{"product_id":"aurai-z-165","title":"Aurai Z 165","description":"\u003cp\u003eI am selling my beloved pair of Aurai Z165.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4-5 years old\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTime aligned drivers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFirst order crossover with only 3 parts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExotic wood veneer cabinets. The gloss finish is beautiful, but you can see areas that are a little \"wavy\". There are also some dings and scratches. Nothing serious and nothing on the front baffles or tops. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eI still have backup drivers in stock.  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e90 day warranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrice includes packaging and shipping. There will be 4 boxes, so I will likely put them on a pallet and ship them via freight to avoid shipping damage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eAurai Z 165 Loudspeaker\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Must Listen For Lovers Of Music\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Innovative Tweeter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt starts with their unique, polymer membrane high frequency driver with a mass of less than 12 milligrams. This driver has a unique, floating system  (rather than a surround) that retains non-resonant properties and stiffness while minimizing mass. There is no glue, no screws, nothing to hamper travel or add weight to the diaphragm. It simply floats in it's magnetic suspension, optimized for maximum speed and resolution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis driver is mounted in a custom, precisely machined Acetal waveguide. The waveguide insures a controlled and even dispersion throughout the listening room. Srajan Ebaen writes of the Aurai tweeter:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"First impressions? \"What an incredible tweeter!\"...This was one hellaciously fast and responsive HF unit. It dug deep into the finest upper harmonics...This unknown French tweeter was superior to the far heavier but famous Mundorf AMT in our regular monitors. It was superior to the inverted ceramid Accuton dome in our Albedo Aptica Two-way towers. It most reminded me of a Raal ribbon, albeit with a higher energy density and more color...I thought this dome tweeter to be second only to Michael Borreson's high-tech, ultra-costly ribbon which I'd heard in this room the year prior...\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eSrajan, Sixmoons\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe highs are mated to the low frequency driver by adding additional magnets to the rear of the tweeter. The additional magnetism lowers the output of the tweeter. Thereby they avoid any attenuation circuit in the signal path, and preserving resolution. The high frequency assembly, being mounted on top of the speaker and not in the front baffle also allows for smooth and even dispersion of the highs with no cabinet reflections to alter frequency response.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe net result is a highly resolving, dynamic, fast, and musical sound that is tuneable by the user. Very few high frequency drivers deliver this kind of experience, and none at this price point. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCustom Paper Cone Midbass\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 6.5\" midbass driver is custom made in house with parts from Supravox and AAC of France. It uses a basket from Supravox, 16mm Nomex coil, paper cone, phase plug and rubber suspension from AAC France. Alain states that this is his finest driver yet, and we would agree.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20251010180931im_\/https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/0522\/7587\/files\/Z165_Walnut_Woofer_480x480.jpg?v=1711913479\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"On an extended playlist of well-recorded and musically gourmet tracks, I routinely noticed an effect I'll call beam forming. Solo vocals or instruments seemed so materialized that I felt physically singed as though by sunlight through a magnifying glass. Hence beam forming. The sensation was that these virtual center images (not the two speakers!) projected radiation so focused that I felt it on my skin. I'd previously and only rarely encountered this extra intensity with large Single-driver widebanders. Granted, it took premium recordings to come off again. Nonetheless, my spontaneous reaction was \"what a fantastic midrange\".\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- Srajan Ebaen, Sixmoons.com\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe driver is fast and articulate enough to keep up with the incredible high frequency driver, and yet it can easily produce bass as low (and lower) as 40Hz.  The lightweight paper membrane offers up a tonally balanced, layered and rich sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut great drivers alone do not make a great loudspeaker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTime Alignment\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother element of the Magic in Z series speakers are in the time-alignment of the drivers. The horn loaded tweeter rides on top of the enclosure and is precisely set back from the front baffle, physically time aligning it with the woofer's output. This mechanical alignment ensures that the signal from both drivers arrives at the listener's ears with perfect timing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eUltra Premium Crossover\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlong with time alignment, the Z165 implements the most phase accurate type of crossover network, a first order. The crossover has only 3 components to it, with only 2 parts in the signal path.  