We recently wrote about the $1.2 million Goldmund Gaia speakers available in Australia at Addicted To Audio, but now Goldmund, the revered Swiss sound system manufacturer, has once again set a new benchmark in luxury and innovation with the launch of the APOLOGUE Limited Edition.

Crafted in partnership with French luxury trunk maker Pinel et Pinel and internationally renowned graffiti artist Cyril Kongo, the APOLOGUE redefines what it means to merge sound, art, and craftsmanship. With only 20 pairs available globally, this extraordinary creation is a collector’s dream, a statement of exclusivity, and a celebration of mastery across multiple disciplines for a sweet price tag of $3 million AUD a pair.

First introduced in 1987, the original Apologue speakers earned their place in design history, even being showcased in the permanent collection of the Museum Of Modern Art in New York (MoMA). Decades later, Goldmund revitalized the series in 2013 with digital upgrades. Now, the 2024 edition takes this legacy to new heights.

Modern living room interior design with black leather armchair and gold decoration 3d render 3d illustration

This latest iteration is a 6-way active speaker system boasting 5200W of power and advanced DSP technology. But these speakers offer more than just acoustic precision – they are breathtaking works of art. Encased in hand-stitched calfskin leather by Pinel et Pinel and adorned with custom artwork by Cyril Kongo, each pair is a unique masterpiece.

“We designed these speakers as sculptures,” says Fred Pinel, founder of Pinel et Pinel. “It is a multisensory work that bridges ultimate hi-fi, luxury leather goods, and contemporary art.”

The creation process exemplifies collaboration at its finest. From the cutting-edge acoustics engineered by Goldmund’s experts to the meticulous craftsmanship at Pinel et Pinel’s Paris studio, and the bold artistry of Cyril Kongo, every detail of the APOLOGUE speaks of dedication and innovation.

Each speaker is wrapped in 16 meters of hand-stitched calfskin, with over 15 leather pieces painted by Cyril Kongo before assembly, and considering each speaker weighs over 300 kilos it was a complex task. Kongo’s vibrant graffiti-inspired designs challenge traditional luxury aesthetics, merging urban culture with timeless elegance.

Designed and assembled entirely in Switzerland, these speakers integrate super tweeters, dome tweeters, midrange drivers, and woofers with superior sound staging for an immersive listening experience.

With a frequency response that spans from 24 Hz to 30 kHz and built-in amplifiers delivering up to 700W per driver, the APOLOGUE recreates music with impressive clarity. Goldmund’s audio technology ensures every note is faithful to the artist’s intent, transforming any room into a live performance venue.

Yohann Segala, President of Goldmund, explains, “The speaker is so incredible in terms of acoustics that it needed to become even more of an object of desire. The result is a UFO that astonishes the eye while caressing your ears. It’s impossible to remain indifferent to it”

Priced at $3 million AUD per pair, the APOLOGUE Limited Edition is not just a sound system; it’s a cultural artifact. Designed to captivate luxury connoisseurs and audiophiles alike, the speakers appeal to a new generation of collectors, blending Swiss precision, French craftsmanship, and global artistry.

“This project represents excellence in every form,” says Cyril Kongo. “We’ve created something that is not only exclusive but also elevates sound and art into a new dimension.”

Specifications

Goldmund

For over 40 years, Goldmund has been a symbol of Swiss precision in the high-fidelity audio industry. Known for their minimalist designs and groundbreaking technology, Goldmund strives to replicate the experience of live performances through their systems.

Pinel et Pinel

Founded in 2004, Pinel et Pinel reimagines French luxury with bold and innovative designs. Their Parisian atelier produces handcrafted leather goods that redefine elegance and craftsmanship.

Cyril Kongo

An urban art visionary, Cyril Kongo has revolutionized the perception of graffiti, collaborating with prestigious brands like Hermès and Richard Mille. His vibrant style brings a contemporary edge to luxury design.

The APOLOGUE Limited Edition is more than a speaker, it’s what happens when visionaries from different fields unite to create something extraordinary. It’s not just about hearing music, it’s about experiencing art.