BLUMENHOFER FACTORY VISIT
After visiting the High-end Show in Munich in 2022, I was invited to meet Thomas Blumenhofer and his team at their headquarters in Walkertshofen, a sleepy municipality district of Augsburg in Germany.
Set amongst the gently rolling hills of the farm district of Bavaria, the factory sits in tranquillity to contrast the hubbub of the city and what a lovely place proved to be in discovering it.
Here is the brief photo diary of my time spent there.
As I entered the premises, it was immediately evident that the brand has a strong global reputation, especially considering the number of loudspeakers being processed. Additionally, the craftsmanship involved in the building process was among the best I have ever seen.
Andrea Vitali, the business developer and sales manager, kindly took the time to explain all the steps involved in producing their loudspeakers. I must admit, this experience was truly mind-blowing. He first guided me to a room designated for the veneers to settle, where the pungent smell of fresh wood lingered vividly in my memory.
Among an extensive array of standard and more exotic veneers, one that stood out was a one-time limited batch of reclaimed wood from a pontoon in Venice called “Venetian Briccole”; Andrea explained that these samples were initially used in parking spaces for the gondolas and had been submerged in the lagoon for the past 25 years!
The unique bleached, textured look is only achievable when this wood ages underwater for a very long period; I wasn’t expecting to see anything like that. This, however, reinforced the dedication Blumenhofer Acoustics strives for in bringing something genuinely unique and beautifully crafted; nowadays, we don’t often get the opportunity to purchase a “one-off” product, let alone when offering great value.
Witnessing raw materials transform into a finished product always captivates the DIY enthusiast in me. In this case, the quality of craftsmanship is evident in its precision. The raw textures enhance the cabinet's design, creating a perfect fit. They resemble an exquisite balance of raw artistry and well-defined lines—almost Picasso-esque, if that makes sense.
Achieving such understated quality, which feels like a unique creation, requires more than just calculations. The materials come together with poise, grace, and an almost abstract design that stems from an innate skill—something you either possess or you don’t.
Exploring the factory allowed me to appreciate the skills in creating these products; the perfectly matched veneers of each pair of loudspeakers satisfied my slight OCD. As we observed the crossover technology, we were understandably advised not to share too much information about it.
However, it's important to note that all components are of the highest quality, benefiting from a unique and effective method of decoupling within the speakers. This design ensures that the crossovers remain unaffected by internal cabinet vibrations, allowing for coherent sound during playback, regardless of the volume.
Lastly, we entered the listening room above the factory, and it was indeed a remarkable sight! The wall of vintage Hi-Fi equipment was impressive, but the stunning array of creations outshined it at the opposite end. Nothing matches a large speaker's emotional impact and scale, but here, Thomas and his team have set a standard so high that it redefined my understanding of what "High-End" truly means. I’ve been fortunate enough to listen to some of the world's best audio systems, but this experience stood out.
Every characteristic of the brand’s signature sound was fully displayed: transparency, scale, complete control, and a sense of world domination blended to create a liquid, cohesive, and effortless 3D sound experience that was as close to reality as possible. I was left wondering what had struck me between the ears. The Gioia and Corona series undoubtedly stole the show, but what was even more impressive was the consistency in presentation across all ranges. This emphasizes that a Blumenhofer speaker is available for every room and budget.
What an incredible experience this was! Spending time with like-minded individuals made me even prouder to represent Blumenhofer Acoustics in the UK. These products will choose you more than you choose them, and their unwavering honesty might surprise some. Nonetheless, those who value the clearest sound reproduction and a truly unique creation with exceptional fit and finish will appreciate these products for years to come.
Carlo Marengo