Bowers & Wilkins has solidified its role as the official audio partner for McLaren Formula 1, expanding its longstanding collaboration with McLaren Automotive. This extension builds upon a decade of partnership, dating back to 2015, where Bowers & Wilkins contributed to the development of high-performance audio systems for McLaren’s supercars. The synergy between the two brands reflects a shared commitment to precision and excellence, essential qualities in both high-end audio and Formula 1 racing.

Tom Henderson, Marketing Director for Licensing and Partnerships at Bowers & Wilkins, emphasized the continuation of their successful car audio development program. The collaboration includes the enhancement of co-branded products such as the Px8 McLaren Edition headphones and the Zeppelin McLaren Edition wireless audio system. These products exemplify the technical prowess and design innovation that both companies are known for, seamlessly integrating advanced audio technologies into McLaren’s luxurious automotive interiors.

The audio systems developed for McLaren’s vehicles, including the newly announced McLaren W1, feature premium technologies designed to harmonize with the InnoKnit fabric and carbon fiber architecture of the cars. Bowers & Wilkins’ engineering team works closely with McLaren Automotive’s counterparts to optimize sound performance, utilizing state-of-the-art speaker technologies developed at their Southwater facility. This proximity to the McLaren Technology Centre, just 30 miles away, facilitates a collaborative environment that drives continuous innovation.

Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, Chief Commercial Officer at McLaren Automotive, highlighted the importance of exceptional audio performance in enhancing the McLaren driving experience. The partnership ensures that the audio systems meet the rigorous standards demanded by McLaren’s discerning clientele, delivering unparalleled sound quality that complements the high-performance nature of the vehicles.

Nick Martin, Co-Chief Commercial Officer of McLaren Racing, expressed enthusiasm about the expanded partnership, noting that both brands share a dedication to innovation and technical excellence. The collaboration aims to create exciting new products that resonate with fans and further elevate the McLaren brand in both the automotive and audio industries.

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Bowers & Wilkins Strengthens Partnership with McLaren Formula 1


Two iconic Italian brands, Sonus faber and Maserati, have joined forces to deliver an audio experience as luxurious as a cruise in a GranTurismo. Enter the Amati Folgore: a special edition speaker designed to marry the epitome of sound fidelity with Italian craftsmanship. This collaboration extends beyond just an audio equipment release; it signifies a harmonious blend of innovation, sustainability, and acoustic brilliance.

## Unparalleled Listening Experience

The Amati Folgore represents Sonus faber's unmatched dedication to sound quality. The speaker is a fifth-generation model in the Amati series and is color-coded in Rame Folgore, akin to the Maserati GranTurismo. The intention is not merely to create a speaker but an "unparalleled listening experience," reflecting the grandeur of the Maserati GranTurismo.

## The Genius Behind Materials

The speaker's front panel is made of ECONYL®, a unique material derived from recycled nylon waste. This eco-friendly material has also been used in Maserati's GranTurismo Folgore, marking it the first time ECONYL® is used in a car. The material undergoes an aesthetic transformation, achieving a highly matte surface with a parametric design, all thanks to a specialized laser processing technique.

## Seamless and Refined Aesthetic

The speaker cabinet exhibits the Maserati trident and is dressed in the same GT Folgore finish as the car. The Rame Folgore color is a result of meticulous research on the interaction between light and color. Influenced by modern architecture, especially the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the design evolves, capturing different hues as it interacts with the lighting of the surrounding environment.

## Technical Mastery

But what's a gorgeous speaker without outstanding sound? The Amati Folgore is not just a pretty face; it's a marvel of acoustic engineering. Its 3.5-way speaker system is finely tuned, with a 28mm tweeter, a 150mm midrange, and two 220mm woofers. This produces a frequency response range from 28 Hz to 35,000 Hz, and a nominal impedance of 4 ohms.

## Sustainability Meets Craftsmanship

Sonus faber is known for its commitment to the art of sound engineering. Each speaker undergoes rigorous testing, followed by hand tuning to perfect its natural sound. This commitment to acoustic purity has been carried through into the development of the Amati Folgore Special Edition, creating a listening experience that not only pleases the ear but also respects the planet.

## An Iconic Collaboration

The Amati Folgore represents a unification of Maserati's boldness with Sonus faber's history of technical innovation. The Maserati logo is thoughtfully integrated within Sonus faber’s renowned VOS (Voice of Sonus faber), symbolizing the unity of two iconic Italian brands.

## Conclusion: The Future of High-Quality Audio

While the Amati Folgore is already an incredible milestone, it is just the beginning of an exciting adventure into the future of high-fidelity audio. As both brands continue to push boundaries, audio enthusiasts can anticipate more breathtaking innovations in the future.

A Maserati-inspired high-fidelity floor-standing speaker by Sonus Faber, part of the Amati Folgore collection, showcasing a sleek dark finish.

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A close-up view of the top corner of a Sonus Faber speaker, featuring a delicately engraved emblem resembling a stylized triad of arrows or sails

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"A detailed view of a Sonus Faber speaker showcasing its intricately designed front panel. Prominently featured is a uniquely shaped mid-range driver with the signature 'SF' logo at its center

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Pair of Sonus Faber Amati Folgore speakers showcasing Italian high-fidelity craftsmanshi

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Maserati Limited Edition Sonus Faber speaker, made in Italy

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Sonus faber speaker detail showcasing the woven pattern and branded emblem.

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Italian Elegance and Hi-End: The Sonus Faber & Maserati Amati Folgore

Sonus Faber is a brand that specializes in high-end audio products like speakers. They are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail in creating both aesthetically beautiful and sonically superior audio equipment.

Sonus Faber

Experience unparalleled luxury and extraordinary sound quality with the special edition Amati Folgore speakers by Sonus faber, in collaboration with Maserati. Explore the craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainable materials that make this speaker a masterpiece of audio engineering.

