Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Luxurious design with smooth leather exteriors and plywood panels adorned in walnut or wenge wood veneers with a high-gloss finish, making them aesthetically pleasing
- Rich, inviting, smooth, and full-bodied sonic performance with a lovely balance between spaciousness and warmth
- Pleasingly expressive vocals with real depth and tone
- Easy to place within a room, and are bottom-ported, making them more forgiving of room boundaries
- Highly respectable detail levels
Product Considerations
- Can be beatable for dynamics and rhythmic drive, not ideal for peppier musical styles
- Bass could be better defined, as a lack of definition and tautness at the bottom of bass notes slightly prevents the Italian contenders from having that PMC-esque sense of snap
- Built-in base plinths are constructed from a somewhat bland, functional-looking plastic, and the terminals could be just a tad more luxurious
- Listeners craving a smooth, undemanding listen will find a great deal to enjoy
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs PMC Prodigy 1: PMC can make music sound more nuanced and detailed, while Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator brings a lovely balance between spaciousness and warmth
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3: Bowers & Wilkins have brighter highs and their mids do not have the same romantic flair as the Lumina II Amator, also both the Bowers & Wilkins and the ELACs do not hold a candle to the Lumina II Amator in build quality
- Vs ELAC DB63: The ELACs have a wider dispersion up top in the highs than the Bowers & Wilkins do, but they are matched by the Lumina II Amator, also both the Bowers & Wilkins and the ELACs do not hold a candle to the Lumina II Amator in build quality
- Vs Wharfedale Evo 4.2: The Wharfedale sounds a bit bigger and better, but the Lumina II Amator is prettier
Takeaway: The Lumina II Amator speakers are a beautiful blend of high-end sound and style, making them a great fit for anyone who values both aesthetics and quality music reproduction in their living space. With their balanced sound and elegant design, they promise an enjoyable listening experience.
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Lumina II Amator
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Manufacturer details
- System: 2-way shelf loudspeaker system. Vented box design
- Tweeter: Ø 29 mm high definition DAD™ driver, Visco-elastically baffle decoupling, Ferrite, Soft Dome
- Midwoofer: Ø 150mm paper cone driver
- Crossover: 2600 Hz
AMATOR HERITAGE
Amator is an evocative name, which has always characterized all the special Sonus faber models, becoming synonymous with uniqueness. Any market enthusiast knows that from this name it is right to expect an exciting and engaging listen.
MADE IN ITALY
Made in Sonus faber's Vicenza, Italy factory, Lumina Amator incorporates iconic Sonus faber design materials, including wood and leather. Lumin II Amator features the simple squared design of the Lumina collection with new front panels featuring 45-degree woodgrain lacquered veneers.
IMPROVED CROSSOVER
The Lumina II Amator crossovers have been designed, inheriting the legacy left by the development of the new Homage collection. Many of the solutions adopted on the new special models are derived from those of the Amati G5 and Guarneri G5.
Lumina Amator II boasts an upgraded crossover network at 2600 Hz, an 800 Hz improvement from Lumina II, elevating the overall listening experience to new heights.
SIMPLICITY AND STYLE
Lumina takes note of Sonus faber's iconic natural materials.
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- The brand distinguishes itself through its "Lute" shaped cabinet design, aimed at minimizing internal resonances and optimizing sound dispersion.
- Sonus Faber tunes its speakers to be relatively neutral and non-fatiguing, yet also rich and full, making them enjoyable for long listening sessions across various music genres.
- Sonus Faber leverages its Italian heritage by incorporating materials like leather, wood, and sometimes concrete, into its designs, creating visually striking products.
Select products
Lumina V Amator
- Positioning: A slender 3-way floorstanding speaker designed for those seeking powerful, immersive sound in a compact form.
- Description: Impresses with its upgraded crossover network, enhancing the listening experience with improved frequency response. Compared to the Sonetto VIII, it offers a more compact design suitable for smaller spaces, while still delivering robust sound. Its use of iconic Sonus Faber materials like wood and leather provides a luxurious feel, making it ideal for those with a moderate budget seeking high-quality aesthetics and performance.
