Fyne Audio F1-8 powered by Accuphase = Wow!

mresseguie · February 07, 2026, 07:30:24 AM

Today was my 'wander around the Taipei audio stores' day. There's a big cluster of them in an old section of Taipei. I haven't counted them, but there must be ~20 shops all within walking distance of each other. Additionally, there are another ~30 or 40 accessories shops where you can get parts, drivers, cables, DIY stuff, etc.

I walked into a store I hadn't tried before. They sell several brands of gear, but they specialize in Accuphase and Fyne Audio speakers. I asked if I could listen to the pair of F1-8 standmounts that were in the small demo room. The guy I spoke to (who turned out to be the manager) ushered me into the demo room and handed me his tablet to choose titles from their Tidal feed. I played about 8 titles in quick succession. I chose 2 classical songs, 2 Jazz, 2 classic Rock, and a couple 'other' choices.....and WOW! Every song sounded great. I thoroughly enjoyed all of them.

The guy cut my visit short because the store schedules customers ahead of time to listen for up to 2 hours, and the scheduled guy was waiting to sit and listen to his songs. I thanked the manager and apologized to the guy who was waiting, and I left.

I forgot to write down (or snap a photo of) the amplifier, but it was big and had handles on either side of the front plate. Looking at the Accuphase website, I think it may have been the A-80 amplifier. I didn't pay much attention to the preamplifer, so I won't guess which one was used.

After years of reading the occasional post about Fyne speakers, and references to Accuphase gear, I finally got to hear both at the same time....I am impressed. I briefly fantasized about selling most of my gear, and buying today's gear. Yeah, it was impressive.

Michael

Nick B · February 07, 2026, 10:35:03 AM

I was wondering if you were already overseas again. I've heard good things about the Fyne speakers and Accuphase as well. The head of the old Vegas Audio club had an Accuphase amp and it was quite good. it would be interesting to try one of their amps, but they are very heavy and expensive as well.

Any idea how long you will be overseas this time?

Nick

mresseguie · February 07, 2026, 06:25:46 PM

For the first time in years, I found myself imaging owning speakers other than my beloved Apollos. However, the reality is that I'd have to sell practically all of my current gear to justify spending that much on new speakers and an amp.

The flip side is <my original plan> to ship my Apollos, preamp, DAC, and miscellaneous gear to Taiwan, which will not be cheap. Decisions, decisions... [We're now seriously considering selling our home in Oregon and moving back to Taiwan at the end of this year. Her parents are in their mid-80s, and are not doing well. Just days ago, we bought a gently used RAV4 from a friend.]

We'll be here until May 7th.

Nick B · February 07, 2026, 08:59:57 PM

I know you love the Apollos and I have only heard good things about the Daedalus brand. I love my JMR Voce Grande speakers as well. Jack turned me onto the brand and I started off with the Abscisse speakers. They ended up being damaged and it's a long story how I ended up with the Voce Grande. But it is likely the best speaker I have ever owned in over 35 years in this hobby. Problem is they are 88.5 DB so I can't use flea watt amps on them.

I'm sorry to hear that Melody's parents health is deteriorating more. Not much we can do about old age other than be there for our families in whatever capacity they may need.

At least you'll be coming home on May 7 and you can give this all more thought as to whether or not you need to sell and move back to Taiwan.

Jack · February 07, 2026, 11:26:27 PM

For most people who own them the Voce Grande is an end game speaker. I will be interested in the reaction and reviews of their floor standing counterpart which will officially be released the end of this month. It might be a speaker I am interested in trying as I've owned six different Reynaud models to this point. It's likely to be a special order product in the U.S. with the final price here which as of yet has not been determined.

Nick B · February 08, 2026, 01:43:33 PM

Quote from: Jack on February 07, 2026, 11:26:27 PMFor most people who own them the Voce Grande is an end game speaker. I will be interested in the reaction and reviews of their floor standing counterpart which will officially be released the end of this month. It might be a speaker I am interested in trying as I've owned six different Reynaud models to this point. It's likely to be a special order product in the U.S. with the final price here which as of yet has not been determined.

