Never one to shy away from the extraordinary, Swiss Hi-Fi auteur Goldmund has just made a bold statement in the world of luxury audio with the release of its stunning new speaker, the Apologue Pinel et Pinel x Kongo edition.
This dramatic collaboration brings together the best of Swiss precision engineering, French artisanal craftsmanship, and vibrant contemporary art, resulting in an active, wireless sound system that’s as much a visual experience as it is an acoustic adventure. But you’ll need deep pockets to buy them…
This dramatic collaboration brings together the best of Swiss precision engineering, French artisanal craftsmanship, and vibrant contemporary art…
For over four decades, Goldmund has been synonymous with cutting-edge sound systems, renowned for its uncompromising vision. The original Apologue speakers, first launched in the 1980s, won a place in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Now, Goldmund has resurrected the model, reimagining it for the modern era with an ultra-luxurious twist.
This reissue is a collaboration with Pinel et Pinel, the French trunkmaker known for its bespoke leather creations, and celebrated street artist Cyril Kongo, whose vibrant works have graced collaborations with luxury houses like Hermès and Richard Mille.
The result is a creation that pushes the boundaries of art, sound, and design. The Apologue Pinel et Pinel x Kongo speakers are limited to just 40 pairs, 20 in a striking pink and 20 in a bold blue, each priced at a staggering €1.5 million per set ($1.77 million).
Effectively a sculptural work of art, the speakers are meticulously crafted and entirely unique. Each is wrapped in Pinel et Pinel’s signature smooth calfskin leather, featuring 16 metres of hand-stitched seams.
Adding to the exclusivity, the leather is hand-painted by Kongo, in his dynamic graffiti-inspired style.
Kongo paints on flat leather, anticipating how each piece will come together in three dimensions, much like a complex puzzle. This intricate approach ensures that every pair is a true collector’s item.
While the visual impact of the speakers is undeniable, the Apologue Pinel et Pinel x Kongo edition should be no less impressive in its acoustic performance. Boasting a staggering 5,200 watts of power, these speakers utilise Goldmund’s patented Leonardo time correction technology, intended to ensure flawless synchronisation across all frequencies.
Luxury Redefined: from the Atelier to your living room
We’re told the creation of the Apologue Pinel et Pinel x Kongo speakers was a labour of love for all involved. As Fred Pinel, President of Pinel et Pinel, puts it, “We designed these speakers as sculptures. It is a multisensory work that bridges the worlds of ultimate hi-fi, luxury leather goods, and contemporary art.”
This ethos is echoed by Cyril Kongo, who views the project as a rare opportunity to merge his love for art with a passion for music and craftsmanship: “I conceived my works as a collection of sculptures, but even more exclusive. They incorporate elements that define my artistic vocabulary and personality…”
The partnership also represents a strategic move for Goldmund, as noted by Yohann Segala, President of Goldmund: “With Cyril Kongo’s vibrant colours and unique artistic approach, we are venturing off the beaten path. We are stepping out of our niche to reach younger collectors, particularly in Asia, who appreciate the fusion of art, craftsmanship, and technology.”
The Apologue Pinel et Pinel x Kongo speakers are available for purchase from November, priced at €1.5 million per set (excluding VAT).
BAFTA has launched a new streaming series, BAFTA Playback, sponsored by Samsung, that brings some of Hollywood’s biggest names face-to-face with the moments that defined their craft. The six-part series, available on BAFTA’s YouTube channel, offers viewers a rare opportunity to see celebrated actors revisit scenes from their careers, discussing the creative choices, influences and…
KEF has reimagined one of its most recognisable models for a new generation. The Coda W is an all-in-one active speaker system, inspired by the brand’s original Coda series, which made Hi-Fi audio more accessible when it launched decades ago. Designed to deliver both the tactile satisfaction of vinyl playback and the convenience of wireless…
KEF is looking to change the image of Bluetooth speakers with Muo, a stylish portable with a design DNA that can be tracked directly to the brand’s flagship Hi-Fi speakers. Available in seven finishes, and crafted from aluminium, the Muo draws clear inspiration from Ross Lovegrove’s two-metre-tall sculptural Muon enclosures. Launched with a swing, at…
The Luxe Review 
Never one to shy away from the extraordinary, Swiss Hi-Fi auteur Goldmund has just made a bold statement in the world of luxury audio with the release of its stunning new speaker, the Apologue Pinel et Pinel x Kongo edition.