Sonetto VIII
- Positioning: The flagship model of the Sonetto collection, representing a high-end luxury speaker with a focus on natural sound.
- Description: Stands out with its use of a bespoke cork chamber to enhance midrange clarity, a feature borrowed from the flagship Suprema. It offers a powerful 3-way design, making it suitable for larger rooms compared to the Lumina V Amator.
Olympica Nova V
- Positioning: The flagship of the Olympica Nova collection, embodying Sonus Faber's Natural Sound signature.
- Description: Features a 3-way ported tower design with three woofers for powerful low frequencies, setting it apart from the Sonetto VIII's 3-way design. Its asymmetrical lute-shaped cabinet minimizes internal resonances, offering a purer sound.
Serafino
- Positioning: Part of the Homage collection, offering a balance of artistry and sonic excellence.
- Description: Incorporates upgraded drivers and a refined crossover, delivering a soundstage that captures the essence of live performances. Compared to the Amati, it offers a more compact design while still providing a rich, full sound.
Amati
- Positioning: The flagship of the Homage collection, inspired by the artistry of violin craftsmanship.
- Description: Features advanced Neodymium magnets and ultra-light voice coils for precise sound control, distinguishing it from the Serafino's design. Its elegant lute-shaped cabinet and meticulous craftsmanship make it a top choice for audiophiles seeking the ultimate listening experience.
Suprema
- Positioning: The pinnacle of Sonus Faber's design, representing the most ambitious project in their lineup.
- Description: Features a sophisticated four-column system, including two main columns and two subwoofers. Its innovative combination of drivers and external electronic crossover sets it apart from the Amati and other models.
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Used
Sonus Faber
What if you spend more?
Powerful, rich sound in a compact design. Designed for both digital and analog sources, Duetto is a versatile combination of Italian style and contemporary function. Big sound in a compact design, Duetto marks Sonus faber's inaugural active stereo wireless speaker system. Powered by four bespoke amplifiers, Duetto presents an all-in-one sound solution, harmoniously blending a multitude of connectivity options while keeping the listening experience wire-free.
Double the sound, not the size. Inspired by a harmony produced by two instruments, Duetto sets a new standard for wireless high-fidelity sound in a compact design.
Ultra Wide Band Technology
Duetto employs Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology, enabling communication between the two speakers. The wireless transmission avoids latency and interference by other home networks, while guaranteeing a wide frequency spectrum to send data signals at high speeds.
SENSO™ Technology by Sonus faber
The leather top panel allows the user to control and set up speaker functions — such as playback, volume, input selection, and connections — with a buttonless interface through simple fingertip gestures.
Sonus faber's iconic lute-shaped design takes inspiration from musical instruments. Crafted from wood, the cabinet ensures structural solidity, rich timbre, and musicality, while effectively eradicating internal resonances to shape the unmistakable Sonus faber Natural Sound.
Hear – and see – to believe. Duetto takes note of Sonus faber's most iconic design cues and natural materials.
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Product Strengths
- Gorgeous sound is clear, smooth, detailed, and dynamic
- Elegant design is dashingly elegant, minimalist aesthetic, and painstakingly crafted for equal parts style and substance
- Impressive bass extension and output, described as deep and firm, surprising for their size
- Clear midrange makes voices sound purposeful, characterful, and entirely present
- Versatile connectivity with streaming and input options, including Chromecast, AirPlay 2, phono pre-amp, and HDMI ARC/eARC
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers experienced streaming and HDMI ARC reliability issues
- Input and control layout can be inconvenient and awkward
- Prototype unit had operational bugs
- No bass level adjustment is available, though it could be added in mobile app
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF LS50 Wireless II—the KEF LS50 Wireless II is a similarly high-end option
- Vs PSB Alpha iQ—the PSB Alpha iQ is a more compact wireless speaker package than the Sonus Faber and is comparatively lighter on bass
Takeaway: The Sonus Faber Duetto speakers are well-suited for those seeking amazing sound and a beautiful design in one package. These speakers are easy to connect and use, and fill the room with rich, detailed audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ELEGANT AND ELUSIVE
The Sonetto II bookshelf speakers are infused with the rich heritage of Italian craftsmanship and tradition. Offering not only exceptional sound quality, Sonetto II speakers also resonate with a profound appreciation for artistry and culture.
