TEST: RCF Ayra Pro 8

 As with almost all other instrument groups, the area of ​​near-field monitors has exploded in terms of supply in recent years. More and more suppliers with more and more product lines are trying to find their place in the huge pool of top dogs, trendsetters and flash grenades. Unfortunately, there are only comparatively few criteria for getting buyers to listen to you. In addition to interesting detailed solutions or extravagant finishes, it is above all the price that can attract attention in the hobby and amateur sector. The traditional Italian company RCF, founded in 1949, probably thought the same thing and brought a near-field monitor onto the market with the RCF Ayra Pro8, which tries to attract buyers with a very affordable retail price of 223 euros and quite mature features.

The construction of the RCF Ayra Pro8

The RCF Ayra Pro8 is an active 2-way near-field monitor, which is quite generous with its dimensions (H x W x D): 410 mm x 253 mm x 320 mm, but quite moderate with a weight of just under 9 kilograms. According to the manufacturer, the system offers a frequency response of 45 Hz to 20,000 Hz, which is transmitted by an 8-inch fiberglass composite woofer and a 1-inch neodymium driver. The woofer receives 100 watts, the tweeter 40 watts, both from separate Class D amplifiers. The maximum level (@1m) is specified as 111 dB. The crossover frequency is 2 kHz, where you can also see a small dip in the frequency spectrum.

The housing is made of the usual MDF panels, is neatly coated with a fine textured varnish and is otherwise impeccably finished. Current hype such as excessively rounded corners to minimize reflections is nowhere to be found in this box. The box stands on its regular housing; adhesive feet or mats for decoupling the housing are not included. The monitors have definitely exceeded their area of ​​application on a desk with their dimensions and require appropriate speaker stands. Although these are often supplied with an appropriate rubber or foam pad, I would recommend a cheap item such as 4 adhesive rubber feet as an accessory.

The front

The two speakers are mounted on the front in a metal frame that has been seamlessly adapted to the housing. Four solid Allen screws each hold the woofer and the tweeter horn, which enables a radiation angle of 110° x 70°. I don't think I've ever seen such a large waveguide on a near-field monitor in my career, the dimensions of which even extend into the area of ​​the woofer and therefore have to be cut into something.

According to a product video, RCF is particularly proud of the 0 degree phase response, which is only possible due to the specially developed DSPs of the AYRA studio monitors in combination with the exclusive RCF FiRPHASE and, according to the company, is unique in this price range. Below the woofer there are 2 bass reflex openings which emit their signal to the front. Personally, I always prefer the reflex opening in the front area of ​​the box with 8 inch woofers, as this makes it easier to control the bass regardless of the room structure.

What is noticeable is the comparatively hard suspension of the woofer. Although the surround works very softly and loosely, the woofer is designed especially for strong impulses, which should be particularly noticeable at higher volumes.

The back

In terms of connection peripherals, RCF offers the complete package for the consumer sector. In addition to the symmetrical standards XLR (unfortunately not lockable) and TRS, the RCF Ayra Pro8 also offers the RCA standard, which is still very popular in the hobby sector. A volume control offers a -6 dB setting at 12 o'clock, 0 dB when fully clockwise, and complete silence when fully counterclockwise. The 12 o'clock setting makes it much easier to adjust the volume between the speakers, although only the 12 o'clock and full load ranges are easy to find, which is the main area of ​​use in this performance class.

In terms of room adaptation, the speaker is quite spartan, although adequate. The bass range can be raised or lowered by 2 dB using a slider, and the same applies to the treble range by 1 dB each. The final part is a power connector socket with an on/off switch.

In practice

When you switch on the speakers, a small white LED bar indicates that the system is ready for use. The system runs consistently; the RCF Ayra Pro8 does not offer a standby function. As always, the monitor has to face a mixture of reference recordings, measurement tones and finished productions, which I have supervised and created myself.

When you start using the monitors, you notice the initially very moderate bass range, which you would have expected to be much more powerful based on the visual appearance. The range is present, but seems a bit flat, especially in the low mids. Activating the bass boost changes this a little, but makes the overall sound a bit "boomy", after which I deactivate the boost again. The bass lift seemed a bit too uneven to me personally, which led to an over-presence in some electric bass passages, for example. Overall, the bass range sounds a bit flat. The frequencies are there, but the necessary, soft "feel-good feeling" does not appear.

