Ayon, AMR, Karan, and Plinius Combos


I am still in my less boxes and less cables mode (and loving it); now, I want to have a CDP with a USB input so I can jettison the USB/SPDIF converter and digiital cable. And, I could really use some input from you guys for my next step...

Right now, I have the Karan I-180 and the Ayon CD-2 with NOS 6H30DR's. It is a seductive combo, but I am in want of more tube life infusion. Otherwise, pace, imaging, extension, detail and staging are fantastic....I guess it's the elusive that eludes me; the transportation and wonderment, the head bobbing, toe tapping escapism.

FWIW, In the past a Pliniius SA-201 and an AES DJH PH-3 with NOS Sylvania 6SN7w's were my favorite combo.

The 3 combo's I have in mind:

AMR-CD 77.1 and Karan I-180
Ayon CD-5 with Karan S-180 or Plinius SA-201/P8 (or10)

Any comments on these combo's would be much appreciated....

Thanks and enjoy the tunes!

(Still using Dynaudio Confidence C!'s with Gabriel Gold Raptures and BMI Hammerhead.)
budburma
I came across your posting, the AMR-CD77 and the Ayon CD5. I received my Ayon CD5 3 weeks ago and having owned the
Ayon CD-2 & the AMR-CD77... I want to express my uttermost delight with the CD5. The CD5 is the toe tapping holy grail of CDP's - the CD5 is an emotional experinece you will not forget and look forward, as if it were the first time, everytime I turn it on. The digital inputs are just as sweet as CD's.
Jim
Thanks for the input, Jim. Would you mind sharing the rest of your system? I am alsp curious about your experience with the digital inputs, , have you tried the USB? Any comments on that would be really appreciated.
Thanks and enjoy the tunes,
Art
I have been using an AMR CD-77 for about a year and could not be happier. Over the course of that year, I have become very friendly with Darren Censullo of Avatar Acoustics, the importer of AMR. Darren and I have discussed the changes at various stages, and I have modified my unit to include all the changes of the 77.1, and then went beyond that point by installing v-caps and a different complement of tubes. This machine is magnificent! I regards to pairing it with Karan amps, do it - especially since you already have the Karen! I am currently using a set of Karan KA M1200 mono blocks and a Viola Cadenza Preamp (I am a Viola distributor). Enjoy!
You got it, Kg-
It is about to happen and I may go beyond the 77.1 as well...I'll have to d/w Darren and see what he recommends.
What tubes did you end up with?
Best Regards