With the fusion of technical progress and harmonious design, current audio products are increasingly positioning themselves as object-like manifestations of design and engineering. A look at the design and technological elements of the three headphones presented here — the True Wireless models Pi6 and Pi8 from Bowers & Wilkins, the Horizon and Grand Horizon loudspeakers from Marantz and the Galaxy Buds3 Pro from Samsung — shows the combination of form and function as a central leitmotif.
British precision in in-ear format
With the Pi6 and Pi8 true wireless models, Bowers & Wilkins demonstrates its expertise in audiophile sound quality and precise design. The design language is based on extensive studies of the anatomical characteristics of the human ear. The results of scientific research were directly incorporated into the development of the Earbud shape and guarantee not only a secure fit, but also efficient noise canceling. The charging cases fit seamlessly into the minimalist design and enhance the functionality with features such as wireless charging and a »wireless retransmission« function.
The technical considerations are at least as impressive as the visuals: both models rely on aptX Adaptive with a 24-bit wireless connection, while the Pi8 also supports aptX Lossless, enabling virtually lossless sound transmission. The sonic differences between the two models result from the drivers used: the Pi6 uses 12 mm drivers made of biocellulose, which are known for their precision and lightness, while the Pi8 uses carbon fiber diaphragms borrowed from the award-winning Px8 series.
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 over-ear headphones are characterized by an elegant design in combination with high-quality materials such as leather and aluminium. The ear pads are covered in soft leather for comfort and a luxurious feel. The controls are discreetly integrated, with intuitive touch surfaces and buttons. A dynamic driver design allows you to hear precise mids and deep bass. The timeless aesthetics of the model underline the premium claim of the headphones.
Acoustic sculptures
Marantz is expanding the concept of headphones into room-filling loudspeakers with the Horizon and Grand Horizon models. These devices are exemplary for the translation of audiophile principles into a sculptural design language. Marantz’s characteristic porthole design approach, which is refined here with modernist proportions and a textile feel, not only serves aesthetic purposes, but also guides the light in the room and creates a visual balance.
Here too, the technical features are in no way inferior to the supposed formal rigor: Both speakers use the company’s own Marantz Rise™ amplifier concept, which generates power levels of 310 and 370 watts respectively with its GaN-FET technology. This precision is supported by specially developed drivers that ensure even sound dispersion. The integrated HEOS® system allows the speakers to be networked with other devices, while the touch-sensitive AuraControl™ ring provides intuitive user guidance.
Ergonomics meets adaptive intelligence
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro take up the demand for personalized audio experiences by relying on Samsung’s Galaxy AI technology and focusing on adaptive noise control, which analyses ambient noise in real time and dynamically adjusts both noise cancellation and sound profiles. This is complemented by safety features such as »Siren Detect«, which recognizes emergency signals, and »Voice Detect«, which activates ambient mode during conversations.
The design is characterized by function and sophistication: Ergonomically optimized for long wearing comfort, the buds combine an understated but precisely designed housing with innovative controls such as the intuitive »Blade Lights« for control gestures without visual distraction. The use of a planar tweeter and dual amplifier, complemented by Samsung’s »Seamless Codec«, ensures high-resolution sound quality. The combination of minimalist design and high-end technology makes the Galaxy Buds3 Pro a remarkable contribution to the smart headphone category.
A statement
By combining technological innovation with carefully coordinated design elements, state-of-the-art headphones and speakers go far beyond their purely functional purpose. They not only create an outstanding listening experience, but also an object-like statement. Whether in the form of the future-oriented, portable Galaxy Buds3 Pro, the precisely balanced Pi6 and Pi8 from Bowers & Wilkins or the expansive Horizon loudspeakers from Marantz — what they all represent is a very zeitgeist-y fusion of audio and design culture at the highest visual and technical level. [Red.]
