PR-01 Tube Pre-Amplifier Winner of German Design Award Gold 2023

Sound transformed into matter

In the world of audio equipment, design is often limited to the front only. With the high-end tube amplifiers for Swiss audio manufacturer Zeiler Audio we took a different approach. Here, all elements from the controls to the smallest functional details inside the enclosures have been formally defined. We emphasized typical Swiss design maxims such as objectivity and formal timelessness.

We are proud to have won the highest distinction from the German Design Council: The German Design Award Gold for the PR-01!

The jury's statement reads: "The PR-01 amplifier impresses with its high quality in both craftsmanship and aesthetically pleasing design. The superior, minimalist look conveys a strong identity and emphasizes the passion and understanding for outstanding design that is embedded in this product!"

Industrial Design by FOND for Zeiler Audio

Ralf Zeiler has spent decades perfecting tube amplifiers to create an emotional and meaningful listening experience. His approach matches our design philosophy at FOND, which prioritizes how things affect people, not just technical specs. We've been working with Ralf since 2019 to bring his vision to life, giving it form, expression and shape. We are really proud of the results of this journey – the pre amp PR-01 and power amp PA-01.

Early in the project we made the decision to mill the enclosures of the amps from solid aluminum blocks. The technical specifications of CNC milling technology were translated into a formal vocabulary. Based on optimal manufacturability, this formal language allows us to reconcile the very demanding audio requirements with a unique and consistent look and feel across the entire product family.

«In FOND Design, I found the perfect partner for the task of embodying my ambition: to create a listening experience that engages all of the senses.»

Ralf Zeiler · Founder, CEO · Zeiler Audio

Following Ralf Zeiler's philosophy that it is all about the sensual listening experience and not about technology, the devices should appear very restrained. We imagined the amplifier as a black hole, an original void in the musical space. The typical matte black color and the unique, velvety finish are the result of anodic oxidation. The devices radiate restraint and power at the same time.

How do you design for manufacturing?: All in all, design for manufacturing is a combination of creativity and practicality, with a focus on optimizing the design for efficiency, cost effectiveness and quality without sacrificing usability and aesthetics.

Considerations include using 3D CAD software, consulting with manufacturers (find someone local), selecting appropriate materials, designing for ease of assembly, optimizing part size and shape, designing for manufacturing fixtures and tolerances, and prototyping and testing to refine the design.

Client

Zeiler Audio

Designers

Philipp Bühler, Dominic Sturm

Services

Industrial Design

Stories

Design for manufacturing

In the world of audio equipment, design is often limited to the front of the device. This is different with the high-end audio tube amplifiers FOND designed for the Swiss manufacturer Zeiler Audio. Here, all elements from the controls to the smallest functional details inside the enclosure have also been formally defined. In addition to typical Swiss design maxims such as objectivity and formal timelessness, we consequently designed for manufacturing to achieve an aesthetic and consistent design.

Read full article

Back to work