Sasha's need power and control. The built in preamp idea is cute but that needs to change as well. I would go Krell or ARC for this system. Krell will deliver accurate tone and grip with great soundstaging. ARC will emphasize bloom and dynamic swing. Tubes can be a pain over time...always changing character and on the decline. Cables must allow the system to breathe and expand and deliver lifelike color and dynamics....Transparent or MIT will do this better than most others. Power cords need to be up to snuff as well. Ayon as a CD player may be ok but a Krell Cipher or an ARC spinner would be closer to SOTA! Strong opinions? Yes...because I've been down your road more than a few times and tried to patch together a system with almost the right gear, which will leave you frustrated and feeling like you wasted your money. Do it right now and avoid the constant changes and frustration.
