AYON Sigma DAC
Contents
The Sigma DAC is the ‘starter’ of the three DA converters offered by AYON. Up there are the Stealth and the Stratos. Now, don’t think about a dac that’s going to take the edge off. No: the Sigma is a serious device capable of serious performance.
We fed the AYON Sigma with data from both the NW-T and the Ambre. And the Sigma makes it very easy to hear the differences. Though it’s a little bit deceptive, because both I2S and the NW-T play a little bit louder. So we did have to do a volume correction.
Rich
The AYON Sigma also has a rich sound. This dac clearly plays a little warmer than the Pavane which is our reference. Is that “extra” better? No. it’s taste. The Pavane is fairer. Both in sound and placement. But the fact is: the AYON Sigma has a very pleasant sound.
We look at pure performance in terms of detailing, refinement and fluidity in the reproduction… Then the Pavane wins. Certainly the middle area is just a little looser and quieter… Although the AYON vocals reproduce beautifully.
Specifications
| Digital/Analog Converter | Ayon Sigma |
| Conversion | 32 bit, PCM up to 192k, 64xDSD, 128xDSD |
| DAC configuration | 8 mono DACs to 2 stereo outs |
| Tube complement – Analog output | 6H30 |
| Dynamic range | > 128dB |
| Output level @1 kHz / Rms | 0-10V |
| Output impedance Single-Ended-RCA | ~ 300 Ohms |
| Output impedance Balanced-XLR | ~ 300 Ohms |
| Digital input | 1 x S/PDIF, 1 x AES/EBU, 1 x Toslink ,1 x BNC, 1 x USB, 1 x I2S, 1 x DoP, 3 x BNC for DSD |
| Analog output | RCA & XLR |
| S/N ratio | > 120 dB |
| Frequency response | 20Hz – 20kHz +/- 0.2dB |
| Total harmonic distortion @ 1kHz | < 0.002% |
| Remote control | Yes |
| Dimension (WxDxH) cm | 48x36x11 cm |
| Weight | 12 kg |