Eternet
*Digital input – S/PDIF (RCA), Toslink and USB “B” for computer playback
*2 x USB “A” inputs – for external disk
*Digital output / Streamer – S/PDIF (RCA)
*Analog line inputs: 2 pair RCA (optional)
*Quadruple electrical -analogue volume control for preamp (optional)
*PCM / DSD converter (up to 256x switchable) for all PCM signals (optional)
*Separate Server with Harddisk (HDD or SSD variable diskspace – (optional)
*JRiver Imbedded Server (optional)
*Logical sequenced soft-start power up for extended tube life
*Warm up function
*0dB negative feedback (of any kind)
*Ultra short signal path
*Simplest direct circuit path for purest musical sound and high reliability
*Low output impedance for driving long runs interconnect to an amplifier, and any tube or solid state power amp
*No solid state devices in the analog tube output (signal path )
*Minimal discrete wiring for optimum signal propagation
*No followers or buffers in the signal path
*No DC servo that degrades the signal
*High quality parts throughout
*Separate analog output stage for left and right channel
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 input and output stage. This makes it a pure power source, which is a critical attribute for a 6H30 output stage. We also use electrolytic capacitors with much larger storage capacity, to make up for the loss in filtering, when using resistors in lieu of inductors.
*R-Core / Low noise – insulated power transformer for digital & analog
*Innovative power supply provides high speed energy delivery on transients
*Separate and isolated power supplies over each stage of amplification
*AC power line filter to avoid noise and hash from entering into the unit.
*8 separate 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 is used and its location, that ranks our products apart from the masses.
*Selected, premium quality passive components used in all applications
*High speed & high quality audiophile grade coupling capacitors
*High quality tube sockets with gold pins
*High quality capacitors ( MKP )
*High quality – RCA & XLR jacks
*Gold-plated industrial grade PCB
Dealers selling Ayon audio near you
Ayon S-10 II — refined tube streaming with high-resolution accuracy
Combining warm tube character with studio-grade precision, the Ayon S-10 II is a versatile network player and fully symmetrical dual‑mono DAC built around a 6H30 Class‑A valve output. Listeners get an open, communicative sound with tight timing, wide 3D imaging and exceptional dynamic contrast, attributes noted by HiFi Advice and SoundStage Solo. Engineering choices—short gold‑plated signal paths, separated R‑core power supplies and extensive regulation—support >120dB dynamic range and low noise. Feature set includes Roon, Tidal/Qobuz, dual USB storage, S/PDIF/TosLink, balanced XLR outputs and optional preamp or PCM→DSD conversion, making the S-10 II ideal for systems seeking tube warmth without sacrificing transparency. Its build quality and sonic versatility justify consideration among high-end streamers and DACs.
Pros
- Very strong dynamics and timing—delivers both macro- and micro-dynamic punch for lively, engaging playback.
- Refined transparency and signal integrity thanks to short signal paths, gold-plated PCBs and separated low-noise power supplies.
- Extensive streaming and connectivity options—Roon, Tidal/Qobuz, dual USB, S/PDIF/TosLink and optional preamp/PCM→DSD module—make it an all-in-one high-end source.
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Cons
- Front-panel control is limited (few knobs) and a secondary info display is small, reducing convenience for local operation.
- Interface/stream responsiveness can be a touch slower than some rivals when using the onboard streaming functions.
Transparency
92/100
Reviewers repeatedly describe a refined, linear and transparent presentation: HiFi Advice calls the S-10 II "more linear, more refined and more transparent" than competitors, and SoundStage notes short signal paths and gold-plated PCBs to ensure signal integrity. The unit's >115dB S/N and >120dB dynamic-range specs plus separated low-noise R-core transformers and eight regulators support a very low-noise, low-coloration implementation.
Sound Quality
92/100
Dynamics
93/100
Dynamics are a strong suit: reviewers describe the S-10 II as "very dynamic" with "enormous agility" and "superb timing." The spec'd >120dB dynamic range and >105dB channel separation back up the reviewers' impressions of strong micro- and macro-dynamic performance.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
Soundstage and imaging earn high marks: SoundStage praises a "spacious 3D sound illustration," and HiFi Advice notes the tube design yields a more engulfing stage than many transistor rivals. Reviewers cite convincing depth and width in the presentation.
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Build Quality
91/100
Construction and engineering are highlighted: dual-mono/fully symmetrical DAC topology, 6H30 Class-A valve output stage, short gold-plated PCB signal paths, separated power supplies on low-noise R-core transformers and multiple regulators are all cited to preserve signal purity. The improved AC noise suppression and quality display/controls further support a premium build impression.
Features Connectivity
89/100
Very well featured for a streamer/DAC/preamp: network streaming (Roon, Tidal, Qobuz, UPnP), Wi‑Fi and Gigabit Ethernet, dual USB-A for storage, USB audio, S/PDIF and TosLink inputs, RCA and XLR outputs, optional analogue preamp, PCM→DSD conversion and a high-quality display. Lacks on-board phono or explicit headphone output in the reviews/specs, but the combination of streamer, dual-mono DAC and optional preamp places it near the top of connectivity for its class.
Value for Money
89/100
Price points cited (AU$11,500; ~€9,360 for Signature with preamp) are high but reviewers explicitly judge the price justified: HiFi Advice notes the total is "not inconsiderable" but states "I think this is justified," and SoundStage positions it competitively against alternatives. Review sentiment supports a justified-premium rating.
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