Ayon Sigma DAC

Ayon Sigma DAC – Vacuum Tube DAC – Volume Control

Finest, award winning, Vacuum Tube DAC – at ANY Price!

Ayon Audio is pleased to introduce the superb audiophile “Sigma,” a digital/analog converter. The Sigma is also prepared for computer playback and general DSD professional audio use. The single-ended output stage and a differential gain stage are composed of a high performance 6H30 tube per channel. The Sigma DAC features a vastly overrated, high capacity power supply for the analog output stage, with tube rectification and an oversized power transformer. The sound is powerful with fantastic bass performance, super dynamic, airy, detailed and holographic. The Sigma offers an outstanding price/performance and value.

Features & Design

Full-featured Tube D/A converter
Class-A triode vacuum-tube output stage for single-ended and 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.

*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
*High quality parts throughout
*Fully hand assembled to insure the highest level of craftsmanship
*Separate analog output stage for left and right channel
*Internal hardware PCM upsampler for CD sources to 24/192K (can be disabled)
*Volume control
*Native 192kHz PCM and DSDx128 conversion
*Ultra-low jitter internal clock generator
*USB input (24/192 asynchronous and DSD)

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 which makes this a pure power source and it 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.

*Core / Low noise – insulated power transformer for digital & analog
*Tube rectification
*Innovative power supply provides a high speed energy delivery on transients
*Separate and isolated power supplies over each stage of amplification
*Regulated DC filament supplies with soft start for tube
*AC power line filter to avoid noise and hash from entering into the unit.
*6 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 to use where, that sets 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
*Superior capacitors (MKP 2%)
*High quality – RCA & 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.

*Front panel descriptions are engraved
*AC phase polarity control indicator
*The aluminium feet are resonance absorbing types
*Chassis finish: black / chrome

Specifications

Digital/Analog Converter Ayon Sigma
Conversion 32 bit, PCM up to 192k, 64xDSD, 128xDSD
DAC configuration 8 mono DACs to 2- stereo outs
Tube complement – Analog output 6H30
Dynamic range > 128dB
Output level @1 kHz / Rms 0-10V
Output impedance  Single-Ended-RCA ~ 300 Ohms
Output impedance  Balanced-XLR ~ 300 Ohms
Digital input 1 x S/PDIF, 1 x AES/EBU, 1 x Toslink,
1 x BNC, 1 x USB, 1 x I2S, 1 x DoP,
3 x BNC for DSD
Analog inputs & outputs RCA & XLR
S/N ratio > 120 dB
Frequency response  20Hz – 20kHz  +/- 0.2dB
Total harmonic distortion @ 1kHz < 0.002%
Remote control Yes
Dimension (WxDxH) cm 18.89 x 14.17 x 4.33 inches
Weight 39 lbs