Ayon S-10 II – Tube Network Player, DAC and Preamplifier in One Component
The Ayon S-10 II is designed for listeners who want the convenience of modern digital music playback without sacrificing musical naturalness. This sophisticated network player combines a streamer, high-resolution digital-to-analogue converter and analogue preamplifier in a single component, while entrusting the final stage of signal processing to a genuine tube-based output circuit.
The result is a versatile digital hub capable of managing an entire music library while also serving as the central source component in a serious high-end system. Its substantial construction, elegant black aluminium chassis and large colour display immediately indicate that the S-10 II is far more than an ordinary network player.
Modern Digital Technology with a Tube Output Stage
In the Ayon, the vacuum tubes are not decorative elements but active parts of the analogue output stage. Operating in Pure Class A, the 6H30 tube circuit is designed to complement the resolution of digital recordings with natural tonal balance, convincing body and a presentation that remains enjoyable over extended listening sessions.
Short signal paths, a zero-feedback analogue circuit and separate left- and right-channel sections all contribute to cleaner and more transparent signal transmission. The S-10 II is therefore particularly appealing to listeners who enjoy high-resolution digital music but prefer to avoid an overly sterile or clinical presentation.
Streamer, DAC and Preamplifier
The Ayon S-10 II can function as the complete digital centre of an audio system. It can play music delivered over a network, from a NAS drive, USB storage device or computer, while its coaxial, optical and USB connections allow additional digital sources to benefit from its internal converter.
The fully symmetrical dual-mono DAC architecture supports high-resolution PCM and DSD formats. Its PCM-to-DSD conversion system can convert incoming PCM signals to DSD128 or DSD256, allowing the digital processing mode to be selected according to the system and the listener's preferences.
Thanks to its variable output level and analogue volume control, the S-10 II can also be connected directly to a power amplifier or active loudspeakers. This makes it possible to build a simpler system with a shorter signal path, without requiring a separate preamplifier.
Dual-Mono Architecture and Carefully Engineered Power Supply
In a digital source, performance depends on much more than the converter chip or supported file formats. The quality of the power supply, the separation of individual circuit sections and the design of the analogue output stage are equally important.
The Ayon S-10 II employs separate power-supply sections for its digital, analogue and control circuitry. A low-noise R-core transformer, multiple voltage-regulation stages, premium capacitors and industrial-grade circuit boards provide a stable, low-noise operating environment. The dual-mono layout helps reduce crosstalk between the channels and supports more precise stereo imaging.
Weighing approximately 12 kilograms, the substantial enclosure serves more than an aesthetic purpose. It provides mechanical stability and effective shielding for the sensitive digital and analogue circuitry inside.
Key Features
- Network player, streamer, DAC and preamplifier in one component
- Pure Class A 6H30 tube analogue output stage
- Fully symmetrical dual-mono DAC architecture
- Support for high-resolution PCM and DSD formats
- Selectable PCM-to-DSD128 or DSD256 conversion
- Playback from computers and USB storage devices
- Wired LAN and wireless network connectivity
- Coaxial, optical and USB digital inputs
- RCA and balanced XLR analogue outputs
- Analogue line inputs and preamplifier functionality
- Large 5-inch colour TFT display
- Low-noise R-core power supply
- Separate power-supply sections for digital and analogue circuitry
- Substantial black aluminium enclosure
Who Is It For?
The Ayon S-10 II is an excellent choice for listeners who want to manage network playback, digital conversion and even preamplifier duties with a single high-quality component. It is particularly well suited to carefully assembled systems where digital resolution matters, but natural tonality, musical flow and long-term listening comfort are equally important.
The S-10 II is not simply another feature-rich streamer. It is a genuine high-end source component that combines contemporary network technology with Ayon's traditional tube-based design philosophy. It offers an elegant way to simplify an audio system without compromising its musical ambitions.
