This article was taken from the January 2012 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by <span class="s1">subscribing online.
Treat your soundwaves to some sumptuous speakers.
Heavy metal
ADN Acoustics Innova speakers
Traditionally, acoustic designers use ribs of wood to brace wooden speaker enclosures, preventing the propagation of square standing waves within. But after years of research, ADN has chosen to build its speaker cabinets from high-density molten aluminium -- it claims the harder metallic surfaces are even more effective.
£16,000 (per pair)
Electrostatic sonics
MartinLogan Montis
MartinLogan's electrostatic speakers use a micro-thin, curvilinear panel that vibrates with an electrical current to produce sound waves. This creates a detailed sound, but to deliver a deep bottom end the new Montis speakers rely on a 25cm drive unit. This hybrid design incorporates a Class D 200W amplifier to seamlessly integrate powerful bass.
£9,800 (per pair)
martinlogan.com
Round sound
These unconventional French Drop speakers radiate sound on all sides to create a stereo soundstage without a singular sweet spot.
The pointy diffuser on top guides sound from the upward-firing driver in a 360° formation to fill the room. The appealing teardrop-shaped wooden cabinets are available in a range of finishes.
€2,870 (standard finish)
Music of the pods
Scandyna Minipod II
The Minipod II's cabinet is an amalgamation of three spheres, each containing a drive unit or air port, to form one pressure-vessel. This gives the structure a rigidity that minimises cabinet vibration. The smooth plastic enclosure is available in a range of colours and you can also choose between leg stands and wall mounts.
£600 (per pair)
Butterfly Effect
This wonderful creation incorporates two 38cm woofers and an oversized horn tweeter in a cabinet designed to reinforce and project their sound. The wooden butterfly wings serve as baffles that help the sound waves radiate forwards, which OMA says is the best way to deliver large-scale sound from low-powered valve amplifiers.
£60,000 (per pair)
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
