Guru Audio

Sound that breaks the rules and loves your walls

You buy new, high-end speakers, bring them home with excitement, place them in your living room... and the sound is disappointing. The space "eats" them, the bass echoes unpleasantly off the walls.

This is a frustration familiar to every audiophile, and a problem that most manufacturers solve with the instruction: "Place the speakers as far away from the walls as possible."

But what if there was a brand that turned that rule on its head? What if there were speakers that not only tolerated being close to a wall, but needed it to breathe at full power?

This is the story of Swedish brand Guru Audio , which was born not in a marketing department, but out of engineering tenacity and a love of music. Their motto is simple: sound should be great where people live, not just in the lab.

That's why every speaker, from idea to final product, is designed in Stockholm and manufactured under strict control in Europe, with real spaces and real listeners in mind.

A solution that seems to violate the laws of physics

The engineers at Guru Audio decided not to create speakers for ideal, acoustically treated rooms, but for the spaces people actually live in. Their solution is simple but ingenious: instead of fighting against sound reflections from walls, they incorporated them into the speaker design itself.

Place the Guru speaker right up against a wall and something happens that seems to defy logic. They use the reflection off the wall to amplify and extend the bass.

Guru 12 speaker

Guru Q10 speaker

Guru 20 speaker

Guru 28 speaker

The result? From a surprisingly small enclosure, you get deep, precise, and punchy bass that would otherwise require significantly larger speakers.

Meet the Guru speaker family

The entire Guru speaker line follows this unique philosophy, but is also adapted to different needs and room sizes.

Guru 8 speaker

The successor to the legendary "Junior" model is ideal for small to medium-sized rooms . Don't let its small size fool you; thanks to its wall-mounted design, the Guru 8 reproduces bass down to 34 Hz , which is incredible for a speaker of its size. It is an extremely fast, rhythmic and musically communicative speaker that is the perfect entry point into the world of Guru sound.

Guru 8 speaker

Guru 8 speaker

Guru 8 speaker

Guru 8 speaker

Guru 12 speaker

The Guru 12 is a larger bookshelf speaker designed for medium-sized rooms . It uses a larger 125mm bass/midrange driver and a more advanced Helmholtz resonator enclosure design, allowing it to reach even deeper, down to an impressive 30Hz . The sound is fuller, more authoritative and offers even more detail, while maintaining its signature speed and precision.

Guru 12 speaker

Guru 12 speaker

Guru 12 speaker

Guru 12 speaker

Guru Q10 speaker

The Q10 is a speaker with a different mission. Originally designed as a professional studio monitor , its goal is absolute sonic truth. It does not embellish the sound, but presents it exactly as it was recorded. It is the choice of audiophiles and music purists who want to hear every detail and flaw in the recording.

Guru Q10 speaker

Guru Q10 speaker

Guru Q10 speaker

Guru 20 floor-standing speaker

The Guru 20 was designed for true connoisseurs who seek the authority and sonic fullness of a freestanding speaker, but in a stylish and extremely compact form. Its slim body hides the same advanced driver units as the acclaimed bookshelf model Guru 12 , allowing it to maintain its recognizable speed and precision. The larger volume of the cabinet gives it the opportunity to add even greater depth to the sound image and extend the reproduction of bass tones down to an astonishing 28 Hz . It is an ideal solution for medium to large rooms , where its sophisticated appearance and powerful sound will become the centerpiece of your musical experience.

Guru 20 speaker

Guru 20 speaker

Guru 20 speaker

Guru 20 speaker

Guru 28 speaker

The Guru 28 is the pinnacle of the range and was created for uncompromising sound reproduction in the largest living spaces. In this model, engineers have combined the best of both worlds: the precision of a studio monitor with the power of a large floorstanding speaker. Its advanced design includes a renowned 102mm mineral fibre midrange driver, derived from the legendary Q10 studio model , ensuring exceptional clarity of vocals and instruments. For powerful and precise bass, two dedicated 110mm woofers are hidden in the back of the cabinet and, when placed close to the wall, create a deep sound foundation that reaches down to an astonishing 26Hz . The Guru 28 is a speaker for those who want to experience the full dynamic and frequency range of music without limits.

Guru 28 speaker

Guru 28 speaker

Guru 28 speaker

Guru 28 speaker

Standpoint stands

With bookshelf models like the Guru 8 , Guru 12 and Guru Q10 , proper placement is key. That's why Guru has developed the dedicated Standpoint stands . Their job is not just aesthetic; at 52 cm high, they place the speaker at the ideal listening height , and their robust construction made of solid oak and aluminum prevents the transfer of vibrations . They are an essential accessory for anyone who wants to get the most out of their Guru speaker.

