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Art and designMotoring
14 September 2020

Music to one’s ears: Bentley, Naim and Focal

Words: 
Jane Fulcher
Art and designMotoring
14 September 2020

Music to one’s ears: Bentley, Naim and Focal

Words: 
Jane Fulcher

The iconic car marque has worked with premium audio brands Naim and Focal to create two exclusive new products that sound as good as they look

As the pinnacle of engineering prowess, Bentley collaborations have often proved a benchmark of the technical excellence of other brands. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the marque’s ongoing relationship with audio brands Naim Audio and Focal. The three companies have collaborated on two new exclusive audio products that are as beautiful to look at, as they are to listen to: the Naim Mu-so for Bentley Special Edition wireless speaker system, and Focal for Bentley Radiance headphones.

The Naim Mu-so for Bentley Special Edition wireless speaker system is the latest iteration of the two brands’ long-term collaboration. Naim Audio has been working with Bentley since 2008 and has provided the in-car sound systems for every Bentley motor since that time. Naim and Focal merged their 88-years of expertise in 2011, while both maintaining their own indentities and product ranges. This collaboration fully utilises the considerable expertise of each of the three companies in creating an irresistible listening experience.

‘It’s been a privilege to work with Bentley on our in-car partnership for more than a decade, and an exciting journey taking their extraordinary design DNA beyond the vehicles,’ says Simon Matthews, group director of design for Focal and Naim. ‘We have blended sustainable materials with innovative technology to develop these unique audio products you can enjoy at home or on the move.’

The new wireless speaker is exquisitely designed to evoke the interior and exterior aesthetic of a Bentley Mulliner Bacalar, which was revealed earlier this year and itself takes design cues from the Bentley EXP 100 GT electric concept car. The speaker is finished in classic dark wood, made from sustainable African hardwood Ayous and is remarkable both in its appearance and in that it’s the first time Naim Audio has ever used this material on a product. It is also elegantly completed with a copper speaker grill and signature Bentley lattice design around the large volume dial. The Naim Audio Mu-So offers exceptional audio quality, is made with the latest music streaming technology and can be used on its own or as part of a multi-speaker system.

The Focal for Bentley Radiance headphones are equally striking to look at, seamless to use and offer superlative listening prowess. The earcups are finished in butter-soft Pittards glove leather so you’ll feel cocooned in your favourite music. Similar to the speaker, the headphones are finished with Bentley design accents including the signature lattice pattern and copper highlights.

‘Bentley, Naim and Focal share an enthusiasm for innovation, dedication to engineering excellence and a true passion that drives our respective areas of expertise,’ says Charlie Henderson, managing director of Naim Audio. ‘There is also a collective desire to honour proudly held heritage principles, blending them with cutting-edge technologies to define new benchmarks in premium performance and customer experience.’

Naim Mu-so for Bentley Special Edition, £1,799, and Focal for Bentley Radiance, £1,199, will be available from October, from selected Focal, Naim and Bentley retailers, and direct from Focal, Naim and Bentley online.

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