The Sonus Faber Amati is a high-end loudspeaker that embodies the craftsmanship and acoustic engineering of Italian audio design. The speaker features a striking cabinet that is often constructed from laminated wood, providing not only aesthetic appeal but also resonance control. The Amati typically utilizes a combination of cone and ribbon transducers to achieve a wide frequency response and exceptional sound clarity. The design often incorporates advanced technologies such as D.A.D. (Double Acoustic Dome) drivers and a complex crossover network that enhances the listening experience. The speaker's frequency response generally ranges from 30 Hz to 40 kHz, delivering deep bass and detailed highs. The sensitivity is often rated around 90 dB, making it compatible with a variety of amplifiers. The speaker stands on a sturdy base, which may feature adjustable spikes for improved stability and isolation. Overall, the Sonus Faber Amati is designed to offer an immersive audio experience, driven by both aesthetic and acoustic principles.

Amati


The news that Lenbrook, the Canadian conglomerate owning NAD, PSB, and Bluesound, now also owns MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) has raised quite a stir in the high-fidelity audio realm. MQA has always been a subject of fascination, but now that it is under the umbrella of a significant player in the audio industry, it begs the question: Does MQA still have relevance in today's world of gigabit internet and nearly limitless storage solutions?

## The Background on MQA

MQA aims to deliver studio-quality audio in a file small enough to stream. For a while, it appeared as a golden ticket for those with limited internet bandwidth or data caps. However, as more people gain access to high-speed, unlimited internet, the need for smaller file sizes diminishes. Moreover, with the advent of other lossless audio formats like FLAC and WAV that don't require additional licensing fees, the benefits of MQA are increasingly called into question.

## The Perceived Value

One common sentiment is that MQA's primary goal is to gather as many licensing dollars as possible without necessarily offering something of concrete value. While this might appear cynical, it captures the essence of many conversations surrounding MQA. Why invest in a technology that doesn't significantly outperform its rivals?

## More Than Just Licensing Schemes?

In defense of the acquisition, some argue that Lenbrook’s primary motive is to protect its other business interests. As one of the largest licensees of MQA, purchasing the company could be a strategic move to prevent competitors from gaining control and potentially leveraging the technology against them. However, this perspective doesn't necessarily justify the continued use of MQA over alternative formats that offer similar or better quality without the added costs.

## The Importance of Interoperability

One of the defining features of high-fidelity audio equipment and software is interoperability. Most components can connect via RCA cables, and audio files can be converted into a variety of formats. With the proliferation of non-proprietary, user-serviceable technologies, there seems little room left for proprietary solutions like MQA. High-quality audio is already accessible in various formats without the need for additional licenses or specialized equipment.

## Questionable Quality?

Another point of contention is the actual audio quality delivered by MQA. Some experts argue that MQA degrades sound quality, making it even less appealing than "snake oil" solutions that merely do nothing. Given the vast range of alternatives that capture the full audio spectrum without compromise, MQA's role becomes increasingly limited.

## Conclusion

The acquisition of MQA by Lenbrook has added fuel to an already fiery discussion. While some see the buyout as a business strategy, others view it as an attempt to further a technology that has little benefit in today's high-speed, data-rich environment. It remains to be seen whether MQA will find a more substantial role in the evolving landscape of high-fidelity audio, but for now, the consensus leans toward skepticism.

So, does MQA still matter in today's high-fidelity audio ecosystem? Given the current state of technology and the trends in consumer behavior, the answer seems increasingly to be a resounding "no."

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The Future of MQA: Impact and Questions Surrounding Its Necessity

Explore the growing debate around MQA technology in the age of gigabit internet and the role it plays in the consumer audio industry. Understand the diverse perspectives on MQA's true value and utility.


Sony's acquisition of Audeze, a renowned name in high-end audio, has stirred a blend of excitement and speculation. The official statement from Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC (SIE) emphasizes their intent to innovate within the PlayStation audio realm, with Audeze continuing its independent operations. This raises pertinent questions: Will Audeze's high-fidelity expertise be the new driving force in PlayStation's audio experiences? How will this affect Audeze's legacy in the audiophile market?

Reactions to the acquisition range from optimism about the potential for improvements and collaborations to concerns regarding Audeze's focus shifting away from its traditional audiophile audience. While some anticipate enhanced gaming headsets infused with Audeze's high-end audio technology, others ponder the future of Audeze's commitment to pure, high-fidelity sound.

The integration of Audeze's patented technologies and planar magnetic drivers with Sony's gaming prowess, especially with the PlayStation 5's Tempest 3D AudioTech, suggests a future where gaming audio standards are elevated. This merger could signify a landmark shift in both high-end audio and gaming experiences, marrying Audeze's audiophile-grade sound with Sony's expansive gaming ecosystem.

In the midst of cautious optimism, attention is focused on the potential outcomes of this partnership. Will it pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in gaming and hi-fi audio, or might it redirect Audeze into a new path? The answers lie ahead as we witness the unfolding of this intriguing union between a gaming giant and a hi-fi legend.

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Sony Acquires Audeze: A New Era for High-End Audio and Gaming

Sony is a Japanese company that specializes in various electronics products, including HiFi audio equipment.

Sony

Audeze is a brand of high-end headphones and audio equipment.

Audeze

Unveiling the future of high-fidelity sound and gaming with Sony's strategic acquisition of Audeze

Bowers & Wilkins Strengthens Partnership with McLaren Formula 1

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Other articles

Italian Elegance and Hi-End: The Sonus Faber & Maserati Amati Folgore

The Future of MQA: Impact and Questions Surrounding Its Necessity

Sony Acquires Audeze: A New Era for High-End Audio and Gaming