Braun L810

Loud, bold, and heavy is how I would describe my first impression of the Braun L810 loudspeakers. Manufactured by the Braun works in Frankfurt Germany during the economic upswing of the post-war era, nothing about the L810 is easy. And if you thought, like me, they would simply be a larger version of the L480, you’re in for a surprise. 

[Listening in Progress. Full review coming up.]

Specifications

• Type: 3-way, free-standing speaker
• Original floorstand: Braun LF 700 (tilted)
• Construction: Sealed (acoustic suspension)
• Power handling: 50 watts (DIN nominal)
• Power sensitivity: 94.5 dB (1W/1m)
• Nominal impedance: 4 Ohms
• Woofer: 2x 21mm paper cone (Type LC 20/3)
• Midrange: 50 mm soft dome (15x15cm, Type LC5)
• Tweeter: 25mm soft dome (14x14cm, Type LC 3)
• Frequency response: ~ 20 Hz - 25,000 Hz
• Crossover frequencies: 550 / 4,000 Hz
• Dimensions: (H) 65cm × (W) 26cm × (D) 28cm
• Weight: 22 kg, each speaker
• Cabinet exterior and Finish: real walnut
• Front grille: perforated metal, sliver/grey
• Design philosophy: Dieter Rams, reduced form
• Country of manufacture: Frankfurt, Germany
• Year(s): 1969 - 1972 varying configurations

Dieter Rams

was born in Wiesbaden, Germany in 1932. He is known as the jack of all trades who gave direction to the famous Braun design from the 50s to well beyond the 1980s: Rams who initially started out as carpenter, went on to study architecture and became a notable furniture and interior designer before he joined Braun to contribute to some of the companies acclaimed designs. Rams joined the Frankfurt-based consumer electronics maker in 1955 and went on to become the company’s chief designer, a position he retained until retirement.

Sometimes christened “Mr. Braun” by the company’s advertising, Rams strictly maintained a design philosophy that had been laid out for Braun by Fritz Eichler, Hans Gugelot (lecturer at the Hochschule für Gestaltung, Ulm), as well as Herbert Hirche and Wilhelm Wagenfeld (both former Bauhaus scholars). Their design philosophy was most notable for its reduced form and user-friendliness, the combination of which made Braun highly attractive as a consumer brand from the mid 1950s. Rams has been quoted as saying: “Indifference towards people and the reality in which they live is actually the one and only cardinal sin in design."

To assure the continuation of great design, Rams developed a list of characteristics coined “Ten Principles of Good Design”. These are: innovation, usefulness, aesthetics, usability, unobtrusiveness, honesty, longevity, thoroughness, environmental friendliness throughout the product lifecycle. All principles sound strikingly modern and are found in consumer goods from Apple iPhones to Tesla cars.

Braun AG was sold to The Gillette Company in 1967, which in turn was acquired by Proctor & Gamble in 2005. P&G kept up the production of Braun groomers and shavers—the company’s bread and butter business since 1949—while small household appliances holding the Braun name are manufactured by De’Longhi since 2012.

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