Video: Naim, Focal launch brilliant audio range in collaboration with Bentley
As part of the collaboration, design and audio specialists from all three companies have worked together to develop two exclusive new products: the Naim Mu-so for Bentley Special Edition wireless speaker system, and Focal for Bentley Radiance headphones.
This brilliant new project extends the close partnership, formed in 2008, between Bentley Motors and Naim Audio.
Expert engineers from both brands work together on optimised Naim for Bentley systems for every Bentley model, delivering the ultimate in-car audio experience.
Another fundamental partnership is that of Focal and Naim: unified companies since 2011, combining 88 years of audio expertise to craft class-leading music players, systems, loudspeakers and headphones.
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Check out the brilliant new collaboration between Naim, Focal and Bentley in the video above
Now the renowned quality and performance of all three brands are brought together to enhance the users listening and lifestyle.
“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 Naim Audio Managing Director, Charlie Henderson. “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.”
The Naim Mu-so for Bentley Special Edition and Focal for Bentley Radiance headphones join the Bentley Collection: a carefully chosen selection of products, each with its own unique identity.
Every item in the collection embodies the essence of the Bentley marque – unparalleled craftsmanship of the very best quality luxury materials and incredible attention to detail.
Stylish: the Naim Mu-so for Bentley Special Edition and Focal for Bentley Radiance headphones
Both products feature distinctive Bentley design cues. The colour accents directly reference interior and exterior styling aspects of the stunning Bentley Mulliner Bacalar, itself inspired by the design DNA of the award-winning EXP 100 GT electric concept car.
A recurring lattice pattern on both products is inspired by Bentley’s iconic diamond seat quilting, which is echoed in other new Bentley design elements, including headlight designs.
“Bentley and Naim are celebrating the 12th year of a successful partnership founded on unrivalled quality and a passion to create the ultimate customer experience,” says Member of the Board: Sales and Marketing at Bentley Motors, Chris Craft.
“The world’s most powerful in-car sound system available in the market heightens Bentley’s extraordinary drive with music that speaks to the heart. The new Mu-so system extends that experience and enjoyment from our cars to the home, delivering peerless sound performance and enhancing the lifestyle of Bentley’s discerning customers.”
The Naim Mu-so for Bentley Special Edition and Focal for Bentley Radiance headphones are some of the most premium audio products on the market
This is a unique edition of Naim’s multi-Award-winning Mu-so 2nd Generation: a wireless speaker system that offers authentic audio expertise blended with the latest music-streaming technology, exquisite build quality, delightful usability and even the ability to transform TV sound. The powerful Naim Mu-so can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a multi-room system, all with easy App control.
This Special Edition is the first ever Naim Mu-so to feature a wooden finish. It is crafted from Ayous, a sustainable African hardwood, which is then expertly stained and repeatedly lacquered to give a dramatic, dark finish unique to this system. Other standout features include an exclusive smoked plinth, copper-threaded speaker grille and the signature Bentley lattice design surrounding the tactile volume dial, which illuminates to the users touch.
The Focal for Bentley Radiance headphones are set to be popular with luxury audio lovers
Created, developed and made in France, Radiance headphones are a closed-back design that incorporate a combination of the best Focal technologies and high-quality materials. They share the sonic signature of the Naim Mu-so, for a consistently excellent musical experience anywhere.
Every aspect is optimised for a luxurious listening experience. For example, Radiance earcups are finished in soft, breathable Pittards gloving leather, for incredible comfort. Pittards has been crafting leather in Somerset since 1826, with its ultra-soft yet durable designs used by everyone from fashion houses to round-the-world yacht racers and the military; Spitfire pilots wore Pittards gloves.
Focal for Bentley Radiance headphones can be enjoyed at home or on the move. They come beautifully packaged, complete with extras including a bespoke carry case, finished in the same woven material featured on the speaker grille of the Naim Mu-so for Bentley Special Edition.
Further Bentley styling cues include the copper accents, while the recurring lattice pattern is showcased on the earcups, the cable connections and on the underside of their sumptuous padded headband.
Expect fantastic attention to detail with the Focal for Bentley Radiance headphones
The products were a true collaboration between all three brands: the teams explored new methods and materials to authentically extend those Bentley styling cues to the Focal and Naim products, while ensuring a consistent, top-class musical experience.
“The copper seen within the Naim Mu-so for Bentley Special Edition was inspired by the exterior metal brightwork of the EXP 100 GT, and represents Bentley’s move towards more sustainable materials for the future,” says Stefan Sielaff, Director of Design at Bentley.
“This theme was mirrored through the weave of the front mesh as a highlight and can be seen in the anodised, machined veins at the back.
“The etching on the ‘dial plate’ takes the form of a progressive diamond which elegantly grows out from the centre and is a nod to Bentley’s diamond-in-diamond interior quilting from the new Continental GT.”
Simon Matthews, Group Director of Design for Focal and Naim, adds: “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. We have blended sustainable materials with innovative technology to develop these unique audio products the user can enjoy at home or on the move.”
Naim Mu-so for Bentley Special Edition and Focal for Bentley Radiance headphones are on sale from October
Naim Mu-so for Bentley Special Edition and Focal for Bentley Radiance will be available from October via BusiSoft AV (and its authorized dealers) and Bentley retailers, and direct from Focal, Naim and Bentley web stores.
In Australia, retail pricing will be AU$3,700 for the Naim Mu-so for Bentley Special Edition, and AU$2,000 for the Focal for Bentley Radiance. Limited stock is available.