In the past, people believe there’s no replacement for size when it comes to high-fidelity audio. But as audio technology progresses, components shrink to allow for high-end audio that is not as tall as a grown person or require more cables to hook up to the source.
The Soundkraft The Enigma Handcrafted Bluetooth Speaker you see here is one such speaker that benefited from this progress in technology. Soundkraft is a small Singapore-based start-up that recently took to Indiegogo to peddle its first speaker that aims to make HiFi speakers affordable.
The Enigma features a wooden spherical enclosure, handcrafted in Thailand, and on its inside, there is a 4-inch high excursion full-range driver from SB Acoustics which has seen implementations in many high-end speakers that costs thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars.
Interestingly, this Bluetooth speaker has rear-facing tweeters (a Visaton ambient tweeter) to recreate the sound reflecting off walls, thus adding to the ambiance.
The SB Acoustics driver and the Visaton ambient tweeter are further bolstered by a one-board circuitry that contains Bluetooth 5.0 module with aptX, DSP, a 50W per channel Class D amplifier, and external connections like the auxiliary input and power input.
Looking at the speaker, you can’t help but notice the unique enclosure. The 1/2” monocoque spherical speaker is not just for aesthetic appeal; it also serves as an efficient pressure vessel that ensures maximum rigidity with a minimal amount of stray vibration. The spherical nature also promotes even sound distribution in all directions.
The wood used to craft the spherical enclosure is mangowood that is upcycled from the mango plantation industry (hence the name). The story goes that the mango trees are renewed every 15 to 20 years to optimize fruit-bearing and so, by using the wood from these “expired” trees, there’s no need to intentionally fell trees to make these speakers.
Using natural wood as the enclosure also ensures that when it reaches its end of life, it will be less damaging to the environment. However, you probably won’t have to discard the enclosure because Soundkraft will sell you a replacement board so it can be restored back to its working condition and thereby extending its lifespan.
Now, for the not-so-good news. We are not sure how or where you can get your hands on this 370 Singapore dollars (about US$274) speaker. It was being sold internationally on Indiegogo, but now that the campaign has ended, the only place you can find selling it is the e-store of Asia tech blog Vulcan Post and Singapore’s shopping website, Lazada.
Images: Soundkraft.
