Ayon Audio S-3 Media Server - Mint!

Offered for sale is a mint condition, Austrian made Media Player/Digital to Analogue Converter. I have conservatively rated it 9 of 10 simply because it has been replaced by Ayon's S-10. This S-3 is flawless both in appearance and sonics. I purchased the S-3 (not to be confused with S-3 Junior) new from USA Tube Audio three short years ago and confidently report that there are under 100 hours of use since I also have an Ayon CD player and Clear Audio turntable as sources. During my forty four year commitment to high end audio, one truth remains consistent; European manufacturer's get sound right! Whether it be British Speakers, German turntables, or Austrian electronics; I've always enjoyed their "sound". Digital glare kills me.... The S-3 embraces vinyl quality, digital playback! With the market completely saturated with DACS, Streamers, Servers all touting perfect digital playback, my Ayon Audio S-3 offered at $3200 ($9500 original MSRP) represents a tremendous value and a unique approach. Ayon is committed to the vacuum tube. The S-3 utilizes 6H30 tubes in their output stage to achieve the "Euro Sound"; no glare or edginess, vinyl like playback without vinyl care and issues. Connectivity and playback options with this unit are varied. I simply connect a hard drive via ethernet cable and utilize Ayon's super simple, downloadable app on cell phone or an I-pad for selections. It shows album art, artist and playback file type and resolution. This also appears in the display window on the front panel. Super straight forward app! Looking to stream Tidal, Roon, Spotify, etc.? Just connect your lap-top via USB located at both the front and back. Since a world class DAC is integral to the S-3, another piece of audio gear is not required. Another important feature is the inclusion of volume control. You have the option of connecting to your favorite amp circumventing the need for a preamp. If you appreciate extraordinary build quality as well as great sound, look no further. I'm an industrial "design nut" and I'm totally blown away by the exquisite brushed black aluminum chassis in contrast with the bright chrome knobs and red LED's. Build quality is "Old World" immaculate. Unit will be re-packed as if you purchased it new. A tutorial on connectivity and function prepared by Paul at USA tube Audio will be forwarded to the buyer. It is extremely helpful in the event you are a newcomer to digital playback. For convenience, here are the specs:

• QVGA 3.5” TFT display
• Internet radio (vTuner)
• UPnP streaming from PC & NAS via 100base-T Ethernet
• Support for 802.11n modules
• Streaming audio from USB HS (mass storage device)
• WAV (lpcm) – 24/192 kHz
• FLAC – 24/192 kHz
• FLAC – 24/176 kHz supported
• AIFF
• Display Album Art
• AAC, HE-AAC (up to 24bit 96 kHz
• LPCM (up to 24/192 kHz on wired LAN and up to 24/96 kHz on wireless LAN)
• Gapless playback
• NetAPI streaming – for iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows versions

• Monitored sequenced soft-start power up for extended tube life
• Warm up function
• Zero negative feedback
• Ultra short signal path
• Simplest direct circuit path
• Low output impedance
• No solid state devices in the analog tube output
• Minimal discrete wiring
• No followers or buffers
• No DC servo
• Premium quality parts throughout
• Independent analog output stage – left and right channel
• Burr Brown D/A converter
• Upsampling 24/192 kHz and on/off switchable
• Ethernet RJ45
• Memory stick or USB drive
• WIFI
• Digital input – S/PDIF (RCA), I2S , AES/EBU, BNC & TosLink
• USB inputs (24/192 kHz)
• Digital output – S/PDIF (RCA)
• Analog Volume control system
• 2 pair analog inputs ( RCA)
• 1 pair Tape out ( RCA )

Thanks for your interest. Domestic shipping, insurance and PayPal fees are included in the price; no BS! Tom