Vintage French speakers [Archive] - The Art of Sound Forum

CageyH

10-03-2017, 06:12

Being based in France, I fancy trying some classic/vintage French speakers.

Does anybody have a list/suggestions of make and model of speaker to look out for

Rick_F

10-03-2017, 07:02

Cabasse - You'll need deep pockets
Focal - Marmite brand
Triangle - Have enjoyed listening to these.
Diavialet - Like active?
Waterfall Audio - Never heard any, but look nice.

CageyH

10-03-2017, 07:20

Cabasse were the make that sparked my interest.
There are so many models available though, it is hard to know which are particularly good.

nthall

10-03-2017, 14:20

Focal is the only brand I have experience with, but they're good.

Xapito

10-03-2017, 15:47

Hi, I would be all over JMR speakers.. if you find a pair of monitors that you don't want and can be posted, send me a message!

walpurgis

10-03-2017, 15:53

I've heard many good speakers, but the Jean-Marie Reynaud 'Offrande' speakers are one of the best sounds I have ever heard. Truly astonishing!

http://i64.tinypic.com/68g70w.jpg

walpurgis

10-03-2017, 15:54

Hi, I would be all over JMR speakers.. if you find a pair of monitors that you don't want and can be posted, send me a message!

I see Felipe has similar thoughts.

CageyH

10-03-2017, 18:09

walpurgis

10-03-2017, 18:21

€7000 a pair new....

Worth every penny, believe me. I'd love a pair.

I have seen them second hand for around the £2000 mark.

Should you find the opportunity to get a listen to these, do so. You'll be amazed at how good they are. Assuming the rest of the system is up to it of course.

farflungstar

11-03-2017, 18:58

The JMR Ofrandes sparked my interest and I've looked into them as new speakers are my next big investment - ... I want them!

walpurgis

11-03-2017, 19:07

The JMR Ofrandes sparked my interest and I've looked into them as new speakers are my next big investment - ... I want them!

Tough to find in the UK. You may do better from where you are Adrian.

farflungstar

11-03-2017, 19:10

Like hens teeth - none for sale since 2014!

walpurgis

11-03-2017, 19:28

They have been on my ebay worldwide watch list for ages. No joy!

farflungstar

11-03-2017, 19:31

It seems once bought never sold - about as good a recommendation as you can get. €6000 new (I prefer the look of the originals with the bling cone plugs)... Better start saving lol...

walpurgis

11-03-2017, 19:39

It is the originals I've heard, on their correct stands.

They were imported into the UK by C R Developments (the valve amp company) if I remember. The company is now C R Electronic Design. Who knows, they may still have a pair. Might be worth speaking to them. I can't afford any at the moment. http://www.crelectronicdesign.com/

farflungstar

11-03-2017, 19:42

Thanks, have emailed them....

Martyn Miles

12-03-2017, 14:41

I have never taken an interest in, or heard, any French speakers.
Focal are meant to be good, I understand.

Come to that, has there been any outstanding French Hi-Fi kit ?

Can't say I recall anything special, but
Micromega comes to mind with their CD players from the '80s.

CageyH

12-03-2017, 14:45

J C Verdier tube amps?

Jadis?

struth

12-03-2017, 14:48

Devialet i think are French. Ive had a set of cheaper focals. They were very good

farflungstar

12-03-2017, 17:17

Here's a pair of JMR currently for sale on fleabay.. Am I being paranoid but the driver looks like it's been photoshopped (smudged) to hide a tear or hole - am I being paranoid?

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w483/farflungstar/Screenshot_2017-03-12-18-02-04_zpsbjjcgxs0.png

Bigman80

12-03-2017, 17:19

It looks like a glare of the conr I think ? Have you got the original pic ?

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farflungstar

12-03-2017, 17:36

It's the same in 3 different pictures, different angles.... The seller says maybe it's best I don't buy them... scratch

walpurgis

12-03-2017, 17:37

It's not very clear, but from what I can make out, I reckon it's got a problem.

walpurgis

12-03-2017, 17:43

Also. That's a very old model. The vintage SEAS tweeter gives it away.

farflungstar

12-03-2017, 17:48

Yes they are the micromegas with separate phase/crossover.

Bigman80

12-03-2017, 18:00

It's the same in 3 different pictures, different angles.... The seller says maybe it's best I don't buy them... scratch
Oh, thats odd. Id leave it.

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farflungstar

12-03-2017, 19:08

Ok who's bid on them?