The midrange is fine, apart from the dip at 2 kHz. Distorted guitars in particular have a peak here, which makes them seem comparatively tame on the RCF Ayra Pro8. This means that there is a risk that you will quickly set the guitars too harshly in order to give the instruments more bite. This aspect should always be kept in mind, especially during the mixdown. The vocals also lose a little of their presence, which also needs to be taken into account.

The treble range, like the bass range, is very reserved. Not that the range seems musty or even pale, but I miss the "fine" in the highs, the "whisper" that gives a recording its shine and justifies the extra euro when buying high-quality preamps, for example for vocal recordings. While it is certainly sufficient for a live speaker, I set the bar a little higher in the studio area. This point can be improved somewhat by increasing the treble, but ultimately it has to give way to the retail price.

What really proves itself in practice, however, is the phase position of the RCF Ayra Pro8. The Italians have actually managed to establish a very homogeneous coordination between tweeters and woofers, so that there is no cancellation on the way to the human ear. The depth gradation is fine, although the spatial image corresponds to a good minimum. In general, I cannot help but get the impression that the speakers reproduce comparatively little of the space in the recording. It is well known that a lot of spatial information is lost in today's limiter 0dB jittery mastering, so this impression is not unusual. However, one does get the impression that even with unmastered recordings the room ends comparatively just behind the speakers, which is noticeable in direct comparison to other systems.

What is also very striking is the volume at which the monitors develop their maximum quality. The speakers gain in sound quality as the volume increases. The RCF Ayra Pro8 actually has its best sound just before the human ear reaches saturation, although I personally think it's much too loud for a normal working environment. A decent room volume is not the system's strength. You can actually hear how the character of the system decreases when the volume is reduced. The extent to which this affects personal listening habits is another question.

The system's impulse fidelity is also impressive, especially at higher volumes. Despite the moderate power specifications, the system has enough headroom to cleanly transmit even powerful kick signals or other power-hungry impulses.

All in all, however, the RCF Ayra Pro8 has to be acknowledged as having a really good price/performance ratio. For a retail price for which you wouldn't even get the woofer on its own from another manufacturer, you get a complete system that covers the entire frequency range.

Conclusion

With the RCF Ayra Pro8, the Italian manufacturer has a near-field monitor in its range that offers a lot of listening for comparatively little money. The system offers comprehensive frequency coverage, very good phase position and good impulse fidelity even at high volumes.

On the other hand, if you can live with average spatial resolution and a subtly flat basic sound, you should definitely try out the system.

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Additional Informations:

Italy, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage and contributions to art, design, and technology, also boasts a thriving audio industry. Italian audio manufacturers are celebrated for their innovation, craftsmanship, and dedication to high-quality sound reproduction. This article provides an in-depth look at some of the most prominent Italian audio manufacturers, their history, technological advancements, and their impact on the global audio market.

## RCF: A Legacy of Sound Excellence

### History and Evolution

RCF (Radio Cine Forniture) was founded in 1949 in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Initially focused on manufacturing transducers, RCF quickly established itself as a leader in the audio industry. The company’s early years saw significant developments in loudspeaker and microphone technology, setting the stage for decades of innovation.

### Product Range

RCF’s product range is extensive, encompassing professional loudspeakers, line arrays, subwoofers, amplifiers, and mixers. Notable product lines include:

- **ART Series**: Known for versatility and superior sound quality, these active speakers are used in live performances and installed sound systems.
- **EVOX Series**: Portable column speakers that combine powerful performance with sleek design.
- **HDL Series**: High-performance line arrays used in large venues and outdoor events.

### Technological Innovations

RCF has pioneered several technological advancements, such as neodymium magnets and carbon fiber cones, enhancing speaker performance and durability. Their FiRPHASE technology ensures accurate phase response for natural sound reproduction.

## Sonus Faber: Artisanal Craftsmanship

### History and Evolution

Founded in 1983 by Franco Serblin, Sonus Faber is synonymous with luxury and high-end audio equipment. Based in Vicenza, Italy, Sonus Faber draws inspiration from classical music and the craftsmanship of stringed instrument makers.

### Product Range

Sonus Faber’s product line includes high-fidelity loudspeakers, home theater systems, and custom installation solutions. Notable series include:

- **Olympica Nova**: A blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern acoustic engineering.
- **Reference Series**: Featuring iconic models like the Amati and Stradivari, these speakers are the epitome of high-end audio.

