It’s gifting season, and if you’re looking for something special for that audiophile, or even anyone that just enjoys a good sound system in your life, look no further than these designer speakers.
Cabasse La Sphere
Looking more like a piece of modern art or sci-fi prop than an audio system, Cabasse’s La Sphere is bound to be the talking point in any living room. You’re not just paying for the design though — the La Sphere is an outstanding feat of engineering, given that each of the four drivers output in perfect phase linearity, without any sound diffraction between each driver, which are aligned perfectly in front of each other. All this is housed in the, well, spherical shell composed of a complex mix of high-tech materials all designed to minimize mechanical vibrations, producing the purest sound possible. www.cabasse.com
Devialet Gold Phantom Opera de Paris
In collaboration with the Paris Opera, high-end audio manufacturers Devialet has come up with a special edition of their Gold Phantom stand speakers. Inspired by the interiors of Palais Garnier, each speaker features luxurious hand-applied gold leaf gills, and logo detailing finished by master gilders Ateliers Gohard. The specs for the special edition remains the same: a range of 14 – 27 000 Hz, twin integrated woofers, and an almost-ridiculous 4500W output that can put out volumes on par with an aircraft taking off — no mean feat for its relatively-compact 11.4kg. www.devialet.com
KEF LS50 Wireless Speakers
If anything, a pair of these proves that good things come in small packages. KEF has managed to squeeze in large amounts of power and technological advancements into the LS50 Wireless. Besides boasting a frequency range of up to 40Hz – 47 000Hz, the system is also built with the company’s patented Uni-Q technology to create detailed, accurate, and well-integrated sounds. The speakers also features crossover time correction that perfectly aligns the output of each frequency band, no matter the layout of the space they’re placed in. international.kef.com
Klipsch The Sixes Wireless Bookshelf Speakers
Deck out your reading room with these understated shelf speakers. The audio system is built with a real wood veneer and elegant copper buttons and knobs, and brings to mind the craftsmanship of the wood-clad audio equipment of the yesteryears. They also come with a built-in receiver to minimise clutter, and can be easily connected to through Bluetooth, digital optical, analog RCA, USB, and 3.5mm mini jacks — making it turntable ready for some delicious vinyl action on the speakers’ crisp acoustics. www.klipsch.com
Steinway Lyngdorf Model D
Combine a renowned piano-maker, and legendary Danish audio equipment maker, and you get the Steinway-Lyngdorf Model D. This state-of-the-art behemoth hits a whopping 117 dB, but it’s the high-fidelity, verisimilitude audio reproduction that you’re paying for. The speaker baffles are crafted from solid pieces of aluminium for maximum stability, while the system itself is equipped with their RoomPerfectâ„¢ technology, which intelligently adapts to the acoustics of any room. steinwaylyngdorf.com
Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay A9
Designed to “look like furniture”, these speakers from the Danish company has a place in any room since you get a choice to either stand it up on wooden legs, or hang it up with an optional wall bracket. The minimalist yet eye-catching shape; and beautiful wool-blend made in partnership with Danish fabric makers Kvadrat somehow manages to at once draw, and escape attention. Integrated streaming services, wireless connectivity, and five power amplifiers (one subwoofer, two midrange drivers, two tweeters) mean convenience and great audio quality. www.bang-olufsen.com
Davone Ray
Inspired by a pair of sunglasses, the Davone Ray fits in perfectly with your Scandinavian dream home. The sleek walnut cabinet sits on a water-cut solid steel stand designed to pay homage to the Eames lounge chair; while the unconventional baffle shape and driver position produces a better in-room response compared to the usual tower-shaped speakers. www.davoneaudio.com
