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Introducing white loudspeakers 

White is cool, also for loudspeakers, provided that the white fabric is both durable and sound permeable. To make sure that its white speaker covers meet strict quality requirements, Bang & Olufsen has subjected both their acoustic and physical properties to severe testing.

Over the years, Bang & Olufsen has offered a large number of white products combining the innate elegance of the design with the lightness and minimalism associated with white. And this winter, Bang & Olufsen is taking the logical next step of introducing white covers for all of its fabric covered loudspeakers.

Quality requirements
As white is a very revealing colour, it is, however, often difficult to conceal the technology inside in the same way as you can do with for instance black fabrics. Also, by nature, the white colour is very sensitive to handling, and dust and dirt set easily. Therefore, it is essential to find the least sensitive type of fabric possible.

Some might think this is easily done today with the technological advances within nano-technology and surface treatment. However, if a fabric is treated with primer or the self-cleaning agents that nano-technology can offer, the holes in the fabric simply become too small for sound to penetrate properly.

Performance is key
When selecting fabrics for loudspeakers, the acoustic characteristics are of course of utmost importance. The density of the fabric but also its ability to stretch in different directions is important when it is intended to be mounted tightly on a loudspeaker cabinet.

Our sound engineers consequently tested the acoustic properties of a number of fabric samples. These samples were, of course, also subjected to severe environment tests in the so-called Torture Chamber where all Bang & Olufsen products undergo a number of stress tests.

Here, it was tested whether the white fabric still looked as good as it should after being exposed to light corresponding to 6-8 years of direct sunlight, and whether dirt particles would affect the colour of the fabric when the loudspeaker is playing.

Superb build quality
To find fabrics that would meet its quality requirements, Bang & Olufsen ultimately turned to Southern Europe, attending fashion fairs in for instance Milan to see new trends and fabric treatment techniques. Italian manufacturer Silanco was able to meet Bang & Olufsen requirements, and the two companies have subsequently established a close working relationship to get the right solution for the loudspeaker cabinets.

As a result, Bang & Olufsen is currently launching all of its fabric covered loudspeakers with the white covers to provide its discerning customers with products whose outstanding performance is matched by their superb build quality; no matter whether customers prefer the colour of the product to be pitch black or pearly white.