The Scorpio II is the result of the Austrian manufacturer’s innovative approach to affordable tube amplifiers, where simplicity and minimalism in design, along with the philosophy of the shortest possible signal path, necessitate a careful selection of components that must fit within specific budget constraints. Gerhard Hirt, Ayon’s CEO, highlights the importance of synergy within the entire circuit, composed of optimally matched parts, which, for obvious reasons, cannot be top-shelf in price. The predecessors of such solutions were two iterations of the Orion model. From this idea, the first Scorpio emerged, borrowing several concepts from the more expensive Spirit. Along the way, there was also the Scorpio XS, where the abbreviation (eXtra Small) referred not only to an enclosure slimmer by 1 cm but, more importantly, to the introduction of EL34 power tubes, known for their compact size and relatively high power output.
Looking at this history, we see how Scorpio II brings together its key elements, allowing the use of either EL34, KT88, or KT150 tubes in the power stage. Once again, users get Ayon’s classic zero-feedback pure Class A design with auto-manual BIAS adjustment, also equipped with a modern soft-start system and protective circuits that prevent tube overloading, significantly extending their lifespan. Assisting in this is the anodized, non-magnetic chassis, hand-assembled from brushed aluminum and optimized for better heat dissipation from the operating tubes. Compared to its predecessors, the Scorpio II comes at a higher price but surprises with chrome transformer covers, giving it a resemblance to the much more expensive Spirit V.
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