We can summarize, but that wouldn't match the refined experience that is intended by a brand such as Goldmund. We could say that the Melos Active Wireless Speakers are an updated version of the existing Melos passive bookshelf speakers, adding a Goldmund amplifier and a wireless receiver, which the company's announcement insists in keeping in absolute secrecy. The solid metal cabinets, as always are one of the most impressive aspects of the design, "elegantly adorned in Goldmund's signature grey finish, complemented by matching grey grilles," and boasting "high-end drivers" that will also remain secret. The real news for followers of the Goldmund brand is the suggested retail price of 32'000 CHF, which should be approximately $36,000 USD.
Founded in 1978, Goldmund is a Swiss luxury audio brand that must be doing something right, because they are still around today. Any car can take us from A to B, but a luxury car is all about the ride experience. Same with Goldmund products, which are refined objects that provide a luxurious experience - "This is audio art to transform your listening life," the brand describes.
Goldmund combines exquisite engineering and design to craft refined audio products, from exceptional hi-fi separates to pioneering wireless speakers. From design to technology to performance, Goldmund products are recognized in the world of obscenely priced turntables, and since the launch of the iconic Apologue speaker in 1987, designed by Claudio Rotta-Loria and now proudly displayed at the MoMA in New York, followed by the modular Epilogue speaker system, with its unique metal alloy enclosures, launched in 1994.
Based in Geneva and situated among the world-renowned watchmakers and a universe of precision engineering and luxury brand culture, Goldmund’s commitment to excellence extends to the manufacturing process. Each product is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans, ensuring the utmost attention to detail. The finest materials are carefully selected, and rigorous quality control processes are implemented to guarantee every model meets Goldmund's exacting standards.
According to the company, Melos, their new wireless active speaker, is "an homage to the melodies of ancient Greece, strives to deliver musical harmony and precision. The result is an audio gem that transcends ordinary speaker systems, both in performance and aesthetics."
"Melos boasts a sleek, monolithic cube housing that faithfully reproduces sound in its purest form. Its distinctive lines inspired by the Gaïa speaker design, pay tribute to the raw beauty of nature's rock formations, reflecting Goldmund's dedication to authenticity and timeless design. The active version Melos is elegantly adorned in Goldmund's signature grey finish, complemented by matching grey grilles, reflecting the essence of our lifestyle-inspired design," the company describes.
Obviously, products such as these - with prices that normally always start with six digits - are not only unique but they can also be refined, and Goldmund is happy to oblige. "For those seeking a distinctive touch, we also offer the option of black grilles for our active speakers. Kindly be aware that this customization may entail additional lead time and potential costs."
Although not specified, we are certain that the Goldmund plate on the back of the speakers is made with solid 24 karat gold. For the potential customers at this level of luxury, the details of how such marvels of wonder are achieved are completely irrelevant. The Melos active speakers are essentially based on the existing Melos passive compact speakers, which use a 1" soft dome tweeter called "tweeter" and a 7" woofer called "woofer," certainly manufactured to order in limited quantities in a secret facility in the Swiss Alps.
What we can expect is that the new Melos Active Wireless speakers will be able to receive audio wirelessly from a source - such as a computer, Goldmund specifically mentions - which we could foolishly assume to be Bluetooth, but again, such details are immaterial for this market level. And the sound reproduction from the Melos will offer "exceptional bass extension and an immersive listening experience through advanced crossover technology, delivering a lifelike soundstage that envelops the listener in a symphony of unparalleled realism." The realism resulting from the fact that the "Melos was designed with Proteus LS software which includes our proprietary digital filtering calculations and Leonardo time correction."
Anyone looking for details about the Leonardo time correction will have to read the AES paper available here describing the process of "Correction of crossover phase distortion using reversed time all-pass IIR filter."
The Goldmund Melos active wireless loudspeakers are compact bookshelf 2-way speakers with an expensive solid cabinet and "a statement of luxury and devotion to sonic perfection." As for those who would be ashamed of investing in this "entry-level" luxury audio "masterpiece" without the possibility to add a bit more "zing" to the whole experience, Goldmund will also offer "a bespoke stand designed to seamlessly blend with its aesthetic," allowing the Melos to become "a complete work of art."
www.goldmund.com