This simplicity not only protects the signal resolution and timing\/phase, but allows Aurai to invest in their design with very high quality parts. A flat frequency response with a first order network is very difficult to achieve, as you need to have very well behaved drivers with smooth frequency responses in and outside of their operating ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBirch Plywood Enclosure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe enclosure for the midbass driver is birch ply. This was chosen for it's stiffness, and the alternating grain direction of each layer of plywood helps to disperse energy in a more optimal way. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe elongated shape of the enclosure, aside from being visually striking, serves the purpose of reducing the effect of the rear wave on the bass driver. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Z165 incorporates a slotted port in the rear. The slot port helps the speaker reach lower into the bass frequencies with no chuffing. For small to medium rooms, the Z165 will be all the speaker you need, as the bass output is shockingly agile, deep and fast. For larger rooms you may want to pair with a subwoofer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20251010180931\/https:\/\/6moons.com\/audioreview_articles\/aurai-audio-z165\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSixmoons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(first generation Z165)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThis is an earlier review of the Z165, and where my collaboration with Alain started. Initially, we worked on a new crossover for the Z165, but Alain ended up reworking the midbass driver, changing the magnetic pole piece and adding a phase plug to eliminate a driver resonance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOur Take On The Sound\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Z165 is very special. It's not terribly fussy on placement, but you do want to get them out into the room for in order for them to achieve their spectacular 3 dimensional disappearing act.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoundstage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe width and depth of the soundstage is immense, and with the right recordings, the soundstage literally immerses\/wraps around you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTonally, they are not hot in the high frequencies and not tuned for exaggerated bass in the lows. They are very balanced. Wood sounds like wood, metal like metal. Applause is rendered with immense detail and articulation, but again, no exaggeration of high frequencies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBass\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBass resolution, and depth are shocking. I know we are so inundated with hyperbole these days that descriptive words are almost meaningless. But I was literally shocked with the depth, punch and finess of this speaker in the lower frequencies. In a small to medium room you really don't need a subwoofer unless you want to vibrate your listening chair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMidrange\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMidrange is just like all other aspects of the Z165. Incredible. The woofer covers the entire vocal range, so you can expect rich clarity, layering, separation, OMG this is good...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery few speakers can do highs like the Aurai's. Ultimate clarity, delicacy, subtlety. I guarantee you will hear things with an Aurai speaker that you will not hear with many other speakers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCoherance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e The speakers actually do a good job nearfield, so yes the drivers do blend well and in a relatively short distance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDynamics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo disappointment here. Transients are sharp and without edge. Bass punch is sharp without overhang. and midrange attack is on point. They are easy to drive, and even a lower listening levels, you still get a good dynamic performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Aurai Z165 is a class leading loudspeaker at this price point, and one worthy of your attention if you are spending $10,000-$12,000 on a pair of speakers. They have a magical capability to project the energy and emotion of the music into the room in a natural, realistic and captivating way. As far as equipment pairing goes, they are easy to drive, and a 30-40 watt class A amplifier would be wonderful in most cases, as would tubes, or any amp with a refined sound. Their level of resolution will reveal any weaknesses in your system for sure, but the flexibility of attenuating the tweeters by simply adding (supplied) magnets to the tweeter magnet can help offset any brightness in upstream components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesign: 2-Way, time aligned, Rear slot ported speaker\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrossover: 3.3kHz first order using Jupiter capacitor for the HF network, and 12awg Jensen Wax paper inductor for  the LF portion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency Response: 45Hz-20kHz\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20251010180931im_\/https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/0522\/7587\/files\/Z165FR_480x480.jpg?v=1708294516\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSensitivity: 91dB @ 2.83 volts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 34.2h x 24.2w x 50.2d cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 25 pounds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStand dimensions: 55.88h x 24.2w x 50.2d cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Tweek Geek","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43675809480771,"sku":null,"price":3399.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/0522\/7587\/files\/IMG_5706.jpg?v=1786902642","url":"https:\/\/tweekgeek.com\/products\/aurai-z-165","provider":"Tweek Geek","version":"1.0","type":"link"}