In a world where most high-end audio stores feel like soulless showrooms designed to extract maximum dollars per square foot, Bliss Acoustics is a delightful anomaly. Tucked away in the Glebe neighborhood of Ottawa, this appointment-only audio sanctuary isn’t just a store—it’s a carefully curated temple to sonic perfection, run out of the home of its founder, Dragan Reljic. And if you think that sounds a little eccentric, just wait until you meet the man behind it.

Dragan Reljic: From Veterinary Science to Vinyl Obsession

Dragan Reljic has one of those life stories that reads like the plot of an arthouse film—one where the protagonist, after an absurd number of career pivots, finally finds his true calling. Born in Sarajevo, Reljic originally pursued veterinary medicine, earning his degree before heading to the UK to complete a master’s at the Royal Veterinary College in London. Then, in a plot twist no one saw coming, he moved to Canada and, unable to continue his Ph.D. studies, pivoted to… bartending, DJing, and managing nightclubs. Naturally.

Throughout high school and university, Reljic worked as a DJ at student clubs and alternative venues, purely “for the love of the music rather than the money.” During this period, he created a series of mixtapes called “First Date Tapes”, which developed a cult following. Later, he produced Encore Tapes for The Comedy Cafe, London’s second-largest stand-up comedy club, which he enthusiastically managed while still a student. These early experiences honed his ear for sound and deepened his love for high-fidelity music reproduction.

From there, he launched a brewpub, then an Italian restaurant (Mamma Grazzi’s), and spent the next 25 years in the hospitality business, all while indulging in his lifelong passion for high-end audio. It wasn’t just a hobby—it was an obsession. Between running restaurants and real estate ventures, he was building his dream audio setups, carefully curating gear, and refining his ear. So when the time finally came to trade in the fine dining for fine sound, Bliss Acoustics was born.

The Birth of Bliss: A High-Fidelity Haven

Founded in 2022, Bliss Acoustics isn’t just another high-end audio dealer—it’s an experience. Unlike traditional retailers, where you’re bombarded with rows of products and a salesperson lurking over your shoulder, Bliss Acoustics operates like an ultra-exclusive listening lounge. Customers book private listening sessions where they can test gear in four meticulously designed listening rooms, all housed within Reljic’s home. It’s an environment designed not to sell, but to seduce—because when you hear your favorite music played on a perfectly tuned system in an intimate setting, the gear pretty much sells itself.

Reljic’s philosophy is simple: quality over quantity, experience over transaction. There’s no rush, no pressure—just carefully selected components, expertly set up, and ready to make you question whether you’ve ever really heard music before.

What’s on Offer? The Best, Naturally.

Bliss Acoustics is a playground for audiophiles, stocking some of the most revered brands in high-fidelity audio. Expect to find:

• Amplifiers & Electronics: Nagra, Pilium, Shindo, Riviera, Gryphon Audio
• Speakers: Magico, Kharma, Vivid Audio, Kroma Atelier
• Turntables & Analog Gear: Clearaudio, J. Sikora, Dynavector
• Digital Sources: Aurender, MSB Technology
• Cables & Accessories: Nordost, Hemingway Audio, WAY Cables
• Pre-Owned and Demo Units: Occasionally available, including ultra-high-end pieces like the $300K+ Nagra Reference Anniversary turntable.

This isn’t a store where you’ll find mass-market audio gear. Everything here is meticulously curated—chosen not for brand recognition alone, but for its sheer musicality. If you’re looking for a disposable Bluetooth speaker, you’re in the wrong place. If you want to hear music reproduced with soul-crushing accuracy, welcome to paradise.

The Bliss Listening Experience: Four Rooms of Perfection

One of Bliss Acoustics’ most unique features is its four dedicated listening rooms, each meticulously acoustically treated to optimize performance. Every system is set up and ready to demo, ensuring that visitors get an experience as close as possible to what they’d have in their own homes. The rooms range from intimate, vinyl-focused spaces to grand, full-scale setups showcasing reference-level digital and analog systems.

The goal? To transport you into the music. Whether it’s the warmth of a tube amplifier caressing your favorite jazz record or the pinpoint accuracy of high-end digital playback, every listening session is a deep dive into sonic nirvana.

Why It Works: The Boutique Approach

Bliss Acoustics’ home-based, appointment-only model is more than just a gimmick—it’s the future of high-end audio retail. The experience is deeply personal, something you simply can’t replicate in a sterile, big-box environment. Customers aren’t just buying gear; they’re getting handpicked recommendations, one-on-one guidance, and the chance to hear equipment in a setting that actually resembles their own home.

And it’s working. Bliss Acoustics has already made waves at major audio shows, with its listening rooms at the Toronto Audiofest earning rave reviews. Publications like Stereophile and Enjoy the Music have heaped praise on its setups, with some calling it the best room at the show. For a shop that’s barely out of its infancy, that’s no small feat.

The Verdict: More Than a Store, It’s a Passion Project

Bliss Acoustics isn’t just a high-end audio dealer—it’s a love letter to music, built by someone who’s spent decades chasing the perfect sound. Dragan Reljic’s journey from veterinary science to vinyl obsession has culminated in one of Ottawa’s most unique (and exclusive) audiophile destinations.

If you’re serious about music and you want to hear it like never before, book a session. Just be warned: once you experience Bliss, there’s no going back.

Visit Bliss Acoustics (by appointment only)
📍20 Third Ave, Ottawa, ON K1S 2J6
📧 info@blissacoustics.com
📞 (613) 415-4475
🌐 www.blissacoustics.com