David Bridges
The right to repair has gained significant attention recently, inspiring a plethora of innovative products that embody this movement. A prime example from the tech industry is Framework, a company that has rapidly expanded by embracing modularity and repairability as core principles in the design of its laptops and newly introduced mini desktop PC. This growing trend of repairable technology has not gone unnoticed, as other hardware manufacturers are also beginning to prioritize these values. I’m thrilled to share that this wave of modular design has now made its way into the realm of audio equipment, highlighting the importance of sustainability in consumer electronics.
One standout product in this new wave is the Bluetooth speaker from Teufel, a renowned German audio brand whose name translates to “devil” in English. In my view, this speaker is anything but evil. The reason for my enthusiasm is that Teufel has taken meaningful steps to embrace the principles of repairability and modularity. Their latest offering, named Mynd, is designed to be fully repairable, including the battery—often the first component to fail in similar gadgets. When the battery dies, the speaker loses power, and without power, it’s all too easy for such devices to end up in landfills, contributing to electronic waste.
However, the Mynd speaker’s repairability extends beyond just the battery. It also features open-source software and hardware, allowing users to print certain components at home using a 3D printer or develop new drivers for the speaker. This innovative approach means that you don’t necessarily need to purchase the Mynd directly from Teufel. Instead, if you possess a 3D printer and have some technical skills, you can print the casing, utilize Teufel’s software, and source the necessary components independently. Once assembled, you will have your very own Mynd speaker, tailored to your preferences.
“A 3D printer with sufficient print capacity and materials can produce all the plastic components, and we have also made the software that powers the Mynd publicly available. This means that with just a few screws, you could construct your very own speaker. Additionally, you can customize the acoustic tuning to suit your personal preferences,” explained an engineer from Teufel in a recent blog post. This level of customization and accessibility is not only exciting but also empowers consumers to take control of their audio experiences.
I am a strong advocate for repairability—it benefits both the planet and individuals, which are two extremely important factors. However, I do harbor some doubts about the sound quality of Mynd, as there are inherent limitations associated with creating a product that is primarily open-source and modular. One notable aspect is the speaker grille, which, according to the engineers at Mynd, had to be constructed from plastic. The impact of this choice on sound quality remains uncertain without firsthand experience with the device.
Currently, one significant drawback of the Mynd speaker is that Teufel does not appear to offer shipping to the U.S. at this time. However, if you are located in Europe, you can purchase this speaker for €229.99 directly from Teufel’s website. It’s worth mentioning that Teufel does ship other speakers to the U.S. under the Fender brand, so there is hope that this shipping restriction may change in the future, opening up access to more consumers.
Ultimately, the reality is that consumers are increasingly seeking products that are not only durable but also ones that they can feel good about using. Many individuals—including myself—experience a sense of guilt when a gadget malfunctions, leading to its disposal. It becomes particularly disheartening to realize that many devices are designed without repairability in mind. Given the option, I believe most consumers would prefer to replace a battery rather than invest in an entirely new speaker. While Teufel’s name may suggest a mischievous character, the Mynd speaker appears to embody a more virtuous approach to consumer electronics.
Daniel Mercer
Brandon Fletcher
