Sonus Faber’s new four-piece Homage speaker range is a modern take on a ’90s classic from TikTokking to Haddaway. The Italian-made range was originally launched in 1993 and has now been updated with a host of audiophile innovations.
The models in the range are the Guarneri G5 two-way standmounter ((fifth generation), Serafino G2 3.5-way (second generation) and Amati G5 3.5-way (fifth generation) floorstanders, and the three-way Vox G3 (third generation ) center channel All models are available in three colours: red, wenge (an African hardwood) and graphite.
Each model in the range takes inspiration from musical instruments to honor the makers of said instruments and the tradition of lute making, which has its roots in Cremona, Italy.
They also feature improved cabinet construction, with a better bracing and porting system that allows greater efficiency and output while maintaining control over vibration. This was helped in no small part by Sonus Faber’s 2021 acquisition of the De Santi woodworking facility, which has supplied the brand’s cabinets for 35 years. It also redesigned the midrange and tweeter chambers, but kept the lute shape of the original series (albeit with modified metalwork).
There is much more news, such as the new patented technology from Sonus Faber called Intono. This seeks to address the drawbacks of ported box/sealed enclosure designs by exploiting their strengths. By tuning the midrange driver just above peak pressure frequency in an otherwise sealed enclosure, Sonus Faber is able to equalize pressure in the alternate chamber, reducing impedance spikes. Intono is present in the Amati G5 (pictured above) and Serafino G2.
These models also benefit from a new midrange driver, a 150mm natural fiber model with a neodymium magnet, which promises to be more efficient than previous versions. It has a shorter and wider voice coil for more control, faster response and more power. And the suspension has been improved and optimized for more speed and control.
There are also new bass drivers. The Serafino (pictured below) features a new coil and spider material and is optimized for better air movement and bass extension, while the Amati’s new 220mm bass driver has 23 percent more power and an integrated heat sink. The Guarneri’s 150mm driver promises better control and low 15Hz resonance, along with deeper extension without distortion thanks to its purpose-built neodymium motor system and new tuning frequency. It is also optimized to reduce modal vibrations.
The entire range features Sonus Faber’s new hybrid crossover system, which combines hand-selected Jantzen inductors, custom Clarity Caps and Mundorf capacitors and resistors hand-soldered onto custom PCBs. All this promises maximum brightness, high power handling, low noise and a long service life.
The Homage drive units are time aligned and phase correct, promising a more impressive sound and a more immersive listening experience.
And that’s just what’s new. Existing technologies from Sonus Faber include the DAD reference tweeter, cellulose pulp midrange cones and sandwich cone mid-bass drivers. Aluminum ‘dampshelves’ on the top of the cabinet increase stiffness and reduce resonance, while airflow is maximized by the patented UltraFlex anti-resonance porting system.
The Sonus Faber Homage range is available now, with the following prices:
Guarneri G5: £13,000 (plus £3,200 for the stand) / €15,000 (plus €3,000) / $16,000 (plus $3,000)
Serafino G2: £22,000 / €25,000 / $26,000
Amati G5: £30,000 / €35,000 / $36,000
Vox G3: £14,000 / €16,500 / $17,000
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