Review samples supplied by Sensus Audio
Retail prices in the Netherlands (incl 21% VAT):
AudioSolutions Figaro B2 – from 3.244 euro per pair
Ayon Audio Scorpio III – 4.400 euro
Ayon Scorpio III description
Regular readers may be already aware of my fondness for Ayon Audio. Over the years, I have reviewed and owned a wide range of their products.
Their super-sturdy build quality never ceases to amaze me, even with their affordable components, and with their signature solid, robust, dynamic, and expressive sound, the products never disappoint.
The Scorpio III is the latest version of their relatively affordable entrance into real high-end tube amplification. The amplifier offers a significant development of the highly esteemed Scorpio II, with the mains transformer and power supply being reinforced and new output transformers installed. However, the appearance and basic architecture have been retained. The integrated Scorpio III amplifier combines neutrality and lively dynamics, coupled with high musicality that is unique at its price point and could well present a new price-performance standard in its class.
The Scorpio can be used with EL34, KT88, or KT150 tubes. Ayon firmly believes that the most effective circuits feature the shortest signal paths. Minimizing these paths reduces potential sonic degradation from various sources, including the wire. The Scorpio III’s redesigned circuit board simplifies and streamlines the signal paths. The power supplies have been refined with new components and improved AC line noise filtration. Separate power transformers and filters ensure complete isolation between input and output stages, creating a pure power source, while larger electrolytic capacitors enhance filtering. The super-wide bandwidth output transformer delivers powerful bass while maintaining high-frequency speed, improving the amplifier’s square wave response and producing a more natural sound with greater clarity and fluidity.
Ayon Scorpio III Specifications:
- Pure class-A tube design
- No solid state devices in the signal path
- Switchable between pentode and triode mode
- High current and low impedance design
- Automatic and manual bias adjustment
- EL34, KT88 or KT150 power output tubes (reviewed with EL34)
- Power-Pentode KT150/EL34/KT88: 2x 55W/2x 38W/ x 43W
- Power-Triode mode KT150/EL34/KT88: 2x 35W/2x 25W/2x 30W
- 0dB negative feedback (of any kind )
- Infrared remote control for mute and volume
AudioSolutions Figaro B2 description
AudioSolutions is a new brand for me, and this review marks my first acquaintance with them. Owned and founded in 2011 by speaker engineer Gediminas Gaidelis, AudioSolutions speakers are produced and manufactured in Vilnius, Lithuania (EU). The company combines laws of physics with design, artisan hand-craft work with great attention to detail, and a broad palette of customization options to meet every customer’s needs.
The Figaro B2 marks a significant evolution in the company’s successful speaker series five years after the original Figaro was launched in 2018. With a modern design that includes brass accents and various satin finishes, the speakers are easy to drive by most amplifiers and can be placed close to walls. The B2 features a two-way system with a Mini-Horn silk dome tweeter and a redesigned ER (Extra Rigid) stiff paper cone midbass driver. This configuration moves the crossover frequencies away from the critical hearing range (1000 to 1500 Hz) up to 4000 Hz, significantly reducing perceived crossover distortion. Notably, the Cabinet-In-A-Cabinet system comprises an inner and outer enclosure bonded with polyurethane, which manages vibrations and eliminates unwanted resonances by turning acoustical energy into heat for improved sound quality. The B2 also includes height-adjustable spikes, WBT NextGen terminals with bi-amping for L and XL models, and six unique satin finishes with brass accents.
Next: Description Continued, Review Context, and Listening