### Design Philosophy

Sonus Faber’s design philosophy emphasizes natural materials, such as wood, leather, and brass, combined with meticulous craftsmanship. Each speaker is handcrafted, ensuring both aesthetic beauty and acoustic excellence.

## FBT: Professional Audio Solutions

### History and Evolution

FBT (Factory of Transducers and Loudspeakers) was founded in 1963 in Recanati, Italy. Initially focused on producing loudspeakers, FBT has expanded its offerings to include a wide range of professional audio equipment.

### Product Range

FBT’s product range includes loudspeakers, line arrays, portable sound systems, and amplifiers. Notable product lines include:

- **Vertus Series**: Modular line arrays designed for versatility and high performance.
- **Mitus Series**: High-power speakers used in large-scale sound reinforcement applications.
- **X-LITE Series**: Lightweight and portable speakers ideal for mobile DJs and small venues.

### Technological Innovations

FBT is known for its innovative use of digital signal processing (DSP) and advanced materials in speaker design. Their use of neodymium magnets and carbon fiber components enhances the efficiency and sound quality of their products.

## Audison: Pioneering Car Audio

### History and Evolution

Founded in 1979, Audison has become a leading name in high-end car audio systems. Based in Potenza Picena, Italy, Audison focuses on delivering premium sound quality in the automotive environment.

### Product Range

Audison’s product range includes amplifiers, speakers, subwoofers, and digital processors. Notable product lines include:

- **THESIS**: Audison’s flagship series, offering unparalleled sound quality and innovative design.
- **VOCE**: A line of speakers and amplifiers that provide a balance of performance and affordability.
- **Prima**: Compact and versatile components designed for seamless integration into modern vehicles.

### Technological Innovations

Audison is renowned for its research and development in digital signal processing and amplifier design. Their Bit series of digital processors allows for precise tuning and customization of car audio systems.

## Q Acoustics: Innovative Sound Solutions

### History and Evolution

Q Acoustics was founded in 2006 with the goal of producing high-quality yet affordable loudspeakers. Although a relatively new player, Q Acoustics has quickly gained recognition for its innovative designs and excellent sound performance.

### Product Range

Q Acoustics offers a range of loudspeakers for home audio, home theater, and custom installation. Notable product lines include:

- **Concept Series**: High-end speakers featuring advanced cabinet design and acoustic engineering.
- **3000i Series**: Versatile and affordable speakers suitable for a variety of listening environments.
- **Q Active**: Wireless, active speakers that integrate modern streaming capabilities with superior sound quality.

### Technological Innovations

Q Acoustics is known for its focus on cabinet design and minimizing internal resonance. Their Gelcore technology, used in the Concept series, involves a dual-layer cabinet construction with a damping gel layer, significantly reducing vibrations and enhancing sound clarity.

## Other Notable Italian Audio Manufacturers

### Gold Note

Gold Note, based in Tuscany, is known for its high-end turntables, amplifiers, and speakers. Their products blend traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, offering audiophiles exceptional sound quality and elegant design.

### Unison Research

Unison Research, founded in 1987, specializes in high-end tube amplifiers and hybrid amplifiers. Their products are celebrated for their warm, natural sound and exquisite build quality.

### Chario

Chario, established in 1975, is a well-respected manufacturer of high-fidelity loudspeakers. Their speakers are designed and handcrafted in Italy, combining advanced acoustic engineering with luxurious materials and finishes.

## The Impact of Italian Audio Manufacturers

Italian audio manufacturers have had a significant impact on the global audio industry. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and design has set them apart in a competitive market. These companies have introduced groundbreaking technologies, such as advanced cabinet designs, innovative driver materials, and sophisticated digital signal processing.

Moreover, the Italian approach to audio equipment often emphasizes the emotional and aesthetic aspects of sound reproduction. This focus on creating a connection between the listener and the music is a defining characteristic of Italian audio design.

## Conclusion

Italy’s audio manufacturers, with their rich heritage of craftsmanship and innovation, have made substantial contributions to the world of high-fidelity sound. Companies like RCF, Sonus Faber, FBT, Audison, and others continue to push the boundaries of audio technology, delivering products that are celebrated for their performance, reliability, and beauty. Whether in professional audio, home hi-fi, or car audio, Italian brands are synonymous with excellence, making them a preferred choice for discerning audiophiles and professionals worldwide.