Back to the future

Sonodyne Bandish - Wireless Speaker - ₹25,000

FOR Build quality and finishes, neutral and balanced signature, stereo separation

AGAINST Transients could have more attack, max SPL limited, no streaming app support or voice control

Few, if any Indian hi-fi brands, have made an impact as sustained as Sonodyne has. For 50 years, the Kolkata-based audio company has developed homegrown tech that can now be seen (and heard) in some of the world’s most respected studios and outdoor concert venues. On home soil, they’ve also penetrated the market with custom-install speakers, active and passive monitors, dedicated home-cinema systems, wireless headphones and now, a move into the wireless speaker category.

On test here is the middle child of the three siblings, Bandish, featuring a pair of 4in woofers, dual 0.5in tweeters placed far out towards the corners of the cabinet and all powered by a 120W Class D amplifier. Although it doesn’t break any new ground when it comes to design or form factor, it’s a clean and timeless aesthetic that only gets enhanced by the Bandish’s phenomenal build quality and expensive feeling materials. The inert cabinet is solidly braced and feels monolithic, while the top panel holding the buttons is carved out of aluminium, giving it a luxurious and built-to-last feel. Even the drivers are slightly recessed into the front baffle with integrated grilles, keeping things fuss-free and less prone to damage.