Description
The Stealth “XS” version is the answer and offers many design highlights from its bigger brother, the Stealth. Same DNA. One of the major changes for the Stealth “XS” is the power supply system and the vacuum tube output stage. We did this very carefully and voiced the Stealth “XS” to offer maximum flexibility and a superb sound performance that you would expect from an Ayon Audio product. A new vacuum tube based DAC is born, a New star in the Ayon line-up, offering an outstanding price/performance and value.
Full featured Tube D/A converter
Pure Class A triode vacuum tube output stage for single-ended & balanced operation
Signal Path
We believe that the simplest circuits work best together with the shortest signal path. That is why our DAC’s to date have used single-ended Pure Class A circuitry. The shorter the signal path, the less possibility of sonic degradation from various sources, including the wire itself. Even the circuit boards, the copper traces are kept to a very minimum length. The completely redesigned circuit board provides a more straightforward and direct approach to the signal paths.
Logical sequenced soft-start power up for extended tube life
Warm up function
0dB negative feedback (of any kind )
Ultra short signal path
Simplest direct circuit path for purest musical sound and highest reliability
Low output impedance for driving long interconnect runs to the amplifier, tube or solid state power amps
No solid state devices in the analog tube output (signal path )
Minimal discrete wiring for optimum signal propagation
No followers or buffers in the signal path
High quality parts throughout
Fully hand assembled to insure the highest level of craftsmanship
Separate analog output stage for left and right channel
Analog inputs
All digital inputs
Internal hardware PCM upsampler for CD sources to 24/192K (can be disabled)
Native 192kHz PCM and DSDx128 conversion
Ultra-low jitter internal clock generator
USB input (24/192 asynchronous and DSD)
Remote Control
Power Supply
The power supplies have been further refined with new components and enhanced AC line noise filtration. Separate power transformer windings and filters provide total isolation between the input and output stage which makes this a pure power source and it is a critical attribute for a 6N6P output stage. We also use electrolytic capacitors with much larger storage capacity to make up for the loss in filtering when using resistors in lieu of inductors.
2 separate R-Core / Low noise – insulated power transformer for digital & analog
Tube rectification
Choke – filtered power supply and coupled with special film caps
Innovative power supply provides a high speed energy delivery on transients
Separate and isolated power supplies over each stage of amplification
Regulated DC filament supplies with soft start for extended tube life
AC power line filter to avoid noise and hash from entering into the unit
8 separate voltage regulators
Components
The type of parts used therefore must have a synergistic relationship to the circuit they are placed in. It is this relationship of which type of part to use where, that ranks our products apart from the masses.
Selected, premium quality passive components used in all applications
High speed & high quality audiophile grade coupling capacitors
High quality tube sockets with gold pins
High-quality capacitors
High quality – RCA & XLR jack
Gold-plated industrial grade PCB
Mechanical Construction
The high grade aluminum chassis imparts a richer, more lustrous tonality with a cleaner back-ground and less hash and grain. All brushed anodized anti-vibration-resonance and non-magnetic chassis’ are fully hand assembled to insure the highest level of craftsmanship.
Front panel descriptions are engraved
AC phase polarity control indicator
The aluminum feet are resonance absorbing types
Chassis finish: black / chrome