Ayon CD2 is AMAZING

According to the Ayon website, the CD-2s has two digital inputs, a 75 Ω S/PDIF (RCA), and a USB...

Besides, isn't the point of an analog setup to surpass the sound quality of CD's?
Afc

Exactly. My CD-2 sounds exceptionally good in my system, some recordings like FIM's Gilberto and Getz and Oscar Peterson recording were jaw dropping the first couple of spins. 5K is about what I can muster for an analog set-up, so if it can approximate the sound of the CD-5 it will be worth it .

Afc I would be interested in how you like your new TT. and what CDP you have

I like the turntable. The Champion Limited package comes with the Unify tonearm and the Aurum Beta S MM cartridge. Clearaudio screwed up my order- they sent the table with the clear plinth instead of the black plinth. So, as compensation, they upgraded the cartridge to the MC Talismann free of charge. It's got a very detailed sound, more "live" than CD. It lacks the bottom slam of the CD player, though.

Nice, a bit different from CD. I like it, sounds very nice, and I have some stuff on vinyl that was never put on CD.

My CDP is the Ayon CD5.

Afc,
thanks for the perspective, very helpful. I have been debating getting a TT or not. I do not own any vinyl, so a TT may not be a wise choice for me.
A high end one box solution like the Ayon CD5 may be an option to look into eventually. I think for now I will just purchase more well recorded digital and enjoy the CD2. I know my bank account will appreciate it.

Bassraptor: You are using the CD 07. I have to say I am very tempted by it, it is significantly cheaper than the CD 2. Have you, or anyone else compared it with the more expensive models. I would be very interested in the differences.