Manufactured in Switzerland
Zeiler Audio's high-end audio tube amplifiers are designed and manufactured entirely in Switzerland, where every step of the process embodies Ralf Zeiler's commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation.
In the world of audio equipment, design is often limited to the front. This is different with the high-end audio tube amplifiers from the Swiss manufacturer Zeiler Audio. Here, all elements from the controls to the smallest functional details have also been formally designed inside the enclosure. In addition to such typical Swiss design maxims such as objectivity and formal timelessness, the Zurich-based agency FOND Design also utilized the golden ratio to achieve an aesthetic and consistent design.
Solid aluminum blocks are reduced to about 80% with a 5-axis CNC milling machine.
The technical specifications of CNC milling technology were translated into a formal vocabulary. With optimal manufacturability, the milling geometries are also brought into focus here in terms of design, leading to a timelessly beautiful result. The CNC machining takes place at a specialized company in the canton of Lucerne. There, solid aluminum blocks are reduced to about 80% with a 5-axis CNC milling machine. What remains is a high-precision full-metal housing that has a number of unique features. It has a high-end feel with finely detailed forms that appear to be cast from a single mold. The lightweight metal enables cooling of the electronic components and tubes through efficient heat dissipation. The optimal positioning and mounting of all electronic components results in the shortest possible wiring paths. By avoiding and reducing disturbing resonances as well as providing perfect electromagnetic shielding, the enclosure contributes to the exceptional sound quality of Zeiler Audio equipment.
Milling is followed by surface treatment by a company specializing in electrolytic processes based in the Swiss Mittelland. The aluminum used is made of a special alloy to guarantee the best possible finish during the surface treatment. First, the enclosures are blasted by hand with glass beads to hide all milling marks and obtain a uniformly compacted surface. Then anodic oxidation gives the parts their typical matte black coloration and unique velvety feel. This complex procedure is also used for the coating of high-end camera housings and sports watches. All surfaces are coated with a hard anodized ceramic layer. It provides excellent wear and corrosion protection as well as very good electrical insulation and dielectric strength. A laser engraving exposes the aluminum for the filigree inscription on the back, which contrasts with the matte anodized background.
Ralf Zeiler's goal is to achieve a perfect balance between sensual haptics, a timeless design and superior sound quality. The partners also play a decisive role in this. From design to CNC manufacturing to surface treatment, they embody classic Swiss values such as the pursuit of quality, craftsmanship and innovation in their daily work.
The assembly, wiring and soldering of all audio components up to the testing and measuring of every single device is done by hand in Kilchberg on the shores of Lake Zurich in Ralf Zeiler's workshop. The result are high-end audio amplifiers that the renowned magazine Image Hifi describes as "acoustic and optical perfection in every respect". But to understand this in its full consequence, it is essential to feel the sensual physicality of the velvety ceramic surface of the body-warm solid aluminum housing with your own hands.
Assembly, wiring and soldering of all audio components up to the testing and measuring of every single device is done by hand.