Stand for Guru Q10

Stand for Guru 8/12

Sound for people, not microphones

But the real magic happens when you sit down and listen.

Critics around the world describe them with words like "extremely enjoyable musical communicators" and "infectiously rhythmic."

Instead of a single ideal listening point where you have to sit still, Guru speakers create a wide sound field . This means that the entire family or group of friends can enjoy the same high-quality sound, not just one person.

Sound for your home, not the lab

Guru Audio is a brand for connoisseurs who appreciate smart, innovative solutions. For those who want top-notch sound but don't have the space or desire for large speakers in the middle of their living room. And above all, they are for those who believe that the essence of Hi-Fi is to forget about the equipment and simply enjoy the music.

If you recognize yourself in this description, we invite you to our showroom to experience for yourself how different music can sound when speakers work together with your space.

Why is a quality sound source essential for a good Hi-Fi system?

In every audio reproduction chain, there is an undeniable principle: the final sound quality is inextricably linked to the quality at the very beginning .

Each audio component in the system can only preserve or degrade the signal ; none can recover information that was lost or corrupted at the source. This is a fundamental principle known in the audio world as " Garbage In, Garbage Out ".

The job of the audio source – be it a turntable, CD player or network streamer – is to read the musical information and convert it into the most accurate and pure electrical signal possible. Any error, distortion or noise introduced at this first, crucial point is irreversible. The next components in the chain, the amplifier and speakers, will only faithfully (and louder) reproduce this flawed signal. That’s why the path to superior sound always starts at the source.

The world of analog sources

The turntable is the king of analog sources, but its quality depends on mechanical precision.

• Foundation of stability:

A massive and heavy base (base) and a heavy, resonance-dead platter are key to dampening unwanted vibrations and ensuring completely stable rotation. In models like the Pro-Ject X2 B , the heavy acrylic platter acts as a flywheel, eliminating even the slightest fluctuations in speed.

• The heart of the system - the lever and head:

A turntable arm must be extremely stiff, yet lightweight, so that the needle can accurately follow the microscopic grooves in the record. Pro-Ject's carbon tonearms are a perfect example of this philosophy. At the end of the arm is a turntable head that converts the mechanical movement of the needle into an extremely weak electrical signal.

• An essential partner - a turntable preamplifier:

This signal is about 1000 times weaker than the signal from a CD player , so it requires a dedicated, high-quality preamplifier . Devices like the NAD PP4 or Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 not only amplify the signal, but also restore it to its original state with precise RIAA equalization, which is crucial for proper tonal balance.

NAD PP4 phono MM and MC preamplifier

€279.00

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Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 MM/MC phono amplifier

€189.00

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The world of digital resources

Digital sources are the most widespread today, but even among them there are huge differences in quality.

• Is the CD player still relevant?

Absolutely. A quality CD player , like the NAD C 538 , is not just a "player." It is a combination of a precision transport mechanism that reads the data without errors and a high-quality D/A converter (DAC) that converts the string of ones and zeros back into an analog music wave.

NAD C 538 CD player

€499.00

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Network players (Streamers):

A gateway to the world of music

Devices like the Bluesound Node or the NAD CS-1 have become the center of the modern Hi-Fi system. Their job is to access digital libraries and streaming services and forward the data.

Bluesound Node Nano network player

€349.00

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Bluesound Node N132 network player

€599.00

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Bluesound Node Icon

€1,099.00

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But here too lies a key component.

Digital heart - D/A converter (DAC):

The DAC is the "digital heart" of any digital source. Its quality directly affects how natural, detailed and dynamic your digital music will sound. High-end chips like the ESS Sabre found in NAD and Bluesound devices deliver exceptional accuracy and low levels of distortion known as "jitter" (timing errors in the digital signal).

How to recognize a quality source?

Key features that separate a good source from a top one:

• Build quality: The solid body and quality materials are not just aesthetically pleasing; they dampen vibrations that can damage the delicate signal.

• Power quality: Stable and clean current is the basis for the good performance of any audio component.

• Advanced technology: In the case of turntables, this is the precision of the arm and motor, and in the case of digital sources, the quality of the D/A converter and its implementation.

  
  

Invest at the beginning of the audio chain

The principle of " garbage in, garbage out " is a golden rule followed by every experienced audiophile. A good sound source is the investment that pays off the most, as it allows your amplifier and speakers to have the opportunity to show their full potential.

We invite you to our showroom , where you can hear firsthand how big the difference can be between different sources on the same system. This is often the most eloquent proof why the path to superior sound always begins at the source.

The impact of room acoustics on sound quality

Imagine you bought a top-of-the-line sports car, but you drive it on dirt roads.

No matter how much horsepower the engine has, the experience will not be optimal.

