Swedish audio brand Transparent has unveiled its latest design, the Brutalist Speaker – a statement piece designed to redefine home audio while paying homage to the iconic architectural style of Brutalism. Merging cutting-edge technology with a sculptural design, this new offering is as much an artistic centerpiece as it is a high-performance audio device.
Inspired by the Brutalist movement that emerged in the United Kingdom during the 1950s, the Brutalist Speaker draws heavily on the architectural style’s core principles: geometric simplicity, expressive forms, and the use of industrial materials. True to this ethos, the speaker’s enclosure, which also enhances acoustical properties, is crafted from 70% post-consumer recycled aluminum, blending sustainability with a rugged aesthetic. Transparent Creative Director Per Brickstad describes the project as an intersection of architecture and sound. “It is exciting to bring this legendary architectural style into people’s homes, and to bring the worlds of architecture and design closer together,” he shares.
While the Brutalist Speaker looks more like an art piece than an actual speaker, its audio engineering is equally remarkable. Designed for exceptional sound reproduction, it features two 3-inch tweeters positioned at a 90-degree angle to maximize high-frequency sound dispersion. A bass reflex design delivers powerful, resonant low frequencies while maintaining clarity and balance, while an 18-liter acoustic volume enhances audio depth and scale, particularly in larger spaces. The speaker’s unique configuration also leverages room acoustics. When placed in a corner, the sound reflects off adjacent walls, creating an immersive soundstage that envelops the listener.
Transparent’s new speaker is as advanced in its functionality as it is in its design. A dedicated compartment for wireless modules comes pre-installed with the WiiM Mini, a Wi-Fi music streamer that enables seamless playback from streaming platforms like Spotify, Tidal, and Amazon Music. The WiiM Mini also supports AirPlay 2 and Amazon Alexa, allowing integration with smart home ecosystems. The design’s connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 + 5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.2, and support for Hi-Res audio up to 192kHz and 24-bit.
Founded in Stockholm in 2012, Transparent has continuously challenged conventional tech industry practices, emphasizing longevity, modularity, and design innovation. The Brutalist Speaker exemplifies this philosophy, combining aesthetic sophistication with technical simplicity. Per Brickstad reflects on the brand’s mission: “We believe that audio objects can be aesthetically striking, technically advanced, but yet simple to use. This speaker exemplifies that vision.”
Transparent’s Brutalist Speaker is available for purchase for $4,000 through Transparent’s website at transpa.rent.
