jerome spriet + wolfgang bregentzer: acoustable
‘acoustable’ combines coffee table and sound system into one product
alone or with others, for work or for play, music has long provided the right ambiance for our daily living spaces, and the ubiquitous coffee table has long provided a convenient location for everything from study sessions to meals to conversation.
designed by belgian designers jérôme spriet and wolfgang bregentzer as a way to integrate music more seamlessly into daily life, the ‘acoustable‘ coffee table hides in its frame a teac sound system, creating a multifunctional centerpoint to the room.
usb adaptors can be extended from within the table to port easily into computers, iPods, and phones
from the exterior, none of the table’s technical components are visible
measuring four feet (120cm) in diameter and composed of polymer concrete, the form of ‘acoustable’ is generated by the tension of a circular elastic sheet when pulled to three points to create the table’s legs. from the outside, none of the device’s technical elements are visible.
‘acoustable’ in use
the sound system itself, nestled in polypropylene foam between the table’s base and top surface, is composed of teac speakers, woofer, and stereo amplifier with usb and ipod connection ports. a remote extender increases the range at which the device’s remote control can be used.
the assembly process of ‘acoustable’: the table consists of a base shell and a top surface, between which is placed a foam core that holds the sound system
left: the design team smoothes the device’s interior surface during production
right: shell of the base piece, with legs formed
schematic diagrams of the table: top view of full (far left); detail of interior foam casing (left); side view of full (right)
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fantastic!
really good idea
I doubt the acoustics are any good. You will get very heavy bass as that is omni-directional. From the looks of it the highs will come out at knee height and maybe go down. If you a highly reflective floor you will get reflected highs which isn’t great. If you have a rug, you won’t get many highs/mids at all.
However — very few people have a good acoustic ear anyway, so go for it!
Hi Lucas,
Of course we won’t discuss audiophilie here.
I just need to say that one of the adventages of the system we elected is that it has a dynamic self amplified subwoofer with an independant volume, so you can adapt the basses (needing reflexion) with your ear, space and neighbors.
The mid and highs are oriented for a 360° diffusion all around the table.
Thanks for your interest.
…a nice fusion of ready-made, middle-fi components…although not really a lot of ‘design’ as such. probably suit music ‘consumers’ down to the ground …er,…floor! not particularly exciting for music ‘listeners’, however: lacking in fidelity, sound stage etc. …..an apparently nicely-finished item, well placed for the current i-pod mentality……probably sell well- good luck with it!!
Keep one for me, I absolutely need this accoustable!
I’m the owner of the first accoustable…! I enjoy it every day: super design with nice sound.
Wow. Please tell me these are going into production so I can buy one! 😀
The idea is amazing, really. There’s just one thing I think has not crossed anyone’s mind yet: how does the sound system power itself? If this means I’ll have to deal with a lengthy cord that comes off the leg, than that’s a resounding no for me…unless they’ve designed a wireless charging device/adaptor to come with said table, then we’re in business!