Ayon Audio Stratos

For sale, an Ayon Audio Stratos reference level DAC and preamp. The Stratos sits at the top rung of the Ayon's DAC lineup and for good reason. It is a full-featured world-class tube D/A converter and Class-A triode vacuum tube output stage which allows for single-ended and balanced operation. It has numerous features including a range of digital inputs (coaxial, BNC,, DSD, etc.); three line level inputs (one balanced, two single ended), USB input (24/192 asynchronous and DSD), and native 192kHz PCM and DSDx128 conversion.
The Stratos is a well-designed and constructed audio component with high quality parts throughout. Whether using it with a mid-range Sony BluRay player or a high-end German CD transport (as I did both), the sound it produces is magical--harmonically rich but detailed with an ability to impart a deep soundstage to most recordings. Unlike many other DACs, the Stratos is also a full-functioning preamp (no expense spared). For the price, it is an unbeatable combination--plus you get the value of tube magic.
I bought the Stratos about four years ago; the tubes were replaced two years ago and were scrupulously matched by USATubeAudio. These tubes have approximately 2000 hrs of use (rated for 7000hrs). The piece is in very good condition with no frontal cosmetic blemishes; the sides have minor blemishing from removing from the audio rack but nothing to detract from the handsomeness of the unit. I am selling as I'm downsizing system and not using this piece much. Unit will come triple-boxed with full shipping costs and Paypal fees covered by me. I'm a long-time Agon member with a history of positive ratings dating to 2001. I just recently returned to the site after a few years absence.