After some break-in, the most obvious contribution of the 3R/PC/USB configuration was a subtle change in tonal balance. It shifted mental focus very slightly further into the upper mids. This increased transparency and air around instruments as well as injected somewhat more leading-edge definition on instruments like cymbals. The entire spectrum gained a subtle extension in contrast but in the process lost a small amount of the Wyred's regular density in the lower mids and upper bass against the stock PC/DAC-2 connection. Extreme low bass lost a tiny bit of definition but didn't change level. Fundamentally the direct USB connection was slightly warmer and more laid back. The 3R addition gained a little more sparkle and dynamic mojo as well as an increase in forward projection without compromising depth, thus adding more complex front-to-back information. The most telling improvement was a sonic comparison against the Wyred's own I²S connection which plays the jitter immunity card. Here it became interesting. The Renaissance/DAC 2 combination off the PC, especially with the MusiCHI sourced files, showed very similar character to the Wyred Server/DAC I²S combo. It was not identical, with he Wyred still the cleaner source which could dig out a bit more information but the PC now was so similar in character and close enough in resolution and dynamic ability as to garner serious merit. Theory states that any clean signal from different sources and methodologies, properly executed, should yield this result. Since that proved to be the case, it validated the capability of the 3R to optimize USB.

The comparison stage is upon us now so let's look at the Renaissance first. As stated, this was the first of its breed to enter the premises so no direct comments wee possible. By reputation, Wyred4Sound go parallel at a similar price with their highly regarded Recovery so there is competition. Basically all I can tell you is that the Ideon 3R was absolutely stunning given a successful pairing. I just can't tell you how it differs from its competitors. On to the Ayazi. I chose a variety of DACs to emphasize very real design differences and sonic priorities. For an apples to apples choice, the DAC that immediately came to mind was the Auralic ARK MX+, a stunningly adept musical machine that graced my household circa 2013. It could handle 32/192 files and similarly opted for S/PDIF and USB. This model has since been superseded but the veteran Auralic and feisty Ideon newcomer still remain cut from very similar cloth. They both go for density over transparency, achieving more human voicing than competing designs that push for a more sterile by-the-numbers approach. Based on recollection, the Auralic at double the price featured more upscale case work plus XLR outputs. To a small extent it carved out somewhat better dimensionality and was a little more controlled in the bass but otherwise demonstrated extremely similar virtues and vices. The Ayazi contends where it absolutely counts - in the critical midrange. Here it was very convincing and near equal. In terms of functionality it bettered the veteran Auralic in its ability to switch quickly between different file resolutions. At its much lower cost, the Ayazi presents a very attractive alternative for those who adore the sonic style of the upscale Auralic but either don't need the extra features and bling or are subject to the dictates of a tighter wallet.

The resident DAC to live up to was the Wyred DAC-2, a US army knife of inputs and outputs, able to assume full digital preamplifier duty in both single-ended and balanced modes. Properly treated, it reigned to this point as the warmest implementation of the ESS chip that has been in house; and it has remained the most dynamically adept. Against the Ayazi, the Wyred had more pronounced transient ability with better dynamics and bass definition. It went slightly wider and showed greater transparency in its handling of space between objects. In turn the Ideon DAC went for superior density and slightly more dimensionality, with a touch more pronounced centre fill: two different sets of design priorities from two talented designers. The current versions of the Wyred DAC are spread in price from slightly more expensive for the DAC-1 (which will match format ability) to more than twice the Ayazi's cost for the DAC-2- This makes the choice between these a blend of budget considerations, functional requirements and ultimately sonic style. If organic presentation is on your absolute short list, the Ayazi is the one.

The Grant Fidelity tube DAC-11 was my wild-card contender. It features more inputs and outputs than the Ideon although DXD and DSD sources are not accommodated. The DAC-11 has the virtues of low cost and disproportionate sonics. It has been at the heart of many ‘best of show' awards and at half the price of the Ayazi, it throws actual tube performance as opposed to tube-like similarities into the frame. The Grant Fidelity will push out even more midrange dimensionality than the Ideon and kicks with slightly wider dynamic range particularly in the midband plus musters somewhat better bass definition. The Ayazi earns its price with different strong suits like clear superiority in soundstage width, instrument specificity and definition of space between instruments. The Grant Fidelity delivered the performance but the Ideon was the vastly cleaner window on the context of that performance. The DAC-11 remains a feisty budget benchmark but overall the Ayazi struck much further upwards on almost all parameters, making it the stronger relative bargain.

And now we reach the end of another audio adventure. Like the classic Greek tales of old, there were moments of storm and triumph. The Ayazi DAC and 3R USB Renaissance became voyages of discovery fulfilled and still undiscovered lands to be explored. The trials and tribulations came down to software/hardware compatibility issues which are endemic to the computer field in general and sadly, represent the vagaries of the current state of computer hifi. Anyone who has downloaded the latest OS update only to see their favorite app rendered problematic can testify to the fact that the ghost of plug'n'pray still haunts the circuit boards. My problems constituted field testing for our talented designers. They're a fresh young startup and should be smart enough to learn from these data. As with anything computer, be prepared for a version 2 firmware fix. Always check with the manufacturer (and local dealer) for successful pairings before committing to any mail-order bride.


On purely sonic merit, the Ideon products achieved high results. The 3R USB Renaissance demonstrated the ability to push USB to near I²S quality, making it an extremely worthwhile addition and at its inexpensive cost, an easy recommendation for those who want to hear better USB sound. The Ayazi DAC aims at the analog audiophile with solidly executed organic attributes that approach much pricier fare. It's warm, musical and plays with the enticement of a summer day overlooking the rich Aegean Sea. It puts meat and sinew into the energy of the performance. Those switching between vinyl and digital sources will find the Ayazi a comfortable transition. For the modest price and when firing on all cylinders, it delivers disproportionate sonic virtues that make it an easy recommendation for those who pursue beauty and involvement over the opposing paradigms of resolution and transparency. Zeus is looking down on his modern protégé and is pleased, me thinks. And just to prove that the laurel leaf does not rest long on the heads of the ambitious, news came at the conclusion of the review that the new Ayazi II has just entered the arena. Those contemplating purchase of the Ayazi under review need not worry that the review just became obsolete. Current owners of the original need not fear that their recent investment has already been tanked. The II comes not to replace but to join, upping the ante to €1'400. It adds a new faceplate, aluminium feet and more Allen bolts, a second clock along with a plethora of wiring and connector upgrades. For a limited 3 months, Ideon offer the full upgrade to existing Ayazi owners for €350 including installation. So the first offspring from the cave of Zeus already has a brother [from another mother if we consider the historical tales of Zeus' cavorting antics - Ed.]

Ideon Audio website