What an interesting product that will be... a full range speaker that sounds like the Voce Grande and would fit into my multi-use open floor plan area. I will guess it'll retail for a minimum of $18,000. I'm not sure what the latest is regarding tariffs for France..

Jack · February 08, 2026, 06:04:48 PM

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.

Nick B · February 08, 2026, 09:43:48 PM

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/

Jack · February 08, 2026, 10:10:01 PM

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.

Nick B · February 09, 2026, 11:06:09 AM

Quote from: Jack on February 08, 2026, 10:10:01 PMBased 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.

I have no issues with my VGs and bass response. There are only a couple of songs that cause that single driver a problem like Jennifer Warnes Way Down Deep for example. I will use some test tones to see what I get in my room. I still enjoy the smaller footprint of my VGs, but the Auralis would basically occupy the same space.

Jack · February 09, 2026, 12:13:49 PM

Within a couple of centimeters pretty much the same footprint. A floorstanding VG with an extra bass driver and a worthy upgrade that many VG owners will consider.

Nick B · February 09, 2026, 07:16:14 PM

Quote from: Jack on February 09, 2026, 12:13:49 PMWithin a couple of centimeters pretty much the same footprint. A floorstanding VG with an extra bass driver and a worthy upgrade that many VG owners will consider.

I would love to have them, but they're out of my price range. I would think they'd be a great fit for you.

Jack · February 09, 2026, 08:13:01 PM

JuDee and I have already discussed them and she won't be surprised if I order a pair. Would prefer to clear out a couple of pair from the existing inventory first though. Will be interesting to see if any of the US dealers even stock a pair including Don Better. As we've discussed before, it would have been better if Jean Claude had picked a new distributor that actually cared about the product and not just a "middle man" paper shuffler. Not sure if you've noticed or not but that pair of OG's you and I talked about are now at The Music Room for $2000 more plus tax and shipping for a total of over $3k more than the owner tried to sell them for with free freight shipping and no tax. He had no luck for six months at his price so I expect they will eventually have to bite the bullet and clear them out at a lower price.

Nick B · February 09, 2026, 08:20:13 PM

Quote from: Jack on February 09, 2026, 08:13:01 PMJuDee and I have already discussed them and she won't be surprised if I order a pair. Would prefer to clear out a couple of pair from the existing inventory first though. Will be interesting to see if any of the US dealers even stock a pair including Don Better. As we've discussed before, it would have been better if Jean Claude had picked a new distributor that actually cared about the product and not just a "middle man" paper shuffler. Not sure if you've noticed or not but that pair of OG's you and I talked about are now at The Music Room for $2000 more plus tax and shipping for a total of over $3k more than the owner tried to sell them for with free freight shipping and no tax. He had no luck for six months at his price so I expect they will eventually have to bite the bullet and clear them out at a lower price.

Wow. I forgot about the guy trying to sell them. Don't think I have ever made a purchase from TMR. But I have read they are good to deal with. As you might recall, it took me a long time to sell the Abscisse. But the buyer was thrilled to get them. Very sad that such an excellent speaker company doesn't have a good and enthusiastic rep in the US.

mresseguie · February 10, 2026, 06:48:03 AM

I haven't actually visited the shop yet, but guess what brand of speakers I found on the shop's website....You guessed it - JMR. It's not too far from where I used to live 20+ years ago. They've got a pair of Orfeo Jubile speakers listed on their website for $459,000 NTD (roughly $14,800 USD) though I've discovered discounts of up to 25% can be had a many shops here.

https://www.oriolesoundaudio.com/product-page/jmr-orfeo-jubile-%E8%90%BD%E5%9C%B0%E5%96%87%E5%8F%AD