It is called Wren V5BT and uses old-school audio materials

Nov 22, 2013 11:04 GMT  ·  By

Wren wanted to build a good and stylish speaker from traditional parts, so to speak, or at least old-school materials (to use its own words). The result was the V5BT, although we'll leave it to prospective buyers to decide if Wren accomplished its goal properly.

The Wren V5BT isn't cheap though. Wren might have decided to go for an old-school feel, but as it is often the case, this ended up turning it into a premium device.

Which is to say, a product with more than the required share of design refinements and performance perks.

For one thing, the product has 19 mm soft dome tweeters positioned on the front baffle. They create a “wide, realistic soundstage that floats high and free above the stereo cabinet.”

Intersil's classic D2 50-watt DSP-controlled class D amplifier actually powers the thing though.

Wireless communication is included too, via Bluetooth. Any iOS, Windows of Android PC or gadget should be supported because of that.

As for the frame, it is made of bamboo or rosewood veneers over a half-inch thick MDF board. The tweeters are covered by a grille that doesn't obstruct the sound.

"Bluetooth is a universal and easy to use standard. Our DTS Play-Fi and AirPlay Wi-Fi models are built for audiophiles seeking lossless sound, extended range and multi-room playback" says Wren Sound Systems President and CEO Mike Giffin.

"However, since most systems communicate with Bluetooth we thought it was vital to offer a great wireless solution for households with a wide range of devices with incompatible operating systems. And for folks who have smartphones or tablets equipped with CSR's aptX Bluetooth, the sound is absolutely audiophile grade."

The Wren V5BT Bluetooth Speaker has a price of $399 / €399. Natural bamboo versions will become available only in December though, and it'll probably raise the price a bit.

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