If you think large rack systems with multiple components are the future of high-end audio — think again. Active loudspeakers and wireless loudspeakers will be the driving force behind the next generation of high-end systems and whilst most will not be as costly as these new models from Goldmund — we have seen enough progress from some of the key brands in the category like KEF, Dynaudio, DALI, Sonus faber, Triangle, Q Acoustics, and others to predict that the next 5 years are going to be pivotal.
Continuing to build on the foundation of its flagship Gaia wireless active loudspeaker, Goldmund has announced a similarly shaped, but smaller size line of wireless speakers with built-in powered subwoofers in the base. There are three new models: Theia, Rhea, and Asteria, and the least expensive one is still priced higher than a Tesla Model S Plaid.
The Theia, Rhea, and Asteria derive their names from Greek Mythology.
The Asteria, Rhea, and Theia are fashioned from a silver-grey aluminum alloy, harmoniously paired with matching grilles. Micro-blasted aluminum is used for the vertical and edge enclosure panels.
This provides a stark, elegant contrast to the horizontally aligned internal panels, which are adorned in brushed aluminum.
Goldmund Technologies
All three speaker systems incorporate the following Goldmund technologies.
PROTEUS LS: This is Goldmund’s Loudspeaker Modeling Algorithm. To ensure transparency, Goldmund uses this modeling process to make sure every individual component as well as the system overall is under control. Proteus LS is a mathematical software based on several specifications such as loudspeaker system solution, enclosure shape and volume, T&S parameters, driver localization, and diffraction at the edge of the loudspeaker cabinet.
LEONARDO TIME CORRECTION: This feature provides a Phase Distortion Correction Algorithm. Phase distortion alters sound realism by affecting the size and depth of the sound stage. This includes the ability to identify the location of the different sound objects, the tightness of the bass, and other parameters.
Working on the transients, this distortion also modifies the timbre of the sound source. Leonardo time correction suppresses most of those sound alterations by digitally realigning the signal frequencies in time.
Thanks to this deployment, the listener’s brain can fully focus on enjoying the sound instead of spending energy in the correction process.
DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING: These speakers incorporate Goldmund’s precise Digital Signal Processing. Goldmund’s active speakers are filtered with digital coefficients, eliminating the need for physical filters and transitioning to a software-based approach controlled by DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology, encompassing parameters such as gain and delay.
TELOS AMPLIFICATION: Telos amplification technology significantly reduces intermodulation by improving the linearity of all stages and considerably decreasing the time distortion. Telos uses a higher bandwidth circuit with minimal group delay distortion inside the audio bandwidth.
The Telos amplifier input circuitry includes the latest version of Alize Digital/Analog converter circuits for enhanced coupling with Goldmund Universal Preamplifiers. Separate input and output stages prevent feedback between high and low current circuits and improve the mechanical grounding.
![Goldmund Asteria Wireless Speakers](https://cdn.ecoustics.com/db0/wblob/17BA35E873D594/33DD/45970/m_V3H1z3w5ZRTCxZVSJwtb9ah-x5uItoXzf9Fn4kQLc/goldmund-asteria-wireless-speakers-lifestyle.jpg)
Telos technology also provides driver control. This lowers the output impedance of the amplifier so that it provides a much higher quality of micro-dynamics and helps large woofers avoid overshooting and overloading your listening space with too much bass information.
MECHANICAL GROUNDING: Introduced by Goldmund in 1982, the Mechanical Grounding building technology uses physics laws to minimize vibrations from any structure, allowing lower resonance from speakers but also from electronics, where mechanical vibrations are one of the major sources of coloration. As a result, there is no overemphasis on certain tones and the sound preserves its naturalness.
WIRELESS: Each speaker comes with a pre-paired USB dongle that connects to a computer or digital source. The effective wireless range is 5 to 20 meters between dongle and speaker.
WIRED: Each speaker can be connected to a source using its unbalanced digital connection (S/PDIF).
Model Comparison
![Goldmund Theia, Rhea and Asteria Wireless Speakers with grille off rear](https://cdn.ecoustics.com/db0/wblob/17BA35E873D594/33DD/45973/50pQy98GG_kTXRernRgXPeoHCAtMf1om58XnUFpscOI/goldmund-wireless-speakers-rear.jpg)
Theia | Rhea | Asteria | |
MSRP | $300,000 | $150,000 | $95,000 |
Tweeter | 1 x soft dome | 1 x soft dome | 1 x soft dome |
Midrange | 1 x 4” | 1 x 7” | 1 x 7” |
Wid-Woofer | 1 x 6” | ||
Woofer | 1 x 12” | 1 x 12” | 1 x 9” |
Frequency Response | 21 Hz (-6 dB) to 25 kHz | 26.5 Hz (-6 dB) to 25 kHz | 34.5 Hz (-6 dB) to 25 kHz |
Digital Input | 1 x S/PDIF input | 1 x S/PDIF input | 1 x S/PDIF input |
Wireless Audio Input | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Power Output | 3 x 175 W for tweeter, midrange, and mid-woofer 1 x 350 W for woofer | 2 x 175 W for tweeter and midrange 1 x 300 W for woofer | 2 x 175 W for tweeter and midrange, 1 x 250 W for woofer |
Input Voltage | 115V or 230V (+/-15 %) | 115V or 230V (+/-15 %) | 115V or 230V (+/-15 %) |
Fuses | 8 A slow-blow type for 115 V & 230 V | 8 A slow-blow type for 115 V & 230 V | 8 A slow-blow type for 115 V & 230 V |
Power Consumption | 490 W | 440 W per unit | 390 W per unit |
Dimensions (WxHxD) | 21.7 x 62.2 x 26.6″ 55 x 158 x 67.5 (cm) | 17.7 x 53.1 x 21.3″ 45 x 135 x 54 (cm) | 31.1 x 51.2 x 20.1″ 79 x 130 x 51 (cm) |
Weight | 441 lbs (200 Kg) | 276 lbs (125 Kg) | 240 lbs (109 Kg) |
Pricing and Availability
- Asteria – $95,000 / £89,000
- Rhea – $150,000 / £137,000
- Theia – $300,000 / £275,000
Available finishes include silver gray or black enclosures with gray or black grids. All three speaker systems are packaged in a custom flightcase designed for storage. This ensures protection if you need to transport it. Locate a dealer.
About Goldmund
Founded in 1978, Goldmund is a Swiss luxury audio brand, situated among the world-renowned watchmakers in Geneva. Goldmund combines exquisite engineering and design to craft showstopper products, including pioneering wireless speakers and exceptional hi-fi separates. From design to technology to authentic performance, Goldmund products are at the top of the game: this is audio art to transform your listening life.
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ORT
March 8, 2024 at 2:19 am
I must. With regard to the main photograph at the top of the article?
Keir Dullea, gone tommorrow. Yes. I had to as I was overcome by the Control Voice and the film I am referencing has long confusified me.
“Something wonderful”…
ORT 😉