ayon integrateds--USB input... for what?

MI8764ag...there are plenty of end integrateds and/or preamps that incorporate an internal DAC. Check out the following:

1) McIntosh C48/C50 preamps (just introduced) with onboard DACs
2) Bryston B100SST integrated
3) Boulder 1012 preamp with DAC ($19K)
4) NAD M2 Direct Digital integrated amp
5) Naim Uniti integrated amp
6) Simaudio Moon i3.3 integrated amp with onboard DAC as an added option
7) All of Meridian's preamps/processrs have or can be configured with onboard DACs
8) Magnum Dynalab MD-309 integrated amp with onboard DAC
9) Esoteriz RZ-1 integrated
10) Perreaux 150i/250i integrateds with optional onboard DAC

and ofcourse the Ayon integrateds as you list. There are more I am sure I am missing but this has become an emerging area of focus as digital escapes the grasp of teh CD and has increasingly migrated to music server and PC-based sources. Hope this helps

suggest you call Paul at USA Tube Audio - an Ayon dealer and get your question answered - he's easy to talk to

MI8764ag...I checked the Ayon website and it seems like the Orion integrated is the only one that has USB input. And it is strange that they do not highlight that there is an onboard DAC in the Features or Specs tabs. You may want to follow up with USA Tube Audio as Facten suggests above. They should be able to answer the question. My inclination is to say the USB input accesses an onboard DAC, but better check. Ayon also makes excellent digital products (CD players with digital inputs as well as a stand-alone DAC) so it's not incoceivable that the Orion comes with a DAC onboard. It's just strange that it is not mentioned anywhere in their product literature on the website. Let us know what you find out.

Thanks Guys....I did end up talking with Paul at USA Tube (You are correct, easy guy to talk with)... Turns out it is an onboard DAC but only on that one model....for some reason I got it in my head that it was multiple Ayons that had it. Be curious to know how the dac sounds...but unfortunately not on the upper power models (I have Maggies).

A friend of mine just got an Ayon CD player and is more than pleased...(and he's had some great equipment). I have a feeling that's some really good equipment, in spite of the gushing reviews ; )

Thanks all.

MI8764ag...thanks for getting back to us. I believe most of the Ayon CD players also have digital inputs so you can also use a music server or PC as a source as well as obviously play your CDs directly. From owner testimonials on Agon and other forums as well as official reviews they seem to be excellent. As for their amps they are also very well received. Good luck.