Ayon Audio CD-35 II

The Signature version offers a remote-activated ultra-fast DSP module, converting all PCM signals — up to 24/192 — to DSD, with selectable quality of 128x or 256x. Additionally, it has an improved low-pass filter module and better capacitors.

The exclusive HF edition is equipped with: 8 V-cap TFTF coupling capacitors, special ceramic feet by Franc Audio, WBT-210 NextGen RCA connectors, 20 2-watt tantalum resistors in the tube output stage, and 2 AKM 4497EQ chips in the DAC. Ventilation grilles, the disc loading chamber cover, and control buttons on the top panel are finished in discreet black, with all key components selected to a 1% tolerance.

“It’s worth recalling that Philips and Sony ceased SACD decoder production over 12 years ago. Notably, the latter — as the inventor of the format — lost interest in it completely over the years, meaning it has essentially been defunct for a long time.

So why did we offer SACD playback capability in previous CD-10 and CD-35 models? At the time we designed our legendary PCM-DSD converter, it was also possible to ‘add’ the SACD data reading option. However, recent years have shown that customers prefer the CD format, not just because of the vastly larger selection of recordings. Let’s not forget that over CD’s 40-year history, there have been recordings unavailable in vinyl, online, or in limited editions like MFSL or Japanese releases. This means that music lovers playing CDs on their CD-10 or CD-35 could activate the PCM-DSD converter, achieving SACD-quality sound. That’s why we decided to drop SACD playback in our latest models.

With CD-10 II and CD-35 II, we are offering the best possible CD quality available today. Why? SACD players are inherently compromised devices. Always. Dual-layer discs, drives less stable than classic CDs, and higher speed operation introduce issues that hamper effective error correction.

The experience we gained from previous CD-10 and CD-35 models allowed us to ask specific questions, thoroughly explore the topic, and find optimal solutions for a major CD format comeback. We refined everything possible, including our renowned PCM-DSD converter. Thanks to these efforts, we can confidently say that we achieved SACD sound from regular CDs. We guarantee that you won’t find other players in these price ranges offering the same.”