Discover Reykjavik, Helsinki and Oslo
Bluetooth, rechargeable battery, style. We are excited to have discovered the Vifa range which allows us to share with you a new up-market design. One that is technically more advanced than other Bluetooth speakers we’ve dealt with, resulting in overall better performance for you to enjoy at home or away.
The Vifa portable range begins with the Reykjavik
Primeval, yet at the height of modernity, the atavistic Reykjavik design evokes time-worn stones found at the head of mountainous streams. As with the whole range, Reykjavik is the antithesis of ordinary Hifi. This is a 21st century speaker. Pod-like and just 6.5cm high, Reykjavik is mobile so you can comfortably carry it with you or even hang it up. The vegetable tanned leather strap gives Reykjavik the look of just having landed. Made with robust materials Reykjavik will live a long life. It is pleasurable to handle with a rubberised base that rests safely on all surfaces. You’ll love the sensuousness of the indented buttons for operation by touch. Choose from two distinctive looks – the light grey version which has a top section of custom made Kvadrat textile, or the black, with a top of anodised aluminium. Vifa has paid attention to all the fine detail. On the black finish even the holes in the aluminium grill evoke geometric art as light captures design that delights the eye. The ‘pollop’ sounds from the on/off – mode button are nothing short of cute.
Reykjavik is no ‘me-too’ bluetooth speaker. This little gem of engineering will marvel you with its sound. Every element of its design serves purpose and we are not the only ones who understand this. Slinky Studio cast their critical eyes and ears over Raykjavik concluding, “We would definitely recommend the Reykjavik speaker to anyone looking for an ‘on-the-fly’ rich audio listening experience. The competition in this arena is fierce, and whilst this is no doubt a premium entry due to its design, that is exactly why it’s a good speaker choice if you want a 360º experience that no other design we’ve tested in this arena promotes at such a level.”
‘Reykjavik’ NZ $449 
- Lavastone Anodised Aluminium or Sandstone Grey Kvadrat Textile finishes. (other finish available on special order Ice Cave Blue (Aluminum).
- Comes with a travel bag and USB cable
- Bluetooth
- Lithium Ion battery
- .6 kg
- 65mm high x 139mm in diameter
- Digital Signal Processing
Neodymium is a rare earth element which enables Vifa to build small but powerful magnets for the drive units. So that despite its size Reykjavik does contain proper Hifi speakers. The specially designed single woofer produces both right and left channels. The fast and responsive soft-dome tweeters are positioned for stereo imagery and omni-directional sound – hence the rounded shape.
Combined, these advanced technologies produce a very high quality sound from a compact unit. So you can see that Vifa are maintaining the high standards that has built their reputation – even with the most affordable of their range.
Modern functionality
Reykjavik is inconspicuous and will be your intimate friend. The 360 degree sound it puts out permeates space without being a focal point. This also makes it ideal for outdoor or open air situations. A fully functional Speakerphone means you can take calls whether your phone is with you or inside the house. The three connection and playback options – Bluetooth, AUX 3.5 mini-jack and USB, give you flexibility in accessing sources. Vifa have carefully chosen the type of Lithium-ion batteries for power, long-life and eco-friendliness.
Experience Vifa, choose your style – Oslo or Helsinki
Vifa has taken their place in the design world by being winners in product design awards, including the prestigious ‘redot’ – in 2014 with Copenhagen, 2016 with ‘Helsinki’ and in 2017 with ‘Oslo.’
Helsinki and Oslo are attractively tactile with soft curves, satin aluminium frames (one-piece diecast), and textured wool covers. The operational details are delightfully subtle and a pleasure to use. On the front right corner are three simple circles in a column. On the top a mode light quietly shines through the fabric. In very elegant styling that we’ve not seen on anything else, are two encircled arrows embroidered onto the fabric for volume up and down. The simple ‘vifa’ brand is stylishly stamped into place. That’s all you see.
At the back a small section within the covering is a soft-touch, multi-function on-off/mode button.There’s an AC connection for charging the battery or running from the power, and a 3.5 input for playing sources via cable.
‘Helsinki’ NZ $849
There is clearly a touch of the feminine about Helsinki. If ever there was a couture piece of Hifi this is it. Dior-esque in its style, Helsinki is designed to be a long-lasting companion traveling through life, bringing your music with you. Included with Helsinki is a detachable luxury leather strap crafted by Swedish firm Tärnsjö Garveri – and like the Kvadrat wool fabric, that’s a story in itself. Highly refined, Helsinki is not only a joy to listen to but to a joy behold. As ‘truly net’ say Helsinki’s ‘chic’ styling does not fit preconceived ideas of bluetooth, boom box speakers, and that its sound is “warmer, airier, and better-balanced.” Choose your own from the three available finishes.
- Willow Green, Dusty Rose and Sandstone Grey finishes (other finishes available on special order – Slate Black, Misty Blue)
- Strap: Chromefree environmentally friendly leather
- 3.5mm mini jack cable included
- Dimensions: 156 mm /210 mm/70 mm
- Optional Long Strap NZ$90
- Bluetooth aptX
- NFC pairing
- DSP signal processing
- Lithium Ion battery
- Force balanced woofers
- 1.4 kg
‘Oslo’ NZ $1,249
Oslo’s audio technology replicates that of Helsinki but with larger drivers optimised with purpose. Oslo is a way life and seen through the eyes of art director and magazine maker Mikal Strøm, is a city that inspires. ‘Oslo’ the speaker is perfectly proportioned, sensuously tactile yet reassuringly durable. Its music can fill a large room. You’ll be stunned at the deep sound that emanates from this speaker, belying its size. No matter where in the room you place it Oslo will always sound like music should. And it looks the part whatever the setting, and Oslo will always share your vibe. Lesley Shiprio from Sound&Vision agrees saying “I am…completely smitten with the Oslo… It’s uniquely stylish, massively overbuilt, and the sound is amazing. I am in love with the Oslo.”
- Pebble Grey, Anthracite Grey, Mountain Blue, Pine Green and Sand Yellow finishes (other finishes available on special order –
Ocean Blue, Ice Blue, Slate Black) - 3.5mm mini jack cable and travel bag included
- Bluetooth aptX
- NFC pairing
- DSP signal processing
- Lithium Ion battery
- Force balanced woofers
- 2.4 kg
- Dimensions: 268 mm/181 mm/90 mm
Everything about the Vifa speakers call out to their premium description. Mostly especially their subtle design and obvious sound quality. The construction is, without a doubt, high end. They are reassuringly solid and stand with stability; yet are light enough to comfortably carry. Which Vifa is for you? Contact us for advice.
Click here for Carolijn’s personal take on Vifa. Link through to Vifa’s facebook page for reviews have accumulated, or indulge in the imagery on Vifa’s Instagram.
