Press review - GÖBEL HIGH END

®
HIGH END
Patented Loudspeakers & Cables made in Germany.
Press review
Stereo Times (05/12)
You only get one chance to make a first impression. The German-made Göbel Epoque Reference
Bending-Wave loudspeaker proved to be a show stopper in its debut at this year’s show. I’ve heard the
term “bending-wave” but it was a very long time ago. I do recall Paul Paddock’s Airfoil 5.2 Bending
Wave loudspeakers back in the late ‘90s. But this German company says it has a new patent on this flat-panel type transducer.
What stood out beyond the shadow of doubt was the organic and natural reproduction of instruments. This, mind you from a PS
Audio Perfect Wave transport/DAC combo - not necessarily state-of-the- art in digital playback - but this was as good as I have
heard from this combo (also in attendance was the PS Audio Perfect Wave P10 Power Plant AC condi- tioner). Audia Flight amplification
via Göbel’s own Lacorde series of cables were used throughout.
I returned to this setup over and over again surprised each time by the overall ease and coherency of the Göbel Epoque, which
amazingly employs 12 6.5” mid/bass drivers (six rear firing). Rumor has it this loudspeaker will retail for about $120k here in
states. Based solely on what I heard under these show conditions, I would qualify the Göbel Epoque Reference as a unique concept
that sounds very good. Certainly a loudspeaker to keep under your radar. (Clement Perry)
http://www.stereotimes.com/Munich2012c.shtml
www.goebel-highend.de
Göbel High End
Schabweg 4a
82239 Alling
Contact person: Mark Walter
Phone: +49 (0) 8141 / 22 55 888
Telefax: +49 (0) 8141 / 22 55 889
mark.walter@goebel-highend.de
HD+TV (01/09)
“The stage emerges incredibly spacious, with all the instruments and soloists. Localisation, dynamics and coherence time are
excellent. Due to the vigorous subwoofer, the lower octave segment plays smoothly. The excellence of the bass range powerfully
unites with the clarity of the bending wave speakers. The symbiosis is entirely successful and fascinates the listeners. (...) Once
the stage is set, the ambitious listener is rewarded with a loudspeaker which is unique regarding fine dynamics,
dispersion and coherence.”
Image Hifi (05/2005)
“(...) Due to its discreetly curved body, as well as its colour scheme, the active subwoofer goes perfectly with the Detaille S. As
far as the technology is concerned - dynamic drivers, massive body, deeply tuned bass reflex system, fully adjustable 180 Watt
amp - the subwoofer doesn’t break new grounds. Still, it fits perfectly into what comes “from above”. It really does a very good
job, which earns it nothing less than a big recommendation.
(...) After this “house call”, the perfect inphase and isocronic dispersion, as well as the low resonance level of the system exemplify
perfect high-end harmony. The crystal clear and completely detached sound characteristics of the Detaille S are absolutely
astonishing, which shows without any hard edges, calmly and very clearly, what electronics and cables (recommendation:
Göbel’s own cables) are capable of.
(...) Another outstanding feature is the fantastic 180 degree phase locked sound dispersion, which supports the dipole characteristics
of the Detaille S: the living room is completely acoustically and atmospherically flooded, even the tiniest details become
tangible in the room - and they remain there too, even if you leave the (already generous) ‘sweetspot’. An experience for true
connoisseurs.”
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© Göbel High End 2007 - 090518 Press_Review.indd.pdf - last modified: 12.06.2012

®
HIGH END
Patented Loudspeakers & Cables made in Germany.
Hifi Test Design Edition (03/2004)
“(...) Thanks to the isocronic and in phase dispersion characteristics of the bending wave panel, the Detaille S indulges you with
an accurate impulse performance, very good fine dynamic as well as an outstanding resolution. (...) therefore the Detaille S does
not restrict its auditorium to one exact spot. (...) the almost unbroken integration of the sub-frequent sound base with the remaining,
light as a feather, untainted and spatially generous sound characteristics. (...) the Detaille S confirms previous experience
with bending wave loudspeakers: they make completely stress-free, long-term listening possible. Fortunately this loudspeaker
doesn’t like to be the centre of attention - the Detaille S would rather let the music do the talking. Well done for this
successful debut!”
What Hifi? (08/2005)
“It is only 109.3 cm tall and its shape is very unusual for a loudspeaker. But you will be enchanted by its sound. (...) It doesn’t
need much space. One thing is for sure though, this piece of equipment will transform your living room into a world of sound
you have never experienced before. (...) The sound of Jheena’s voice is weightless and untainted by any background noise, and
the accompanying instruments are separated from one another and clearly audible. Notice the ‘light’ voice and the pure, woody
reverb of the guitar.
(...) Combine the loudspeaker with the Detaille C compact speaker and the Detaille Sub subwoofer to enjoy the latest films or
music. Wow.... I promise the sound will make your walls shake! (...) The music detaches itself from the speakers completely and
appears weightless. This allows you to locate individual voices and instruments on the soundstage.”
Bayerischer Rundfunk (national television) - business magazine “Profile” (05/2007)
He is no more than 30 years old, but Oliver Göbel from Alling already attracts the experts’ attention with a brandnew loudspeaker
system for listeners with highest demands. Not only the design is exceptional, but also the technology inside. For that matter,
the young engineer breaks new ground. He follows the principles of instrumental sound production which has the advantage
that the tones sound exceptionally natural. His loudspeakers have a surface on the frontside that is made of various layers of a
special kind of wood.
This surface produce the sound, similar to a violin. He patented the manufacturing process and produces only in small series,
because many customers have specific wishes. (...) His innovation is popular. Not only in Germany, but also in Japan, China and
Russia. And many music enthusiasts are willing to spend much money for good sound. (...)
A satisfied customer is essential for the young businessman. Therefore a good service is very important for him. For example,
the setting up of the loudspeakers is free of charge. He or his employees spend many hours to set up the loudspeaker system
for a perfect sound performance.
Before he went into business for himself four years ago, he was employed as developer at Siemens. But there he saw
too little prospects for himself and his ideas. Oliver Göbel: “Of course, I had a reliable job at Siemens, but I was unhappy. I had
a dream, I wanted to create the best loudspeaker worldwide. That wasn’t possible within the bounds of Siemens. That is why I
decided to start my own business. And now “it rocks”... Young businessmen with ideas that sound well, is what Germany needs.
© Göbel High End 2007 - 090518 Press_Review.indd.pdf - last modified: 12.06.2012
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®
HIGH END
Patented Loudspeakers & Cables made in Germany.
AZ (05/2006)
“(...) Breathtaking even for laymen: the spatial characteristics of the Detaille sound. Guitars on the left, percussion in the back
and the singer in the foreground - the musicians appear to be standing in front of the listeners even if they are not located
between the loudspeakers.”
Deutsche Handwerks Zeitung (22/2004)
“(...) The high frequencies are clear and without distortion“ (...) The high frequencies are clear and without distortion, each
instrument sounds out individually and separated, so that a stage appears in your mind’s eye. (...) And one thing is for sure:
For sound AND design aesthetics this loudspeaker is a must!”
© Göbel High End 2007 - 090518 Press_Review.indd.pdf - last modified: 12.06.2012
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