Hi Nick,

Went to Manila for a week for some business and to see friends. Another week in various cities in Japan. Yes, Beth was with me. It was her idea to go to the second hand store, but I dragged her to the Yodobashi electronics store. Mind boggling what they have there. Very overwhelming, but fun.

Paul

Based on my experience with the Abscisse Jubille, which uses twin 6.5" drivers the Auralis will go significantly lower in room than what they are stating in there specs.  In fact the Abscisse when give room to breath will go lower than what they are stating for the Auralis. Those in size and appearance look to be the same basic drivers as in the Orfeo Grande ust in a smaller cabinet.  I feel certain that in room the Auralis will easily break below 30hz. For whatever reason Reynaud always understates their bass response. You ought to download one of the SPL meter apps on your iPad and see how low your VG's really go in your room with test tones from Qobuz or Tidal.

Quote from: steve on February 08, 2026, 09:31:12 PM

Quote from: Nick B on January 25, 2026, 08:37:57 PMI imagine integrateds from Qualiton (that Charles carries) Accusphase, Cary and some others would be quite good. For me, an integrated doesn't allow for the flexibility I want right now.

I agree Nick. That is why I never attempted to design an integrated. Just not enough room
to design it right.

Cheers and all the best.

steve

Steve, There is a bit more flexibility with being able to swap opamps in some of the designs and maybe swap boards as well. But it is still limiting. Someday I might just buy a very good integrated just for a change of pace.

Quote from: Jack on February 08, 2026, 06:04:48 PMAs of it's premier showing the end of November the projected price was $18,000 Euros.  When you do the conversion at the current rate plus tariffs and shipping you are likely looking at a selling price in the US of close to $25,000. Plus as you found out with your Voce Grandes and another friend found out when trying to buy a pair of Bliss Jubilee's, neither the US distributor or any dealer carries stock other than there floor model.  So unless you can convince them to part with the floor model you are looking at a six to eight week wait for the speakers to be shipped from France.  This is the same thing that is now going on with Aqua DACs which is costing them dealers and sales too. I am willing to wait to see what the owner and reviewer reaction to them is before I do anything though and that will likely be much later in the year and on EU websites.

When I ordered the Voce Grande after one of the JMR Abscisse was discovered damaged, it may have taken up to 3 months to get them. But certainly worth the wait. I believe this is the new speaker. I am a bit surprised the 2 drivers aren't a bit bigger or the design wasn't different to get a somewhat lower bass response.

https://vumetre.com/en/news/new-jean-marie-reynaud-auralis-loudspeakers/

Quote from: Nick B on January 25, 2026, 08:37:57 PMI imagine integrateds from Qualiton (that Charles carries) Accusphase, Cary and some others would be quite good. For me, an integrated doesn't allow for the flexibility I want right now.

I agree Nick. That is why I never attempted to design an integrated. Just not enough room
to design it right.

Cheers and all the best.

steve

You all will kill it, as usual!

Very col!

WOW! !!

As of it's premier showing the end of November the projected price was $18,000 Euros.  When you do the conversion at the current rate plus tariffs and shipping you are likely looking at a selling price in the US of close to $25,000. Plus as you found out with your Voce Grandes and another friend found out when trying to buy a pair of Bliss Jubilee's, neither the US distributor or any dealer carries stock other than there floor model.  So unless you can convince them to part with the floor model you are looking at a six to eight week wait for the speakers to be shipped from France.  This is the same thing that is now going on with Aqua DACs which is costing them dealers and sales too. I am willing to wait to see what the owner and reviewer reaction to them is before I do anything though and that will likely be much later in the year and on EU websites.

What a selection and great prices too!