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High Fidelity Audio

Ayon Audio · DAC
Kronos

Ayon Audio — DAC

Kronos

A new benchmark in vacuum tube digital to analog performance.

The Ayon Audio Kronos redefines the boundaries of digital playback by bridging the gap between clinical precision and organic musicality. Designed as a statement piece for the most discerning listeners, it represents the pinnacle of Ayon's digital engineering expertise, delivering a performance that feels as immediate and tactile as a live recording. At its heart lies a sophisticated, fully symmetrical DAC configuration that handles both PCM and DSD with effortless clarity. The design philosophy centers on the conviction that the simplest circuits yield the most honest results. By utilizing an ultra-short, zero-feedback signal path, the Kronos preserves the integrity of your digital files, ensuring they remain untainted by unnecessary buffering or complex processing. The sonic character of the Kronos is defined by its remarkable transparency and a deeply immersive soundstage. The bass is controlled yet powerful, while the midrange offers a liquid, natural warmth that breathes life into every note. With an extraordinarily detailed top end and a noise floor that remains almost imperceptible, it reveals the subtle, emotional nuances of a performance that are often lost in conventional digital conversion. Crafted for those who refuse to compromise, the Kronos is more than a converter; it is the vital link between your digital library and a truly high-fidelity listening experience. Its modular architecture ensures it remains a centerpiece of your system for years to come, reflecting the uncompromising craftsmanship that defines the Ayon Audio legacy.

Key Features

01

Zero-feedback topology

A purist Class A triode design ensures the signal path remains as direct and uncoloured as possible.

02

Tube-rectified power supply

The use of GZ30 tube rectification for the output stage provides a pure, stable power source that enhances harmonic richness.

03

Fully balanced architecture

Separate analog output stages for left and right channels provide superior channel separation and a highly focused soundstage.

04

Advanced DSD conversion

Equipped with a switchable PCM to DSD converter, allowing for high-resolution flexibility across your digital music library.

Design Philosophy

Chapter 01

Design Philosophy

Ayon Audio believes that the shortest signal path is the most effective path. By eliminating solid-state devices from the analog signal chain and avoiding negative feedback, the Kronos maintains the transient speed and harmonic integrity of the original source. Each unit is fully hand-assembled to ensure that the craftsmanship matches the technical ambition of the circuit design.
Build Quality

Chapter 02

Build Quality

The chassis is constructed from high-grade brushed anodized aluminum, chosen specifically for its anti-vibration and non-magnetic properties. Every detail, from the engraved front panel descriptions to the resonance-absorbing aluminum feet, is intended to reduce mechanical interference and protect the delicate signals within.
Sonic Signature

Chapter 03

Sonic Signature

The Kronos is characterised by a rare balance of transparency and natural warmth. It excels at projecting a deep, holographic 3D soundstage while maintaining a grain-free, clean presentation. By integrating vacuum tubes early in the conversion process, it avoids the sterile, digital artifacts common in typical DACs, resulting in a sound that is as rich and fluid as high-end analog tape.

Specifications

TypeVacuum tube output DAC
Frequency response20Hz – 50kHz (+/- 0.3dB)
Power / output2.6V or 5.2V (fixed/variable)
Inputs / outputsS/PDIF, AES/EBU, I2S, TosLink, BNC, USB, 3x BNC for DSD(75 ohms)
Dimensions (H × W × D)13 × 48 × 39 cm
Weight15 kg
Conversion rate768kHz / 32 bit & DSD 256
DAC configuration Fully symmetrical / AKM-Japan
DSP module (option)PCM→DSD
Dynamic range > 120dB
Output impedance Single-Ended-RCA~ 300 Ω
Output impedance Balanced-XLR ~ 300 Ω
S/N ratio > 120 dB
Total harmonic distortion @ 1kHz< 0.001%