4 of the most beautifully designed speakers money can buy: from Bang & Olufsen’s Beolab 90 to the Kef Blade One Meta and Bowers & Wilkins Nautilus – which is the killer sound system for you?
- Wilson Audio famously created the world’s first commercial loudspeaker – now the US firm is weighing in with the 226kg, state-of-the-art Alexx V, priced at a cool US$140,000
- But can it compete with luxury options from better-known audio brands Kef, Bang & Olufsen and Bowers & Wilkins? We put the world’s priciest sound systems head-to-head
A top-notch sound system is the essential base of any audiophile’s home decor choices. Today’s luxury speaker systems are works of art in their own right, encasing state-of-the-art technology in striking designs, often with a price point to match. Here are some of the world’s most sought after luxury speakers.
Wilson Audio Alexx V
Wilson Audio’s reputation has been more than 50 years in the making. Ever since the arrival of the WAMM (Wilson Audio Modular Monitor) – the world’s first commercial loudspeaker – husband and wife duo Sheryl and David Wilson have been distilling and fine-tuning their trademark technology and innovative approach.
The WAMM was later reinvented as the WAMM Master Chronosonic, amplifying its origins story and setting a trend for modifying and upgrading past models. It came as no surprise when the latest, upgraded Alexx V was released in March 2021, five years on from the original Alexx.
Design of both the original and new models was spearheaded by the company’s current CEO, Daryl Wilson, Sheryl and David’s son. The distinctive skeleton-like, open gantry architecture is achieved through the use of embedded magnets which create not only a striking visual impact, but also enhance fidelity.
While the two speakers may look similar – the Alexx V is marginally taller at 1.61 metres tall and slightly deeper – it packs a new level of performance. For starters, the internal volume in the Alexx V is 16 per cent louder than the original.
Its considerable bulk of 226kg can be attributed to a wealth of state-of-the-art measures and materials to absorb and control vibration, while the XLF reversible woofer port and independently adjustable modules make it a cinch to tailor the equipment to your living space. Price: approx US$140,000
Kef Blade One Meta