In the world of Hi-Fi, your audio system is the car, and your room is the "road" that the sound travels on. If that road is not good, even the best components will not reach their full potential.

The room is not just a passive environment, but an active component in the audio chain. The sound we hear is actually a combination of the direct sound from the speakers and countless reflections from the walls, floor and ceiling. These reflections can enrich the sound, but more often they blur and distort it.

Understand the fundamentals: The role of the source, amp, and speakers.

Key challenges of room acoustics

Before we can solve a problem, we need to understand it.

The first and most common challenge is first-reflections . These are sound waves that bounce off a speaker only once – off the side walls, floor or ceiling – before reaching our ears. Because they arrive with a slight delay after the direct sound, our brains blur them into a single sound. The result is a fuzzy sound image and the feeling that the instruments are not clearly placed in space.

Another challenge, most pronounced at low frequencies, is standing waves . When a bass wave bounces between two parallel walls, a phenomenon can occur at certain frequencies where the energy adds up. In practice, this means that the bass is extremely strong and punchy at some points in the room, while it is almost nonexistent at others.

Finally, there is reverberation . In rooms with hard, bare surfaces such as glass, tiles and bare walls, the reverberation time can be very long. A too "lively" room makes the sound chaotic, unclear and in the long run very tiring to listen to, as details are lost in the multitude of reflections.

Practical tips for better acoustics

The good news is that with a few simple steps, you can dramatically improve the acoustics of your space.

You can start with solutions that cost nothing.

The basis is the correct placement of the speakers in the form of a stereo triangle, where the speakers and your listening position form the same sides. Even small movements of the speakers away from the walls can have a significant impact on the bass response. The thoughtful use of existing furniture also has a major effect . Bookshelves full of books are an excellent natural diffuser that breaks up sound waves. Thick carpets on the floor, heavy curtains in front of the windows and upholstered furniture act as effective absorbers that soak up excess sound energy.

When the basics are no longer enough, dedicated acoustic solutions are needed . Absorbers are panels that are placed at the points of first reflections (on the side walls between you and the speakers) to absorb disturbing reflections and sharpen the sound image. Diffusers , which are often placed on the wall behind the listener, do not absorb sound, but disperse it, thus maintaining the sense of liveliness of the space. The most effective way to combat standing waves is with bass traps , larger absorbers that are usually placed in the corners of the room, where low frequencies tend to accumulate.

1. Thick carpets on the floor are the most effective tool for absorbing excess echo. 2. Heavy curtains and upholstered furniture act as absorbers and prevent the sound from becoming harsh. 3. Bookshelves and paintings on the walls act as diffusers, scattering disturbing reflections. 4. A low coffee table between you and the speakers prevents strong first reflections from the floor. (Source: thegurustore.com)

Solutions for your space

The theory is useful, but how does it translate into practice? Fortunately, some manufacturers have developed specific solutions that are designed to solve acoustic challenges.

• When walls are a problem:

Speakers for placement near the wall

In most living spaces, ideal speaker placement (a meter or more from the walls) is simply impossible.

For such cases, Swedish speakers Guru Audio are a brilliant solution. Their entire philosophy is based on placing them right next to the wall, which they use to their advantage to achieve full and deep bass. Models such as the compact Guru 8 or the studio monitor Guru Q10 are ideal for smaller rooms or spaces with limitations.

The unique design of the Guru speakers allows floor and wall sound to blend harmoniously with direct sound, creating full and accurate bass even when placed close to a wall. (Source: thegurustore.com)

How to choose speakers?

When the space is small and echoey:

In smaller rooms or spaces with lots of glass, control is key. Smaller bookshelf speakers, such as the JBL Stage2 240B , PSB Imagine B50 , or JBL L52 Classic , are often a better choice than large floorstanding speakers because they are less likely to overwhelm the room with bass. Their sound is easier to control and achieve a precise soundstage.

Digital room correction

The most advanced and effective way to combat poor acoustics is digital room correction. Technology like Dirac Live uses a microphone to precisely measure the acoustic problems in your room and create a digital filter to correct them. It's like having a professional acoustician built into your amplifier. You can find this outstanding technology in selected NAD devices , such as the NAD C 658 preamplifier, the NAD M10 all-in-one system , the T 778 AV receiver or the Masters M33 premium amplifier . The popular C 3050 can also get it with the optional MDC2 BluOS-D module .

Acoustics is a journey, not a destination

Even small changes in the placement of furniture and room furnishings can bring a surprising improvement in the sound of your system.

Acoustic treatment is a process that can be done gradually – start with proper layout and carpeting, and then add dedicated elements as needed.

If you're not sure where to start, or if you want to take your system to the next level, we're here to help with advice and expert advice . Together, we can make sure your space works for your sound, not against it.