Avalon Acoustics Arios????

The german magazine "Audio" has just tested the Arios which I think it is just another name for the Arcus used in Europe. I'm not sure of this but they are very similare!! The reason for changing the name could be that the Avalons are much more expensive in Europe and to seperate the two they call them different names. The test of the Arios/Arcus was very positiv and they got only 3 points less(96 points) than the Eidolon(99 points)(not the N version of the Eidolon!! what ever that is!!).
As fare as the N version of the Eidolon goes, Paul Rubin from Avalon stated that there are no differes between it and the original Eidolon and that there will be no update. He further stated that the only reason that the N was attached was that the one tested in Germany was one of the early versions and that the absolut larged part of the Eidolons made are "N" versions????
Having said that the German magazine "AudioPhile" tested the "N" and found it to be not only a little better than the original.
I would like to hear what you think of all this?
I find it quite frustating that it is impossible to see what is actually going on but as mentioned above that could be the point of all. If that is the case I think it is less than smart move, since Avalon in my opinion makes the best speakers available and should change importer in Germany if he is the reason that they are so expensive in Europe (The Arios/Arcus is 10700$ and the Eidolon is 27500$).
If it is simply because they are charging more in Europe, then I guess that is the right they have, but why?

Regards

Ulrik G. Madsen

Ulrik - we actually tend to get ripped off in Europe compared to the US. Your explanation of a different brand name in order to justify price difference is the correct one based on my own findings. Because of that I am seriously considering going for European made speakers like the Piega P10 (see last issue of the Absolute Sound)

I think both of you are unfair. The very poor exchange
rate for American goods is having its effect on the European market. The mark/dollar rate is 2.3, not very good at this time. I can get a Leica M6 for less money today than 15 years ago when I bought my first one.

As fare as the Piega goes I think the Avalon are much better.
I currently work in a hifi store and we deal Piega (but not Avalon SOB!!!!), and we have had the P 8 Limited in the store for about 3 month and I think they are to bright and sharp with both tube and SS.
I currently use Quad ESL-63 and Avalon is the only speakers I have heard that make me want to change. I have not yet auditioned the ESL-989!! but I plan to in the future.
To answer Shubertmaniac I am not comparing the the Europe prices with the US prices but with how much other US brands charge extra in Europe, but you do have a point about the bad exchange rate, though not to such a degree that it justifies the differens.

Regards

Ulrik G. Madsen

The Arios is the same as the Arcus.
The name Arios is used in German-speaking countries (was explained to me by a Berlin hifi salesman)

They had to change the name because Arcus is a german hifi company which does electronics.

Interesting enough, but the Arcus/Arios has been discontinued to the the limited availibility of the focal tweeter (I think Focal cut off Avalon or stopped production on the specific tweeter). The Avalon Ascendant is the replacement and from what I understand, superior in sound.