Reynaud's Evolution 3 speaker.---Rave or Rag It ?


The J.M.Reynaud of France makes some exotic speakers. Would appreciate any input on their new model called: "Evolution 3' It is a two way system with transmission line loading. Just got a "rave" review in an alternative hi-end mag, "The Listener"(March/April) It lists for $3295 which seems like a lot of dough for a two way design. Any and all comments appreciated.
sunnyjim
The Jean Marie Reynaud products that I have heard sound very good, in fact I regard them as some of the best dynamic loudspeakers I have personally had the pleasure of hearing. Admittedly, I have not heard the Evolution 3 in question but have spent a length of time with the Arpegionnes and the Twinn MK II's and will vouge for their musicallity as well as their value. Actually, the man I purchased my Soundlabs from was moving into a smaller room that would require more modestly sized loudspeakers and the JMR Offrande's ended up at the top of his list and were finally purchased. He stated that they were the some of the most musical speakers he had heard and was completely thrilled with their virtues.
As far as expense is concerned, there are many high end speaker manufacturers asking $3k and above (i.e. Merlin) for modestly sized, 2-way designs. One must judge for themselves if the qualities of the particular loudspeaker in question is worth the asking price.

Chris

Great answer Chris. I have heard several reliable sources rave about the Reynauds. Would love to be able to audition a pair some day.
Personally I havent heard the Evolution 3, but I do have a pair of Trentes, they are the monitor version of the Evolution. They are amazing sounding speakers and they work well with either solid states and especially tube amps. I am driving them with Audion Sterling and they sounded excellent. The Trentes are one of the best monitors at the price point, IMHO. They are very easy to setup. As far as speaker cables goes, the Analysis Plus Oval 9 or Acoustic Zen Hologram are very good choices for the Reyauds.