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ARC VSi60 vs Ayon Spirit II/III

My experiment is over, and I officially miss the valve (no offense to friends of Solid State. Most of the rest of my world is SS).

Currently have a Krell S-300i, and am looking to move into a Tube Integrated. Used to have a McCormack DNA-50 & ARC SP9 MKII, then decided to save space, and moved to an SS integrated. Space saving remains in play. No capital outlay until January, but am doing the research now, and am soliciting opinions here, at the "Oracle".

And so the quandary: ARC VSi60 vs Ayon Spirit II/III.
A show of hands...please.
Here's my rig:
http://cgim.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/vs_user.pl?vopin&1262375142

As always, any and all opinions/suggestions/rants are appreciated.

neutron
reynolds853
388 posts
 
I just found a Soundstage review of the VSi60. It mentioned that it has "less than" 7dB negative feedback and weighs 35lbs. I like the fact that Ayon has no negative feedback and weighs about 65lbs. I want to make it clear, however, that I have not heard the ARC piece.
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
Gary,

Any updates. Have you auditioned the Ayon Spirit II/III?

I have a Spirit II and can highly recommend it. I've also had my eyes on the ARC vsi60 since I'm a bit of an Audio Research guy as well. But have the opposite problem - have not been able to audition it yet.

Feel free to email me if you have specific questions about the Spirit II.

- David.
posty
19 posts
 
I cannot give you the usual audiophile speak, but I had the VSi60 with some Vandersteen quatros, and I thought it was a great amp. Lovely mids and extended highs, very nice imaging, etc. OF course, those speakers had a powered lower end, but I have nothing but excellent marks for the VSi 60.

Really, if I went back to tubes, I think I would buy another. For the used money, I am not sure you can beat them.

In the end, though, you have to compare yourself, with your own speakers, etc. If you cannot, then buy used and if you dump it you won't lose nearly as much.
david12
1,454 posts
 
As always, it comes down to personal preferences and mine don't favour ARC. Nothing wrong with the company, I don't like ARC gear I have heard. I have auditioned the Ayon Spirit 2 and Orion and loved both of them and would happily have bought them.
It's just that I am cheap and go for second hand gear. You don't seem to see much second hand Ayon, which tells it's own story. I bought a Pathos Inpol2 instead, equally good in fact and an amp I would recommend to anyone.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Neutron,
I`ll admit I`m much more familliar with Audio Research gear than Ayon(formerly owned an AR preamp and have heard many AR setups over the years). Given the Ayon`s design and circuit I`d pay close attention to Reynold`s impressions. I would bet that purely on sonic performance the Ayon is superior. Class A/no NF/ and triode operation when done right is very hard to beat. There sould be a more alive,dynamic sound with a more organic tone and harmonic richness along with improved texture.I hope you have the chance to hear it in your system.
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