First, Ayon has implemented a completely new streamer-platform into the S 10 II, that again stems from the Austrian specialist StreamUnlimited with whom Ayon cooperates successfully for years. This platform provides sufficient computing power for processing of PCM-data in the formats WAV, FLAC, or AIFF up to 24 bit/384 kHz and DSD-data up to DSD256. The S 10 II really is a very powerful one. Furthermore, the comfortable access to streaming services such as Tidal and Qobuz is implemented as well as the Roon compatibility.

The digital-analogue-conversion now is carried out by an AKM 4490 by Asahi Kasei Microdevices, of which two are used in a dual-mono-design. It is not surprising at all that the AKM 4490 can decode all current sampling rates – be it PCM or DSD. More important for the choice was, as Gerhard Hirt told me, the very good experience Ayon made with the design of the low-pass filter of the chip. Furthermore, the direct coupling to the analogue tube output stage was ideal with this chip.

It is interesting, that Ayon does not use the digital volume control of the AKM 4490. Instead, as implemented already in the previous model, a quadruple fully symmetrical analogue volume control is preferred. This is composed of the PGA 2320, which has an excellent reputation, attenuating the signal on the purely analogue level by means of a resistor network. I find it highly interesting that this analogue volume control can not only be controlled via the by-packed remote-control, but functions also in the streaming mode via the Ayon app installed on a tablet or smartphone. But that’s not all: it even works with apps of third-party providers. For this the control commands are forwarded from the streaming platform via an interface to the control unit of the PGA 2320. As a typical Ayon understatement, it is not considered worth mentioning, but only a consistent technical realization of the own standard of not just simply stick together modules.