Bigman80

12-03-2017, 21:33

😯

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walpurgis

12-03-2017, 21:34

Ok who's bid on them?

I just bought one pair of speakers tonight, so it wasn't me. :scratch: :)

farflungstar

12-03-2017, 21:41

It's amazing how this is the third time I've asked for advice about something on eBay to then be gazumped. Last time.

anubisgrau

12-03-2017, 22:32

I personally find Cabasse 80s speakers like Sloop M4 much better than any Snell or Audio Note, a real epitome of a proper tube amp speaker

A 12" bass driver from Cabasse is possible one of the best ever, a deceased JM Le Cleach rated it over any JBL or TAD

I currently own two Cabasse active speakers, one from early 70s with a broadbander augmented by a bass driver and powered by germanium amps (currently in a process of a careful restoration) and another one I acquired virtually yesterday - Eider 3VTA, 3-way, 2-way active plus 2-way passive with 2 amps inside.

I wish anyone who believe that BBC originated school of sound (Rogers, Spendor, Harbeth) is how studio monitors should sound would have a chance to hear those. They were Radio France International in house speakers, just bloody brilliant.

anubisgrau

12-03-2017, 22:33

http://img.xooimage.com/files48/f/0/6/cabasse-eider-3vta---1-2-17d1b9e.jpg

http://img.xooimage.com/files44/0/2/0/cabasse-eider-3vt...-2-light-17d1d2b.jpg

Actually I'm trying to buy a holiday house in Greece so I have a space to put them

Bigman80

12-03-2017, 22:38

It's amazing how this is the third time I've asked for advice about something on eBay to then be gazumped. Last time.
Thats shocking mate. Poor form. Rest assured it wasn't me. Im still funding my last speaker purchase.

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CageyH

13-03-2017, 06:05

There is a wider audience than AOS that use eBay.
Try looking at what the majority of French people use - http://www.leboncoin.fr

karma67

13-03-2017, 06:26

Being based in France, I fancy trying some classic/vintage French speakers.

Does anybody have a list/suggestions of make and model of speaker to look out for
Hi mate, if by any chance you come across a dumpa turntable mat let me know please.

jandl100

13-03-2017, 07:21

Hi mate, if by any chance you come across a dumpa turntable mat let me know please.

I've got one - I don't use my vinyl setup anymore, so .... I'll PM you. :)

CageyH

13-03-2017, 09:07

Hi mate, if by any chance you come across a dumpa turntable mat let me know please.

I believe Jerry has one. :eyebrows:

CageyH

13-03-2017, 09:22

It's amazing how this is the third time I've asked for advice about something on eBay to then be gazumped. Last time.

You have PM regarding something much better!

CageyH

13-03-2017, 09:34

I've heard many good speakers, but the Jean-Marie Reynaud 'Offrande' speakers are one of the best sounds I have ever heard. Truly astonishing!

http://i64.tinypic.com/68g70w.jpg

I have found a pair of the V3 model for sale, but the timing is all wrong for me otherwise they would not be for sale.

Dylanthecat

15-03-2017, 11:55

Hi, I have seen vintage Elipson speakers at very reasonable prices on French auction sites. Very interesting company history. They couldn't be more French in style and flare. I own a Planet 5.1 system - great fun. Often thought about a road trip to France to see if I can pick up some exotic vintage Elipson bargains. Martin

Frazeur1

15-03-2017, 15:27

Another French line, maybe not really "vintage", guess that depends on what or how far back one wants to go, but look for Rehdeko. They are kind of a speaker one will love or hate, not much in between. Currently a German company, Tocaro, has a speaker line roughly based on the Rehdeko, maybe more of the look than anything else. I have been wanting to listen to the Tocaro, but here in the US, they are rare, even though they are distributed here, not many dealers though. FWIW

CageyH

15-03-2017, 19:52

Thanks for the heads up.

CageyH

17-05-2017, 18:34

Just recently discovered there is a dealer about an hour away who has a good stock of modern French speakers.
I found out about it whilst browsing the JMR website and reading about the Euterpe Supreme. I contacted the dealers with my requirements without mentioning what speaker I was after, and he has recommended the Euterpe.

I may have to go for a listen, although there are a couple of pairs of Offrandes for sale. The signature pair are a tad expensive, but look very nice and I am yet to hear a bad word spoken about them.

walpurgis

17-05-2017, 18:43

I may have to go for a listen, although there are a couple of pairs of Offrandes for sale. The signature pair are a tad expensive, but look very nice and I am yet to hear a bad word spoken about them.

These sound wonderful!