Bookshelf Speakers — Blumenhofer Acoustics Mini

The Mini is the smallest two-way box from Blumenhofer Acoustics, the German loudspeaker company Thomas Blumenhofer started in 1977 and with development and production sited near Munich, inside the natural park of the western forests around Augsburg. Before that, Blumenhofer spent more than 20 years in commercial and concert audio with the firm Blumenhofer & Schraub, and Andrea Vitali came in as second owner in 2001. The brand now sells through distributors in 15 countries. The Mini has a long history in the catalogue and has appeared under other names, including Satellite Mini. After several years out of the range it was brought back on 27 January 2014, then in a standard version and a Special Edition, and the company says both were designed to match valve amplifiers. Blumenhofer lists it alongside the larger Tempesta Bookshelf in its compact category.

Key specs that matter

A 25 mm silk dome tweeter is paired with a 10 cm paper woofer, and the crossover sits at 6,000 Hz. Blumenhofer rates the frequency range at 60 Hz to 20 kHz within plus or minus 2 dB, the sensitivity at 88 dB and the nominal impedance at 6 ohm. Maximum power input is 60 W RMS. The cabinet measures 280 x 140 x 270 mm, and each speaker weighs 5 kg. A single pair of gold-plated brass terminals accepts one speaker cable, so there is no bi-wiring option.

Engineering and use context

Cabinet walls are 19 mm MDF, and the box is tuned as a reflex enclosure venting through a port at the back. With the woofer carrying everything below the crossover, the tweeter is used only for the top octaves, and the whole speaker works as a simple two-driver system with one crossover point. Walnut veneer is the standard finish. Dark Walnut, White Opaque and Black Opaque are available as special finishes, and Maple, Cherry, Oak, Satin White and Satin Black can be made on request. The company points out that real wood varies in colour and grain from one set to the next. A three-year warranty applies, and an instruction manual is offered through the Blumenhofer support area.

Pairing

Blumenhofer states that the Mini is the only speaker in its class that a valve amplifier can drive, so a modest valve integrated amplifier is a partner the maker explicitly supports. Solid-state amplifiers also suit it, as long as their power does not exceed the Mini's rated maximum input.

Alternatives

The Blumenhofer Tempesta Bookshelf is a larger two-way option with a 1 inch compression driver, a 17 cm woofer, 90 dB sensitivity and a 480 x 220 x 320 mm cabinet.