Introducing Aretai: Latvian Excellence in High-End Audio, Supported by Mugen Links at Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2025
- Mugen Links
- Jun 1
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 10
We are proud to support Aretai, an exceptional Latvian company that masterfully blends ancient philosophy, cutting-edge acoustic engineering, and timeless design to create high-end loudspeakers. Named after the Ancient Greek word for “virtue,” Aretai embodies excellence and noble human qualities in every product they craft. Their Contra Collection, inspired by the poetic “Northern Sound” concept, has already earned international acclaim, including the prestigious Red Dot Design Award in 2022.
Ahead of Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2025, we had the opportunity to sit down with Edgars Zvirgzdins and Jānis Irbe, the two minds behind Aretai, to explore their philosophy, design approach, and vision for the future of audio and interior lifestyle. Here is our engaging conversation with the creators behind these remarkable speakers.
Interview with Aretai
The name “Aretai” comes from the Ancient Greek word for “virtue,” symbolizing excellence and noble qualities. How does this philosophy shape your team’s approach to product design and company culture?
Jānis: At Aretai, virtue is more than just a name—it’s the foundation of everything we do. It means striving for excellence and integrity at every stage, from the initial sketch to the final assembly. This philosophy pushes us to uphold the highest standards, ensuring that each loudspeaker reflects our commitment to quality and honest craftsmanship. We want our customers to experience the best we can offer, and that starts with living our values every day.
Your Contra Collection captures the essence of the “Northern Sound,” evoking the crisp freshness of a winter morning in nature. How do you translate such a poetic idea into the technical and design aspects of your speakers?
Jānis: The Northern Sound is our guiding inspiration—it’s about clarity, purity, and a sense of immersive presence, much like stepping outside on a frosty morning and breathing in the fresh air.
Technically, we focus on creating a wide, natural soundstage with precise time alignment, deep and punchy bass, and low-distortion drivers that reveal every musical nuance. Our advanced waveguide technology and carefully tuned crossovers evoke a feeling of openness and airiness, similar to being outdoors.
Design-wise, we use natural materials and finishes that reflect the understated elegance and tranquility of Northern environments. This ensures each speaker is not only a sonic masterpiece but also a visual embodiment of this poetic concept.
The Contra Collection won the Red Dot Design Award in 2022. What design principles and craftsmanship elements do you believe helped your speakers stand out in such a competitive field?
Edgars: Winning the Red Dot Award was a great affirmation of our belief that form and function must work in harmony. Our design principles focus on simplicity, elegance, and purpose. We emphasize clean lines, balanced proportions, and refined finishes so the speakers complement any living space without overpowering it.
Craftsmanship is at the heart of what we do. Each speaker is meticulously crafted and assembled in Europe, combining precision technology with hand-finished details. For example, our Contra cabinets are built with no visible screws, creating a seamless, flawless look.
On the acoustic side, proprietary waveguides and carefully tuned crossovers ensure that the exterior beauty matches the exceptional sound performance inside. This synergy distinguishes Aretai in the high-end audio world and creates a memorable experience for our users.
How do you balance the technical demands of high-end audio engineering with the aesthetic requirements of timeless interior design?
Edgars: True luxury, in our view, lies in balance and harmony. Our design and engineering teams collaborate closely from the earliest stages of development. Every technical decision considers both performance and aesthetics.
We embrace minimalist forms and offer customizability so our speakers blend seamlessly into diverse interiors. At the same time, we never compromise on sonic integrity—no aesthetic choice undermines audio quality.
We also experiment with finishes, such as metal powder coatings on waveguides that develop a unique patina over time. This integrated approach lets us deliver products that satisfy both the ear and the eye.
Sustainability is increasingly important in product development. How does Aretai incorporate environmental responsibility into its philosophy and manufacturing?
Jānis: Sustainability is a core value at Aretai. We recognize our responsibility to the environment and future generations, which influences every aspect of our work.
We use FSC-certified wood, RoHS-compliant components, and fully recyclable packaging to minimize our ecological footprint without compromising quality. Longevity is another key aspect—we design products to last for generations, not for fast consumption.
For us, sustainability is not a trend but a commitment to ethical craftsmanship and a fundamental part of the virtue that defines our brand.
With technology and design becoming more integrated in modern interiors, how do you see high-end audio products like Aretai’s speakers contributing to the ambiance and lifestyle of contemporary homes?
Jānis: We designed Aretai loudspeakers to be more than just audio equipment—they are integral elements of a thoughtfully curated living space. By combining bespoke technology with timeless design, our speakers enhance any room’s ambiance, offering both aesthetic refinement and immersive sound.
They fit modern lifestyles where technology blends seamlessly into daily life, supporting everything from focused listening to social gatherings. Our waveguides extend the sweet spot beyond just two seats, covering a larger area horizontally and vertically—so even your pets can enjoy the music!
The Future of High-End Audio and Design
Aretai’s story is one of passion, precision, and purpose. Rooted in the timeless ideal of virtue, this Latvian brand goes beyond simply making loudspeakers—they craft experiences that resonate deeply with both the ear and the eye. Their commitment to excellence shines through every detail, from the choice of sustainable materials to the innovative acoustic engineering that brings the “Northern Sound” to life.
What makes Aretai truly stand out is their holistic approach. They don’t just design products; they create harmonious pieces that belong in the modern home, enhancing not only sound quality but also the atmosphere and lifestyle of their users. Their speakers are a testament to how technology and design can coexist beautifully, enriching everyday moments with clarity, elegance, and authenticity.
As Mugen Links prepares to support Aretai at Interior Lifestyle Tokyo 2025, we are excited to share their vision with a broader audience. This collaboration highlights the growing importance of thoughtful craftsmanship and sustainability in the world of luxury audio. For anyone passionate about sound, design, or both, Aretai offers a glimpse into the future—where innovation meets integrity, and where every note is delivered with virtue.
Stay tuned as we continue to explore and celebrate brands like Aretai that are redefining what it means to experience sound and style in the 21st century.
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