This dramatic collaboration brings together the best of Swiss precision engineering, French artisanal craftsmanship, and vibrant contemporary art, resulting in an active, wireless sound system that’s as much a visual experience as it is an acoustic adventure. But you’ll need deep pockets to buy them…
For over four decades, Goldmund has been synonymous with cutting-edge sound systems, renowned for its uncompromising vision. The original Apologue speakers, first launched in the 1980s, won a place in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Now, Goldmund has resurrected the model, reimagining it for the modern era with an ultra-luxurious twist.
This reissue is a collaboration with Pinel et Pinel, the French trunkmaker known for its bespoke leather creations, and celebrated street artist Cyril Kongo, whose vibrant works have graced collaborations with luxury houses like Hermès and Richard Mille.
The result is a creation that pushes the boundaries of art, sound, and design. The Apologue Pinel et Pinel x Kongo speakers are limited to just 40 pairs, 20 in a striking pink and 20 in a bold blue, each priced at a staggering €1.5 million per set ($1.77 million).
Effectively a sculptural work of art, the speakers are meticulously crafted and entirely unique. Each is wrapped in Pinel et Pinel’s signature smooth calfskin leather, featuring 16 metres of hand-stitched seams.
Adding to the exclusivity, the leather is hand-painted by Kongo, in his dynamic graffiti-inspired style.
Kongo paints on flat leather, anticipating how each piece will come together in three dimensions, much like a complex puzzle. This intricate approach ensures that every pair is a true collector’s item.
While the visual impact of the speakers is undeniable, the Apologue Pinel et Pinel x Kongo edition should be no less impressive in its acoustic performance. Boasting a staggering 5,200 watts of power, these speakers utilise Goldmund’s patented Leonardo time correction technology, intended to ensure flawless synchronisation across all frequencies.
Luxury Redefined: from the Atelier to your living room
We’re told the creation of the Apologue Pinel et Pinel x Kongo speakers was a labour of love for all involved. As Fred Pinel, President of Pinel et Pinel, puts it, “We designed these speakers as sculptures. It is a multisensory work that bridges the worlds of ultimate hi-fi, luxury leather goods, and contemporary art.”
This ethos is echoed by Cyril Kongo, who views the project as a rare opportunity to merge his love for art with a passion for music and craftsmanship: “I conceived my works as a collection of sculptures, but even more exclusive. They incorporate elements that define my artistic vocabulary and personality…”
The partnership also represents a strategic move for Goldmund, as noted by Yohann Segala, President of Goldmund: “With Cyril Kongo’s vibrant colours and unique artistic approach, we are venturing off the beaten path. We are stepping out of our niche to reach younger collectors, particularly in Asia, who appreciate the fusion of art, craftsmanship, and technology.”
The Apologue Pinel et Pinel x Kongo speakers are available for purchase from November, priced at €1.5 million per set (excluding VAT).
BAFTA and Samsung team for YouTube series showcasing Hollywood’s biggest stars
BAFTA has launched a new streaming series, BAFTA Playback, sponsored by Samsung, that brings some of Hollywood’s biggest names face-to-face with the moments that defined their craft. The six-part series, available on BAFTA’s YouTube channel, offers viewers a rare opportunity to see celebrated actors revisit scenes from their careers, discussing the creative choices, influences and…
Stylish KEF Coda W all-in-one speaker system unites vinyl, streaming and TV audio
KEF has reimagined one of its most recognisable models for a new generation. The Coda W is an all-in-one active speaker system, inspired by the brand’s original Coda series, which made Hi-Fi audio more accessible when it launched decades ago. Designed to deliver both the tactile satisfaction of vinyl playback and the convenience of wireless…
High design meets Hi-Fi sound at KEF Muo Bluetooth wireless speaker launch party
KEF is looking to change the image of Bluetooth speakers with Muo, a stylish portable with a design DNA that can be tracked directly to the brand’s flagship Hi-Fi speakers. Available in seven finishes, and crafted from aluminium, the Muo draws clear inspiration from Ross Lovegrove’s two-metre-tall sculptural Muon enclosures. Launched with a swing, at…
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