Интегральные усилители — Ayon Audio Ayon Spark V

The Ayon Spark V is a single-ended triode tube integrated amplifier from Ayon Audio, which the company calls its most affordable SET amplifier. It is a significant evolution of the Spark III and has been rebuilt with a redesigned power supply, a fresh pre-driver stage and output transformers of a new design. Its circuit is pure Class A throughout, and audio passes through no solid-state devices.

Key specs that matter

Power comes from two 6C33 triodes, one per channel in single-ended triode configuration, and Ayon rates the Spark V at 2 x 18 W. Speaker taps are provided for 4 ohm and 8 ohm loads. Frequency response runs from 12 Hz to 28 kHz, input sensitivity is 350 mV for full power and input impedance is 100 kohm at 1 kHz. Global negative feedback is 0 dB. Rear-panel connections comprise one XLR socket, three line-level RCA pairs and one direct input, plus a preamp output. Level is controlled by an Alps potentiometer, and a metal remote commander, supplied with the amplifier, adjusts the volume and can mute the amplifier. The chassis is 48 cm wide, 37 cm deep and 25 cm high, weighs 32 kg and is finished in black and chrome.

Engineering and use context

Ayon selected the 6C33 power triode specifically for audio duty because of its low plate impedance and high current capability. Ayon's design principle favours minimal circuitry and an ultra-short route for the audio signal, so every gain stage works single-ended in pure Class A. A low-noise insulated power transformer feeds separate and isolated supplies for each stage of amplification, the 6C33 supply is choke filtered, and the filament supplies are regulated DC with soft start. Grounding is switchable between two schemes and uses a central one-point star earth. The output transformers are wound with multiple tight layers and close coupling, and Ayon credits them with improved bass extension while keeping high-frequency speed. The chassis has improved ventilation for heat and custom machined control knobs.

Pairing

With its modest power the Spark V is aimed at efficient loudspeakers, and the two output taps allow the owner to pick the winding that suits the rated impedance of the speaker. A balanced source can connect through the XLR input, while a second amplifier connects to the preamp out.

Alternatives

The Ayon Spirit V is a pure Class A tube integrated amplifier using KT150 or KT170 tubes, rated at 2 x 65 W in pentode mode and 2 x 40 W in triode mode.