Braun returned to the audio space in 2019 with a range of premium smart Hi-Fi speakers inspired by the original 1959 LE series. The most recent additions to their speaker line are the Braun LE range – comprised of three speakers: the LE01, LE02 and LE03.
The company describes the LE series as, “The perfect combination of form and function, the range is eye-catching without being intrusive: offering the perfect balance of unparalleled performance in a minimalist form, showcasing the rigor of German craftsmanship.”
“With audio enthusiasts and music lovers looking for solutions that meet various needs, including superior sound quality, premium design and functionality, we’re thrilled to reintroduce Braun Audio and our reimagined LE range,” said Oliver Grabes, Head of Braun Design. “An innovative update on a classic offering, our new LE speakers deliver timeless performance in audio and aesthetic for a new group of modern consumers.”
Braun claims that the clear, precise Braun sound of today has been achieved through the implementation of a bespoke-developed DSP (Digital Signal Processing) pipeline in conjunction with high power ARM computing cores. It is then hand-tuned in Germany by a world-class audio engineering team.
As the LE 1 of 1959 utilized audio technologies widely upheld to be the best available of the time, the reimagined LE series leverages the cutting-edge of today’s advanced audio technologies. Balanced Mode Radiators (BMRs) used in the new LE speakers are key to delivering their exceptional audio reproduction. BMRs uniquely combine wide vertical and horizontal dispersion to deliver a near 180-degree soundstage, meaning that the units are always easy to position without the worry of a specific sweet spot of traditional speakers.
Each speaker’s custom-designed ultra-low-profile woofers, with powerful neodymium motors and rigid lightweight aluminum cones, offer a highly detailed and transient bass performance aligned with bespoke passive bass radiators. Rather than simply use off-the-shelf, motorless, passive bass radiators, Braun’s engineering team has developed bespoke, high-mass and high-excursion parts that tune the speakers to deliver exceptionally deep and punchy bass within the LE range’s slim cabinet design. These have a dual progressive linear-suspension construction for increased control and reduced distortion.
In conjunction with the LE range’s woofers and passive radiators, the use of BMRs enable truly room-filling performance for each model of the new LE speakers. With latest generation class-D amplifiers and switching power-supplies, BMRs and low-profile aluminum high-excursion woofers mated to customized passive bass radiators, the Braun LE range delivers 21st century audio clarity, sound dispersion and bandwidth commensurate with the timeless, slim-form LE loudspeaker design.
The LE speakers have multi-room functionality, as well as the ability to be wirelessly stereo paired. Individually, when positioned in landscape mode, LE01 and LE02 will perform as perfect integrated stereo speakers. When in portrait orientation, using floor stands, they can be configured into a stereo pair with each speaker assuming single audio channel duties (left or right). The Braun Audio app, available for iOS and Android, allows for additional manual fine-tuning to deliver preferred levels of bass and treble. It also features Placement EQ, which tailors playback based on speaker location to achieve authentic Braun sound.
The range features the latest solution for voice control performance: TalkTo by DSP Concepts. TalkTo utilizes cutting-edge software to cancel out noise for the most efficient, accurate voice control features with minimal interference. While voice assistants offer many modern conveniences, there are times when privacy is required. Exemplifying Braun’s values of honest design, the LE range has been engineered to ensure voice control is always on your terms. Each speaker has a dedicated privacy button that physically disconnects the microphones, guaranteeing complete peace of mind.
When privacy mode is enabled, the button and LEDs on the front of the speaker illuminate and are subtly visible from anywhere in the room. With Chromecast built-in, the LE range supports over 300 streaming services, while regular software updates ensure system longevity. Each speaker’s premium machined aluminum casing is beautiful to the touch, while being highly durable. Their simple, minimalist button configuration and LED sequences are intuitive and embody the perfect blend of aesthetics and utility. This considered design extends to accessories like wall mounts and floor stands, which elegantly resolve cable management and offer the flexibility of placement around the home.
