5_ScanMag_77_June_2015_Text_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 05/06/2015 16:46 Page 17
Scan Magazine | Design | Vifa
and tested thoroughly, guaranteeing listeners a product which will continue to please in the years to come and keep its classic aesthetic appeal. The palette used ranges from cool, understated greys through to sunshine yellows and earthy reds, ensuring that customers looking for a colourful centre-piece will be just as happy as those looking for quiet, unobtrusive sound. Vifa’s speakers finally found their statement look when another Danish company, the well-known textile expert Kvadrat, entered into the equation. “It was quite a new area for us – for Kvadrat too, as they usually deal with furniture textiles. Finding the ideal material with which to cover a speaker was an interesting challenge for both of us!” They needed material which was light enough to let the sound come through loudly and clearly, but something which covered the electronics inside. Eventually, the team came across light, environmentally friendly wool. The unique material is custom-made for Vifa’s speakers and gives them an exclusive, luxurious look which sets them apart from other high-end speakers. Their soft but raw understated minimalism is a natural continuation of the classic Nordic design tradition; an ideology also reflected in the quality, durability and practicality of the speakers.
Authentic sound – anywhere Vifa’s speakers can be used both inside and outside of the home, and even the largest model 'Stockholm', although primarily designed for stationary use, has been created with versatility in mind. 'Copenhagen' and 'Helsinki' have battery lives which will satisfy any social occasion, and all three can be easily plugged in, with cables included for analogue or optical connection. “I recently used my 'Stockholm' at a confirmation, and it was more than enough to power the entire party,” says Michael Sørensen. Two simple volume buttons embroidered unto the front of the speaker add a fun little detail to the simple, elegant lines of bold textile and aluminium frame. The speakers have wireless interfaces compatible with almost all types of modern devices: smartphones, tablets and computers. Even high quality wired inputs for CD players and televisions are provided. Settings can be adjusted via the Vifa app, although the pre-set option should be more than enough for most enthusiasts. “Vifa’s main technological concern is to create sound which is true to the original recording,” Michael Sørensen explains, “this means that we want orchestras to sound as authentic and real as possible, and instruments to be heard exactly as they were intended.” It is an art
which Vifa has perfected since its founder N.C. Madsen first set up his modest factory in the village of Videbæk in 1933. Models for the future Through all three models, Vifa’s emphasis has constantly been to create the very best possible. “We aren’t looking to become the biggest mass brand in the business; we’re looking for the regard of sound and design connoisseurs.” Each model adheres to Vifa’s ethos, but has its own personality: 'Stockholm' is the largest and most powerful and 'Copenhagen' an excellent all-rounder. 'Helsinki', which resembles a small, understated handbag complete with leather from Sweden’s Tärnsjo Garveri, is designed for ease-oftransport and ideal for impromptu occasions. All three are highly versatile and, most importantly, of the highest quality; a fact reflected in Copenhagen’s winning of no less than three prestigious international design awards: the IF Design Award, the Red Dot Design Award and the Good Design Award in 2014. While Vifa won’t reveal whether a little 'Oslo' or 'Reykjavik' is on the way, they’re enthusiastic about potential new family members on the horizon. For more information, please visit: www.vifa.dk
Speaker from the Copenhagen collection
Speaker from the Stockholm collection
Issue 77 | June 2015 | 17