Chinese gadget maker Baseus launches premium sound line at IFA Berlin

Chinese consumer electronics maker Baseus launched a premium line of audio products at a global trade fair on Thursday, bolstering its international presence at a time when intense competition at home is pushing more domestic gadget firms to look overseas.

Shenzhen-based Baseus unveiled its Inspire line at the Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin, also known as the IFA Berlin trade fair, which includes three headphones and earbuds developed in partnership with Bose, the US company known for premium sound equipment.

Baseus’ Inspire line brings what founder and chief executive He Shiyou described as an affordable, but “uncompromised sound experience”, to a wider group of young consumers through competitive pricing and a development process built on close collaboration with Bose.

“[The Inspire line] is not expensive but still comes with moving and professional sound quality,” He said at the unveiling of the products, adding that “premium sound should not be a privilege for just a few people”.

The initial line-up includes the XP1 earbuds, XC1 open-ear buds and the XH1 headphones, priced between US$129.99 and US$149.99. All are now available on global mainstream online shopping sites.

The pricing is half that of the typical US$350 and above charged by Bose and Sony for similar audio products at the high end.