Dazed and Confused

[JohnThomas]

OK today I made calls around inquiring about different SET amps.I explained my setup and what I was trying to achieve the sound that I heard 3 years ago listening to Shindo Lafon Western Electric 300 Limited. Everyone was telling me how great their SET product is. Then I called USA Tube Audio talked to Paul who was totally the opposite. I told him I was interested in learning a little more about the New Audio Frontier stereo Supreme 300B and running a dual system. He advise me I should look at the Ayon Crossfire or even the Ayon Triton ii intergrated amp for the extra head room to make the Tannoys Canterburry's sing ( my room is 15W X 40L). Then we started talking front end componets and I told Paul I was using a Wavelength Cosecant V3 dac and mac mini. Right than he tells me theirs my problem he says get rid of my dac and replace it with Ayon CD5s and I won't need a dual system. He says with the Burmester 911's I'll be there (I'm not sure where I'll be their is but if anyone finds it give me the address).Then he state if I want the holy grail upgrade the tubes to 6H30 DR super tube and then I will have the best of both worlds a lot warmth,holographic and analog sound. How many times have you heard that. He even suggested running the Ayon CD5s directly into the amps. Then he says to read up on the Ayon stuff and if I like what I have read to call him because they offer a 15 day no questions ask return policy on all their products which is pretty cool.

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by JohnThomas

OK today I made calls around inquiring about different SET amps.I explained my setup and what I was trying to achieve the sound that I heard 3 years ago listening to Shindo Lafon Western Electric 300 Limited. Everyone was telling me how great their SET product is. Then I called USA Tube Audio talked to Paul who was totally the opposite. I told him I was interested in learning a little more about the New Audio Frontier stereo Supreme 300B and running a dual system. He advise me I should look at the Ayon Crossfire or even the Ayon Triton ii intergrated amp for the extra head room to make the Tannoys Canterburry's sing ( my room is 15W X 40L). Then we started talking front end componets and I told Paul I was using a Wavelength Cosecant V3 dac and mac mini. Right than he tells me theirs my problem he says get rid of my dac and replace it with Ayon CD5s and I won't need a dual system. He says with the Burmester 911's I'll be there (I'm not sure where I'll be their is but if anyone finds it give me the address).Then he state if I want the holy grail upgrade the tubes to 6H30 DR super tube and then I will have the best of both worlds a lot warmth,holographic and analog sound. How many times have you heard that. He even suggested running the Ayon CD5s directly into the amps. Then he says to read up on the Ayon stuff and if I like what I have read to call him because they offer a 15 day no questions ask return policy on all their products which is pretty cool.

Sounds like someone pushing Ayon gear!

Seriously John, I would advise spending the time to listen to different sets if you are able to. I have heard the Ayon amps and they sound very different to my current set up so I would take a statement like 'you will be there' exactly as you appear to have taken it

You might want to look up the new Nagra 300B amp. I have not heard it but the Nagras always sound good.

howie

[Face]

The Crossfire is a special amp, but the Triton also sounds great too. If you want great dynamics, I would also recommend something with a little more power for a room that size.

[jdandy]

John.......SET, schmet! Put some tube amplifiers in there that will do a room that large some justice.

[Face]

Or even better, tube source and/or pre for tube bloom/harmonics, SS power for superior control.

[chessman]

Originally Posted by Face

Or even better, tube source and/or pre for tube bloom/harmonics, SS power for superior control.

That is what I do.

[Volks]

USA Tube Audio is a place i have no time for.....Paul is the same guy i spoke to 3 years ago when i called to ask about a few tube CDP's he was selling(Not Ayon)...i found him kinda sharp on the phone and all he did over and over was tell me about Ayon and how much better it was then everything else he was selling...........it was not a good experience.

[Still-One]

Why would you expect a dealer not to push products he sells.

Jim

[PHC1]

I own an Ayon CD2S tube CDP and did try the Ayon Crossfire SET with Tannoy speakers (not the Canterbury). They are both top notch products! I have a slight preference for the EAR/Yoshino Acute tube CD and Shindo as far as SET goes but I can easily see how some may actually prefer the Ayon. Ayon is a bit more resolving and a crisper, more neutral sounding gear while Shindo is a bit more laid back and forgiving. Same with EAR CDP. I would not have anything bad to say about Ayon, just that I prefer a slightly more organic, a bit warmer and richer presentation. It's a personal taste type of thing.

[JohnThomas]

Originally Posted by Still-One

Why would you expect a dealer not to push products he sells.

Jim

I agree with you Jim. It's like folks that tell you that the equipment they currently own is the best thing since slice bread. The Ayon stuff looks interesting. The 15 day trial is hard to come by unless you have dealer close by.

John