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March 2022 ertonline.co.uk


“We receive lots of positive feedback about the


impactful high-gloss colour finishes we offer. When it comes to a brand like Cabasse, we can make an entirely different statement that speaks to elegant, European-influenced minimalism.” Another high-end Hi-Fi brand that has made a


virtue of its design legacy is JBL, part of the Harman Luxury Audio Group. JBL’s Classic Series reeks of heritage and authority. “The Classic Series is a perfect example of


Pro-Ject Audio’s Debut Carbon EVO MiE editions are, by their nature, limited runs, but 24


is the brand planning to expand production for certain products? It’s not that easy, reports Mr O’Rourke. “Our current MiE cabinet supplier is currently


only able to manufacture for us in limited numbers, but already he has seen opportunity and thinks he could increase production further in the future. “Our main issue at the moment is the chip


shortage that is affecting our ability to build standard product, let alone MiE products! This is frustrating for us as the interest in MiE has been fantastic and we are keen to produce more as soon as we are able.” Simon Powell, Operations Director at Henley


Audio, says design is increasingly important to premium audio. “Gone are the days where the engineering and


sound quality ‘spoke for themselves’ through listening only,” he tells ERT. “The products we sell now need to manifest in a package in which people feel a great pride of ownership. Amplifiers


Cabasse Pearl Pelegrina speakers


must feel powerful or discrete or central to the sound, while speakers and turntables should make your friends approach them and say, ‘Ooh that looks nice’.” Turntables in particular are seen by many as a


design statement, he notes. “Our Debut range from Pro-Ject Audio Systems


is an absolute icon because each model release has always considered the fashion trends of its time. The line’s wide variety of finishes also allows owners to personalise it to match their home. While the Classic Evo remains hugely popular with design-conscious buyers thanks to its ‘retro- inspired’ aesthetic.


Traditional decor


UK buyers tend to favour traditional decor, Mr Powell observes, such as wood-finish products like the walnut turntables or the Klipsch Heritage Line speakers. However, a choice of finishes and colours is also vital, he says.


The L100 became the best-selling loudspeaker


in JBL’s history, shifting over one million pairs; if you were into Hi-Fi in the 70s and 80s, you either owned a pair or wanted a pair! In 2018, JBL launched the L100 Classic, a


modern take on the legendary model, channelling the original style, complete with walnut wood veneer and Quadrex foam grille, but updating internals to ensure that it was on point when it came to musicality. “Reception to the L100 Classic has been


incredible,” says Mr Campbell. “Retailers and music enthusiasts can experience an iconic- looking but entirely reworked, classic speaker, from the grilles to the drivers, crossover, and cabinet bracing; the latest model is all new.” He adds: “Legacy is important to remain


authentic to our brand, but legacy is irrelevant if the design doesn’t meet our customers’ needs. As much as we respect our past designs, we must also keep up to date with the market. “Our priority with design is continuous


improvement – and always striving for excellence! Design statements can differentiate a brand, but the products should sound terrific and enable ease of use. High-end audio is an unforgiving place when form eclipses function.”


authenticity to our brand,” says Scott Campbell, Director of Sales, Luxury Audio. “While looks play their part in the final designs – the original L100 [pictured below] was conceived as a more ‘home- friendly’ version of the 4310 monitor – musical performance is always front of mind. And, crucially, the retro details, such as the solid, wooden cabinet and front controls were, and continue to be, sonically sound ideas.”


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