Интегральные усилители — Ayon Audio Ayon Spirit V

The Spirit V is an Austrian two-channel tube integrated from Ayon Audio, listed by the maker among its integrated models next to the Spark V. It can be run in triode or pentode mode and uses KT150 or KT170 output tubes. For the model year 2022 Ayon reworked it to meet the higher demands of the KT170, strengthening the main power transformer, the choke and the power supply and optimising the driver stage. The same facelift added an analogue bias meter and prepared an optional USB-DAC input.

Key specs that matter

Ayon rates the amplifier at 2 x 65 W in pentode mode and 2 x 40 W in triode mode, for loads of 4 and 8 ohm. Bandwidth is 10 Hz to 60 kHz at -3 dB. Input sensitivity for full power is 500 mV, input impedance at 1 kHz is 100 kOhm, and the design uses 0 dB of negative feedback. The rear carries three line inputs, one XLR input and one direct input, plus a single pre-out. The optional USB-DAC accepts up to 384 kHz at 24 bit and DSD256. An Alps pot handles level, and a metal handset gives remote volume and mute. The chassis measures 48 cm wide, 37 cm deep and 25 cm high, at 33 kg, finished in black or chrome.

Engineering and use context

Operation is pure class A, and the layout keeps transistors, followers and buffers out of the signal path and uses minimal discrete wiring. Bias has both an automatic and a manual option. A logically sequenced soft start extends tube life, the power-on cycle takes 1 minute, and a protection system watches the power tubes. Two separate insulated power transformers sit in damped housings with RFI and EMI screening. A choke filters the supply for the driver stage and the output section, each stage has its own isolated supply, and a high-current regulator feeds input and driver tube heaters. An AC line filter and in-rush current limiting complete the supply. Earthing combines a one-point star, a dual scheme that can be switched, and a ground switch. An anti-resonance potting compound encloses each output transformer. Ayon has its tube sockets custom made with spring pins of beryllium-copper, the XLR connectors come from Neutrik, and the internal signal cable uses a copper matrix. The brushed anodised aluminium chassis is non-magnetic and hand assembled, with engraved panel legends, machined knobs, resonance-absorbing aluminium feet and a backlit logo.

Pairing

The direct input lets the Spirit V act as a pure power amplifier under an external preamplifier, while its pre-out lets a further amp be added. The maker lists harder speaker loads as a suitable match.

Alternatives

Within the same range of integrated amplifiers Ayon also offers the Spark V.