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High Fidelity Audio

Conquistador Evo

Ayon Audio · Linestage Preamplifiers

Conquistador Evo

The ultimate dual-chassis linestage utilizing proprietary AA45 Mesh-triodes for absolute transparency.

The Ayon Audio Conquistador stands at the ultimate vanguard of the brand's masterwork pre-amplification hierarchy, conceived from a completely blank sheet of paper to challenge the global limits of line-stage design. Hand-assembled in Austria in strictly limited annual quantities, this dual-chassis statement piece segregates delicate signal architecture from its high-current power supply. By treating raw linearity as an absolute requirement, it presents a transcendent masterclass in uncompressed structural transparency. Positioned at the absolute apex of the Linestage Preamplifiers line, the Conquistador relies on four proprietary AA45 Mesh-triodes manufactured exclusively by Ayon to establish an ultra-pure signal pathway. This single-gain-stage layout completely rejects solid-state buffers, cathode followers, or phase-correcting correction loops, employing only a single premium audiophile coupling capacitor at its final output. By keeping the signal route brief and entirely free from global or local negative feedback, it allows upstream digital or analogue source details to cascade through without electronic distortion. Sonically, the Conquistador completely redefines standard concepts of three-dimensional space, projecting a massive, lifelike soundstage where performers materialize with vivid physical weight and explicit focus. It strips away the soft analytical glaze common to conventional high-end line stages, preserving explosive transient snap alongside complex harmonic decay layers. The low frequencies are handled with absolute visceral authority, while mid-to-high textures exhibit an airy, liquid clarity that places listeners inside the original recording acoustic.

Key Features

01

Bespoke AA45 Mesh-Triodes

Features four custom-manufactured AA45 Mesh-triode vacuum tubes, built from the ground up by Ayon to supply unparalleled operational linearity and an organic harmonic structure.

02

Quadruple Volume Transformer Control

Employs an intricate, custom-milled VTC 4-channel 42-position electronic-relay attenuation matrix that maintains a flawless channel balance within 0.05dB across all attenuation levels.

03

Triple Transformer Outboard Power Base

Houses three independent, fully insulated low-noise power transformers and triple-choke filters inside a separate secondary chassis to achieve complete electrical isolation between stages.

04

Active Dual 5U4G Tube Rectification

Utilizes a heavy-duty tube-rectified power network driven by twin 5U4G rectifier valves to secure instantaneous current delivery during wide macro-dynamic signal transients.

05

Absolute Zero Feedback Geometry

Operates with 0dB of any local or global negative feedback, maintaining time-domain correctness and preserving the unconstrained dynamic bloom of live instrumentation.

06

Switchable Dual Grounding Topology

Incorporate a central one-point star earth design combined with a user-switchable rear dual-ground matrix to systematically reject external AC line noise and chassis ground hash.

Uncompromised Single-Stage Philosophy

Chapter 01

Uncompromised Single-Stage Philosophy

The engineering foundation of the Conquistador rests upon the pursuit of absolute circuit simplicity. Ayon engineers reject multi-stage layouts, phase-splitting loops, and feedback correction because they fundamentally degrade time-domain accuracy and bleach tonal contrast. On the heavy gold-plated industrial PCBs, copper traces are optimized to their minimum logical length, running a single gain stage that interfaces directly with custom-made beryllium-copper spring socket pins, Tantalum precision resistors, and silver-copper matrix internal cabling.
The Power Supply Sanctuary

Chapter 02

The Power Supply Sanctuary

To completely shield the ultra-fragile grid voltages of the AA45 triodes from high-voltage ripple and magnetic induction, the entire power supply network is exiled to a dedicated companion chassis. Within this secondary enclosure, separate power paths feed individual amplification stages alongside regulated DC filament networks with built-in soft-start sequencing. High-capacitance storage reserves make up for filtering losses from the choke-filtered networks, creating a thoroughly isolated current reservoir that shields the delicate audio signal from household line noise.
Listening Notes

Chapter 03

Listening Notes

Operating from a monumental two-box platform weighing 52 kilograms, the Conquistador immediately displays an authoritative grip over the system, revealing low-level studio hall boundaries and microphone spacing cues that lesser line stages mask entirely. It demonstrates an effortless ability to track large-scale orchestral crescendos down to a dead stop without compressing the spatial envelope or introducing structural grain. The absolute blackness of its background yields a remarkably light-footed, joyous presentation where acoustic details breathe with complete unforced realism.

Specifications

TypePure Class-A single-ended triode dual-chassis vacuum tube pre-amplifier
Frequency response3 Hz – 100 kHz
ImpedanceInput impedance greater than 1 MOhm / Output impedance 30 Ohm
Power / outputMaximum output 30V rms at 1 kHz
Inputs / outputs4 x Line RCA inputs, 2 x Balanced XLR inputs / 1 x RCA output, 1 x Balanced XLR output
Dimensions (H × W × D)25 × 50 × 43 cm (Main chassis) / 13 × 50 × 43 cm (Power supply)
Weight52 kg combined
Tube complementAyon AA45-Mesh, 5744, 12AU7 & 5U4G
S/N ratio> 98 dB