WBT Celebrates Precision In Connection
For The Past 40 Years of WBT Celebrating WBT's legacy as it looks forward to a future of limitless possibilities.
HIGH END 2025 Audiophile Show Report By Steven R. Rochlin

  For over 40 years, WBT has built its reputation as a benchmark for innovation, precision, and audiophile excellence. Founded in 1985 by Wolfgang B. Thörner in Essen, the company set out to eliminate the weak link in high-end audio systems by developing superior connectors. Their journey is marked by a series of technological leaps that not only revolutionized connection quality but also redefined manufacturing standards in the audio industry.

Initial Breakthrough: The launch of the first WBT RCA connectors established new production quality and precision, directly addressing the issues in traditional hi-fi connections.

1987 – Binding Post Innovation: WBT introduced the first binding post featuring a clamping mechanism, further enhancing the connector reliability.

1991 – Patented Circular Contact System (CCS): This groundbreaking technology enabled a loss-free, permanent connection without the need for soldering or stripping cables, ensuring a direct, secure, and efficient signal flow.

2003 – nextgen Principle: In a significant evolution, the nextgen technology reduced the mass and metal content of connectors, optimizing the signal transition while maintaining structural integrity.

2008 – Plastic Injection Molding: Developing internal production capacities bolstered their control over quality and precision.

2018 – PVD Surface Treatment: The integration of state-of-the-art Physical Vapor Deposition techniques further underscored their commitment to advanced manufacturing processes.

2019 – PlasmaProtect Technology: WBT pioneered a proprietary process that applies ultra-pure gold to copper under vacuum using PVD. This technique not only enhanced connector performance but also garnered the prestigious German Innovation Award in 2021, highlighting the blend of technical progress with audiophile passion.

2021 – VDE Certification: Their nextgen speaker connectors achieved VDE certification, a rare accomplishment in the high-end audio sector that underscores a commitment to both electrical safety and mechanical durability.

2023 – Expansion of R&D: With the commissioning of a second PVD system, WBT has further accelerated its research and development efforts by unifying production and development processes under one roof, paving the way for even more rapid innovation.

Our Thoughts
Throughout its history, WBT has remained steadfast in its mission to create connections that deliver unparalleled high-end audiophile sound quality. Enjoy the Music.com knows that by continuously merging the latest developments with precision production and by embracing new technologies, WBT has not only set industry standards but has also ensured that its products are at the forefront of audio sound innovation.

This deep-rooted commitment to excellence and innovation continues to define WBT's legacy as it looks forward to a future of limitless possibilities. Be sure to visit our Review Magazine to learn more about luxurious audiophile equipment, plus we provide thought-provoking think pieces and much more! As always, in the end what really matters is that you... enjoy the music.

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