The desire is almost as old as the invention of the loudspeaker itself. Sound transducers for domestic living spaces have to achieve almost impossible because completely contradictory things: On the one hand, they should sound as good as possible and as much as possible like the original. Due to physical circumstances, this usually requires quite large housings, which in extreme cases can result in boxes the size of telephone booths, which, like the Tardis from Doctor Who, somehow don’t fit into the living space at all – and which usually appear in pairs. They should be as small and inconspicuous as possible and/or look like a piece of furniture. Ideally like an art object. At least not like a box or like a plain cylinder that could also pass as a table trash can.
Of course, there are already small speakers that can be cleverly designed to fit discreetly into any interior. Most famously from providers such as Bang & Olufsen, Devialet, Cabasse and others. But they also have to be “bent” somehow using all sorts of high-tech in the form of digital signal correction so that they sound good. Audiophile demands for maximum unadulterated playback are therefore not possible. But ok. They sound very neat and are fun. And also look good. Somehow like sounding art in space. But the selection of such creative plants is relatively limited.
That’s exactly what the young Australian company Pantheon wants to change with its debut product Pantheon 1 and expand the market for design speakers. With a one-box active speaker with support for Bluetooth and various network protocols including AirPlay for Apple fans – who, as we know, are mostly quite design-savvy. And yes, you can also create a stereo set from two Pantheons.
Well, when it comes to design, the Australians have definitely managed to stand out from the crowd. The Pantheon 1, conceived and styled by creative director Anne-Claire Bottos, who earned her spurs at brands like Cartier, Yves Saint Laurent and Givenchy, this speaker is definitely an eye-catcher. Albeit one whose rounded shapes are guaranteed not to attract any Bauhaus disciples from behind the stove.
My colleagues at LowBeats have already had the opportunity to listen to the Pantheon 1 in the editorial listening rooms. Here is the test.
A small model called Obsidian is currently in preparation, which can also be used to create a complete surround set with the design objects. The debut work Pantheon 1 is available in specialist retailers and online for 3,300 euros each. There is some discount if you buy a pair.
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NUBERT: THE NUVERO-NOVA SPEAKER FAMILY IS NOW COMPLETE
It took a while, but now the last of the announced models in the nuVero series are finally available. Everything on schedule. Such a comprehensive market launch simply takes a certain amount of time.
The nuVero nova 7 models – a center speaker – and the nuVero nova 1w subwoofer complete the package. This means that the series is now available for the first time as a complete loudspeaker family for demanding music and home cinema applications: from front and center channels to surround solutions and the appropriate bass foundation. As a center speaker, the nuVero nova 7 plays a central role in speech intelligibility, location and spatial coherence, while the nuVero nova 1w expands the system with confident depth, control and physical presence.
The nuVero nova 1w subwoofer is intended to provide the necessary foundation. In demanding home cinema, it’s not just spectacular effects that benefit from an official subwoofer like this. Room size, atmosphere, musical density and the credibility of voices and sound events also depend significantly on how controlled and deeply the foundation of a system works. The nuVero nova 1w has the right technical substance for this. The active subwoofer works with a 381 millimeter (15 inch) woofer, reaches a lower frequency limit of 19 Hertz (-3 dB) and is driven by a Class D power amplifier with 1,200 watts of nominal power or 3,200 watts of music output. There are also functions such as an XLR connection, control via the Nubert
The nuVero nova 7 and the subwoofer nuVero nova 1w are now available in the Nubert online shop and in Nubert stores in the colors high-gloss black and high-gloss white.
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TRANSCONTINENTA IMPORTS ZHIYUN FIVERAY M40 SE: COMPACT 40W POCKET LIGHT
Transcontinenta GmbH, distributor for ZHIYUN in Germany and Austria, presents the ZHIYUN FIVERAY M40 SE Pocket Light. The LED light promises a whopping 40 W combined high light output in a compact housing and is aimed at content creators, videographers and photo studios that require flexible and mobile lighting. With high light intensity, precise color control and extensive application options, the M40 SE offers a practical addition to the range of accessories.
The ZHIYUN FIVERAY M40 SE achieves a maximum illuminance of 17,100 lux at a distance of 0.5 m. An optimized lens structure on each of the 84 LED units increases the light output and creates an even, concentrated cone of light, according to the press release. Thanks to its compact design with a weight of only 250 g, the light is ideal for mobile video productions, interviews, social media content or setups in the studio. The housing has a standardized 1/4″ thread for quick mounting on tripods or rig systems.
