At the recent High End Vienna show, among the many high-end audio innovations, one product stood out in a unique way. In the Austria Center Vienna, a tropical rainforest-themed room with the sounds of birds and crickets introduced attendees to the Dynaudio Opus One, a large soundbar with mechanized wooden fins. A concept never seen before, capable of merging technology and design into a luxury object for home entertainment.
The Opus One represents the first step in Dynaudio's new Symphony line, a system designed to create a home audio ecosystem similar to Sonos, but with a completely different approach. As explained by Julien Bergere, Chief Commercial Officer of Dynaudio, the product was developed for those who own large televisions and desire audio that matches. The notable dimensions – 1864 millimeters wide – are not accidental, but respond to the growing popularity of screens over 65 inches. Traditional soundbars, in fact, are designed for 55-inch TVs and often fail to adequately cover larger spaces, both in terms of sound output and visual presence.
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24 drivers and 1500 watts of amplification for overwhelming power
The technical specifications of the Opus One are impressive. Inside, it houses 24 precision drivers, including 6 soft-dome tweeters, 14 mid/bass drivers, and 4 dual-diaphragm force-cancelling subwoofers. All are powered by 1500 watts of digital amplification, giving the soundbar a sonic power comparable to that of a small cinema system. During the demonstration, playback of a Formula 1 film showed such deep bass impact that the roar of engines was palpable. The effect is made even more immersive by its ability to handle immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, although official certification has not yet been completed. Dynaudio has developed specific spatial algorithms, designed in Denmark, to optimize the three-dimensional sound output.
Kinetic fins, the wooden fins that move and protect the drivers
The most distinctive aspect of the Opus One is undoubtedly the system of 72 kinetic wooden fins covering the front surface. Made from Hokkaido white oak by the Japanese company Karimoku, these fins are not merely an aesthetic element. When the soundbar is off, they close completely, hiding and protecting the drivers. During playback, they open and move according to the rhythm of the content, creating a theatrical effect that Bergere calls 'a touch of magic'. The fins have no direct acoustic benefit, but they help create a unique atmosphere, combining high technology with the warmth of wood. The care for materials extends to the acoustically transparent fabric covering the top and sides, blending style and functionality.
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On the connectivity front, the Opus One offers everything you would expect from a premium soundbar: HDMI ARC input for TV connection, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for music streaming, an AUX input, and an Ethernet port for stable network connectivity. An interesting feature is the ability to use the soundbar in pure stereo mode, disabling the center channel and using only the left and right sections. This option, often absent in high-end soundbars, ensures better channel separation and a more faithful musical reproduction for enthusiasts. Additionally, you can upmix stereo content for an immersive effect, but the purist listening choice remains an appreciated prerogative.
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A high-end price for a niche product
Quality comes at a price, and the Opus One is no exception. At 13,000 euros, the soundbar is positioned well above offerings from Samsung, JBL, or Sonos. Accessories, such as floor stands and mounting kits, cost between 500 and 5,000 euros, bringing the total price of a complete setup to around 20,000 euros. A significant investment, justified by the use of premium materials and the uniqueness of the design. Production is limited, and sales began in June, but only in Denmark and China. Dynaudio plans to expand distribution to other markets starting in 2027. Bergere emphasizes that this product represents a turning point for the company, traditionally known for passive studio speakers and home audio, which is now entering the luxury lifestyle market.
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The Dynaudio Opus One is an object that hardly leaves anyone indifferent. It combines extraordinary sonic power with an innovative and engaging aesthetic, positioning itself as a benchmark for those seeking the ultimate home audio-video experience. Though the price is high, the product is clearly aimed at a select clientele that appreciates craftsmanship and uncompromising engineering. In a market dominated by cheap and functional soundbars, the Opus One stands out as a design object that celebrates the ritual of cinema and music at home.
For those interested in exploring how audio technologies can integrate with modern digital needs, the article on Last Chance U offers an interesting perspective on how unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary results. In the tech field, optimizing web performance is as crucial as caring for audio quality for a complete experience.
Source: https://www.techradar.com/televisions/soundbars/dynaudio-opus-one-preview
