Audio Research, AYON and Primaluna tube amplifiers.

I am very familiar with ARC and PrimaLuna equipment and own both. ARC is absolutely top of the line equipment PrimaLuna is good budget equipment. From reading about Ayon… they sound to be a top notch company. For repairs and the like they have an address in Scottsdale Arizona, but they are an Austrian company. The ARC factory is in Minnesota.

Clearly Ayon and ARC are both top tier companies. ARC will have much greater recognition in the US, it has fantastic service and repairs much of their stuff decades old, offers upgrades.

I would listen to both and see which one you like better. They are both top tier companies. I would definitely give the nod to ARC if it is nearly a tie in the sound you want. I own all ARC gear… so, that is where I am coming from.

I am familiar with primaluna and Ayon.  I have an Ayon amp now, I would say the sound of ayon is clean, defined, and crisp with great soundstage.  I would put it a level above Primaluna. 

Jerry

I am a PrimaLuna owner for 3 1/2 years. You did not state how much money you wanted to spend. I have used tube amplification for decades and the ease of use provided by prima Luna is truly incredible. ARC is a top-notch brand with terrific resale value and sound quality. ARC will definitely provide a more refined musical presentation than  prima Luna, which is very good. It satisfies me and I have had much more expensive tubed amplification in the past. Ayon I am not familiar with except they like chrome in their designs  which really is offputting to me.

@ghdprentice thank you very much for very direct answer- very helpful.

I’d like to learn more about ARC. Is there a link that I could learn about their previous history models and price in year 2010-ish? Or perhaps, you could help with a recommendation for my Sonus Faber Elipsa SE, 91dB?
My local dealer recommended the current model ARC Ref 80. Very beautiful unit. Thanks again.

@carlsbad Very direct answer as well and thank you.

May I ask what Ayon model and how long do you have it?  And  for what speakers?

Do you think Ayon Spirit ($6k) can drive my speakers listed above?

I have the Ayon Spark Delta which is a 35wpc SET with dual 6c33Cs.  My speakers are 96dB and it is way more than I need, in fact I'm currently listening to a 6 wpc SET instead.   I think both the Spirit and the Spark Delta would be plenty to drive your speakers.  I might be convinced to sell the Ayon so PM me if you're interested.

Jerry