Transparent

Name: Transparent
Brand: Sweden
Availability: OutOfStock

since 2014 : The Swedish Brand Redefining Speakers as Design Objects

Transparent was founded in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2014 by Per Brickstad, Magnus Wiberg, and Martin Willers. The three founders came from different professional backgrounds: industrial design, product development, and venture building, but shared the same frustration: the electronics industry was dominated by disposable products with intentionally short lifespans.

They envisioned a company that would merge timeless design with sustainability. Instead of creating tech that becomes outdated after a few years, Transparent wanted to design products that could evolve with time. The inspiration came partly from Scandinavian furniture and architecture, objects built to last generations, and partly from the belief that technology should be modular, repairable, and upgradeable.

Their debut concept, the Transparent Speaker, was first launched through a Kickstarter campaign. It immediately captured global attention, not only for its striking glass-and-aluminium design but also for its pioneering promise: a speaker that could last a lifetime.

about transparent

Transparent is today recognized as one of the most innovative audio brands in the world, bridging sound engineering, interior design, and sustainability. Unlike conventional speaker brands that prioritize performance at the expense of form, Transparent treats its products as furniture pieces, minimal, timeless, and versatile enough to sit in a design-conscious living room, a gallery, or even a fashion boutique.

The transparent casing is more than an aesthetic choice: it symbolizes the brand’s commitment to honesty and openness. Every cable, driver, and screw is visible, underscoring the belief that tech should not hide behind plastic shells but instead reveal its engineering and materials proudly.

Products

Transparent Speaker (Full-Size)

A bold statement piece crafted from tempered glass panels and a solid aluminium frame. With dual full-range drivers, a dedicated woofer, and DSP-controlled tuning, it delivers deep, room-filling sound while functioning as a design centrepiece.

Small Transparent Speaker

A more compact version, offering the same clarity and modular build in a smaller footprint, perfect for urban apartments or paired stereo setups.

Light Speaker (2021)

A portable lantern-like speaker with a glass dome and flickering LED light that mimics firelight. Its appeal is atmospheric, combining ambient lighting with music for outdoor gatherings and intimate spaces.

Brutalist Speaker (2024)

A departure from the glass aesthetic, this model embraces architectural Brutalism, constructed from 70% recycled aluminium. Standing at over 23 inches tall, with a side-mounted woofer and dual tweeters, it offers high-resolution audio (24-bit/192kHz) and full Wi-Fi streaming compatibility (AirPlay 2, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect).

Permanent Collection

Wall-mounted transparent speakers designed for professional and architectural integration, blurring the line between art installation and audio equipment.

Premium Materials

Aluminium and tempered glass ensure durability and a refined finish uncommon in electronics.

Modularity

Every component can be removed, repaired, or upgraded. Transparent sells future-ready modules (Wi-Fi streaming, connectivity upgrades).

Audio Engineering

Despite the minimalist design, the speakers boast audiophile-grade clarity, tuned with advanced DSP to balance powerful bass with detailed mids and highs.

Circular Design

Transparent is one of the few brands to publish carbon impact data for each product and integrate recycled materials into production.

why transparent

Transparent’s philosophy is rooted in circularity, a commitment to designing products that stay in use rather than end up in landfills. Unlike competitors, they don’t release new models yearly to drive replacement. Instead, they focus on creating platforms that customers can keep for decades.

Circular Tech Pioneer

Aiming to be the world’s first fully circular electronics company.

Scandinavian Minimalism

A design language that complements interiors rather than dominating them.

Transparency in Practice

From visible engineering to public carbon footprint disclosures, they embody openness.

Cross-Industry Influence

Their work sits as comfortably in design museums as in audio stores, earning them credibility across tech, fashion, and architecture.

Brand Highlights

Transparent has earned international recognition for its forward-thinking approach to design and technology. The brand has been awarded prestigious prizes such as the Wallpaper Design Award and has been prominently featured in leading publications including Vogue, Wired, and Highsnobiety. These accolades have cemented its reputation not only as an audio company but also as a cultural innovator that resonates with design, fashion, and art audiences alike.

Collaboration has also become a defining aspect of Transparent’s story. In 2023, the brand partnered with Paris-based fashion label Coperni to debut a “speaker jacket” during Paris Fashion Week, showcasing how modular technology can merge seamlessly with couture. More recently, the launch of the Brutalist Speaker in 2024, constructed from recycled aluminium and priced at $4,000, signaled a bold move into collectible design objects. At the same time, Transparent has continued to lead in sustainability transparency, publishing lifecycle impact data for each product and positioning itself as one of the few tech brands openly committed to circular design.