Key features:
- Light output: Up to 17,100 lux
- Compact pocket format, 250 g weight
- Color temperature range: 2700K to 8500K
- Color rendering: CRI ≈ 95 and TLCI ≥ 97
- Equipment: one hard-shell and one soft-shell diffuser each included
The ZHIYUN FIVERAY M40 SE is now available from specialist retailers. The recommended retail price is 79.99 euros.
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VELODYNE ACOUSTICS: COMPACT SUBWOOFERS ALSO A WIN FOR GAMERS
The subwoofer manufacturer Velodyne Acoustics has long been a respected brand in hi-fi circles for its expertise in bass loudspeakers. From entry-level subs to real high-end bass monsters, there is something in the range for everyone. But what is suitable for music and film sound is no less suitable for gaming. And because demanding gamers are willing to invest a lot of money in high-class hardware in order to be able to compete against their on-screen opponents, everything else should also be right. As with film sound, the sound makes up a good 50% of the experience. A great gaming sound enhances games just as much as particularly great graphics. Like in Hollywood, the sound in AAA games is produced with gigantic effort and is often quite rich in powerful low-frequency components. A powerful subwoofer makes an enormous difference.
For a (relatively) compact gaming setup in a desktop environment, huge bass cubes are of course less practical. But Velodyne also has some very interesting subwoofers in its range with a very compact design. These include the cute but not to be underestimated MiniVee X, or the Deep Blue series in various sizes.
Deep Blue: Compact entry into real gaming deep bass
The 10 and 12 inch Deep Blue subwoofers from Velodyne Acoustics offer an ideal introduction to the world of high-quality subwoofers for gaming setups. The models combine compact dimensions with powerful technology: specially developed 10 or 12 inch drivers with four-layer voice coil and double magnet ensure precise control even with large diaphragm strokes. Driven by an amplifier unit with 350 watts of continuous power and up to 850 watts of impulse power, the subwoofers deliver impressive dynamics that acoustically highlight soundtracks and effects. Thanks to the closed design and the compact MDF housing, the Deep Blue models can also be easily integrated into gaming and multimedia setups.
MiniVee X: Precision and smart control for modern setups
With the MiniVee X, Velodyne Acoustics offers a particularly compact, yet extremely powerful solution for demanding gaming and entertainment systems. If you like something particularly unusual, the MiniVee X is also available in an acrylic version – as with many gaming PCs, you can see the components through the housing. The subwoofer uses a force-cancelling design with active and passive 8-inch drivers, reducing resonance. 350 watts RMS power and a massively stiffened housing deliver impressive, precise low-frequency performance despite the compact design. Using the Velodyne Auto EQ app, the MiniVee Velodyne Acoustics optionally offers a suitable tram transmitter for wireless control.
The Velodyne Acoustics subwoofers are available from specialist retailers. Here are the prices of the models mentioned:
Deep Blue 8 inches 999.00 euros
Deep Blue 10 inches 1,199.00 euros
Deep Blue 12 inches 1,399.00 euros
Deep Blue 15 inches 1,799.00 euros
MiniVee X 1,299.00 euros
MiniVee X Acrylic 1,999.00 euros
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BUCHARDT AUDIO S400 MK3 INTRODUCED
The small Danish loudspeaker manufacturer Buchardt Audio has quickly gained a good reputation in the scene (and beyond) with its classically elegant and excellent-sounding loudspeakers. Now Buchardt, represented by HiFiPilot, is presenting a comprehensive new design of one of its bestsellers, the S300 MK3.
The Buchardt Audio S400 MK3 is available in oak, black, white or walnut.
Equipped with a larger housing, a high-quality SB Acoustics Satori PAPYRUS woofer and even more dynamics, the well-known balanced, natural sound is retained at its core, but the overall sound experience has been significantly improved. To achieve this, the speaker was virtually redesigned from the ground up without sacrificing its visual identity in the typical Scandinavian look for which many love Buchardt speakers. According to the manufacturer, with the exception of the connection terminals, everything has been improved or redesigned. Thanks to the larger housing and the high-quality woofer, it offers even higher resolution in the high frequency range and increased dynamic impact.
HiFi enthusiasts can now secure the S400 MK3 from HiFiPilot at the pre-order price – €200 cheaper than the later retail price. However, only while stocks last: Only 75 pairs per color are available at a special price. The first speakers are expected to be delivered from the end of August 2026. So a little patience is still required.