Robert Auer of Auer Acoustics isn’t just selling loudspeakers—he’s curating a lifestyle. A shrewd furniture designer, Auer showcased his holistic vision at the Munich show, integrating his Mr. Auer Chair ($110, prices approximate when converted from Euros) and Auer Acoustics Panzerholz Rack ($5700) into his sound system. His website [robertauer.com] further blurs the lines, offering everything from recipes to kitchen solutions and even a custom trolley for his signature chair. This approach transcends audio, offering an entire, well-appointed existence.
At the Munich show, Auer’s system featured a Pink Faun 2.16 Ultra Streamer ($36,000), a Master Fidelity NADAC D DAC ($29,500), and a Master Fidelity NADAC C clock ($36,000), all connected via an Innuos PhoenixNET Network Switch ($4800). Soulution 701+ power amplifiers ($179,900/pair) powered his acoustic-suspension Auer Acoustics Versura V4 loudspeakers ($48,750/pair). The room’s walls were lined with the company’s “Space Optimization” acoustic treatment slats, crafted from German Spessart oak and BASF Basotect.
The V4 loudspeakers, part of Auer’s five-speaker lineup, are constructed from high-density Panzerholz, a pressed wood claimed to deliver lifelike timbres without bloated bass. The driver array includes a 34mm (1 1/3") beryllium tweeter, a 5" midrange, a 7" bass/midrange driver, and a side-mounted 12" bass driver. The speaker boasts a sensitivity of 90dB (2.83V/1m) at nominal 8ohms impedance.
Completing the setup was a full loom of Crystal Cable Monet cabling, a Stromtank S-2500-Quantum ($30,000), and a Stromtank S-5000 HighPower MK-II ($31,500).
I asked Auer about the engineering choices behind his Versura V4 loudspeaker. He began his explanation with “the most important driver, the midrange driver, which covers the range from 200Hz to 3000Hz. It is crucial as it determines everything; there are no transitions in this range. I chose a small diameter 5" midrange driver to harmoniously integrate the transition to the high-frequency range with the radiation characteristics. The tweeter has a diameter of 34mm—unusually large for a tweeter.”
Below the 5" midrange driver is a 7" driver, which Auer says is “actually a woofer that can quickly reproduce the midbass range. In the V4 model, below 70Hz, a side-mounted subwoofer gives the low-bass range the necessary authority. My subwoofers, woofers, and midrange drivers all use paper membranes. Each material has its own sound characteristics. Personally, I find paper to be the most natural.”
The internal wiring employs van den Hul CS-12 cables, while the crossovers feature components from Mundorf and Jantzen. A solid base plate with a three-point ceramic ball mounting and WBT silver binding terminals complete the build.
During the audition, I heard no grating highs or flabby lows—just a full, unblemished signal that effortlessly escaped the heavy Panzerholz cabinets.
The V4 loudspeakers, part of Auer’s five-speaker lineup, are constructed from high-density Panzerholz, a pressed wood claimed to deliver lifelike timbres without bloated bass. The driver array includes a 34mm (1 1/3") beryllium tweeter, a 5" midrange, a 7" bass/midrange driver, and a side-mounted 12" bass driver. The speaker boasts a sensitivity of 90dB (2.83V/1m) at nominal 8ohms impedance.
