Not to hijack this thread but, I also have an AYON CD-5s (and agree its one Bitchin sounding unit). My question is to anyone out there who has managed to score both the 1980 and 1986 DH30P-DR Russian NOS tubes, and compared them in their CD-5/CD-5s/Skylla unit.
I love the guys in Arizona too but felt the cost increase between what they were asking for the 1st batch of super tubes and, all batches since - was WAY too much.
I've heard - from Paul (really don't know that he's a tube expect or parroting what his tech guys told him) that any of these Russian NOS 6H30P-DR tubes made prior to 1986 were the best so, why is 1980 superior to 86 and, if so - is it that noticeably !?
I ask because I picked the PCX batch (1986) and while they sound very nice, for my listening taste, I wouldn't say they knocked me out - which is what I'm told the 1980 batch most certainly will do. Having said that, I just recently tested my CD-5s (running the 86 NOS) with Valhalla SC's and CC Dreamline IC's and, with superior source material - a very magical combination. Exemplary detail, depth, nuance, tonality and firm, no nonsense bass (which really surprised me - I expected a much thinner sound).
I love the guys in Arizona too but felt the cost increase between what they were asking for the 1st batch of super tubes and, all batches since - was WAY too much.
I've heard - from Paul (really don't know that he's a tube expect or parroting what his tech guys told him) that any of these Russian NOS 6H30P-DR tubes made prior to 1986 were the best so, why is 1980 superior to 86 and, if so - is it that noticeably !?
I ask because I picked the PCX batch (1986) and while they sound very nice, for my listening taste, I wouldn't say they knocked me out - which is what I'm told the 1980 batch most certainly will do. Having said that, I just recently tested my CD-5s (running the 86 NOS) with Valhalla SC's and CC Dreamline IC's and, with superior source material - a very magical combination. Exemplary detail, depth, nuance, tonality and firm, no nonsense bass (which really surprised me - I expected a much thinner sound).