A SOUND THAT
RESONATES THE SOUL
Sonetto II is a 2-way speaker that inherits and elevates the distinguished Italian style of its predecessor. Through refined materials, sophisticated design, and enhanced acoustical advancements, Sonetto II recreates sound with an intense, unprecedented emotional impact and surprisingly powerful bass reproduction
SUBTLE YET TRANSFORMATIVE
Despite its dimensions, Sonetto II blends seamlessly with an array of environments. Its sleek aesthetics evoke an elegant and graceful style that enhances any space.
CLASSIC DESIGN
Sonetto II embodies the iconic Sonus faber signature lute shape, a timeless design inspired by the elegance of musical instruments, specifically redesigned for the Sonetto G2 collection. Infused with the brand's renowned philosophy of Natural Sound, these speakers deliver perfect control over internal resonances, offering an unparalleled listening experience characterized by rich, lifelike audio
Product Strengths
- Natural sound, especially with recordings that can be harsh on other systems
- Bass quality is outstanding for the speaker size
- Aesthetically pleasing design using natural wood, leather, metal and concrete
- Smooth musical sound that Sonus Faber speakers are known for
- Produces clear, realistic and transparent vocals, bringing out every detail
Product Considerations
- The Sonetto 5s were too much for smaller rooms, pressurizing the room and throwing things out of balance
- Some reviewers found that the Sonetto 2 G2 had a boosted high frequency, which could sound analytical
- Placement from the wall may require more space to breathe without equalization
- Sensitivity is in the high 80dB range and it does need some good power to be at its best
- It is important to pair the right speakers with your space, especially if you don't have a treated room
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3: The Sonetto 2 G2 rendered the same song with Kim Deal's bassline at the beginning being immediately recognizable and punchy, a detail almost lost on the Bowers & Wilkins
- Vs Sonus Faber Lumina 2: The Sonetto does not have quite as full bass, higher distortion and higher compression—or lower dynamic range—than the Lumina 2
Takeaway: The Sonetto speakers are a beautiful blend of Italian design and acoustic excellence that deliver natural sound quality with impressive bass. They are built to last and make listening to music a truly enjoyable experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
HERITAGE REBORN WITH MODERN INNOVATION
Dive into the legacy of Sonus faber with the Concertino, a masterpiece luxury bookshelf speaker that seamlessly blends heritage with cutting edge technology.
THE MAESTRO EDITION
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary from the first Concertino introduction, with a limited run of 300 pairs of Concertino 'Maestro' special editions, featuring a brass plaque with progressive numbering applied on the walnut side panel of the speaker.
LIMITED EDITION
This special edition embodies the rich artisanal and acoustic tradition of the renowned Italian brand. Just like in the Italian artisan workshops of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, where an apprentice worked under the guidance of a master for years before becoming a journeyman and eventually aspiring to the title of master through the creation of a 'masterpiece', the Maestro Edition represents the culmination of decades of experience, craftsmanship, and innovation.
ENDURING LUXURY MEETS UNPARALLELED SOUND
Concertino embodies the essence of Sonus faber:
It is a project at the intersection of tradition and experimentation.
A NATURAL ELEVATION OF SOUND
Through experimentation with new, natural materials, Concertino embraces the Natural Sound philosophy of Sonus faber. While it retains a historic trapezoidal shape emblematic of Sonus faber's striking visual designs, it incorporates materials such as cork and plant-based leather alternatives for a modern acoustical soundstage.
SIMPLY DYNAMIC
Concertino is a classic product that enhances Sonus faber's iconic line of two-way speaker systems. These bookshelf speakers blend our history of timeless Italian craftsmanship with the advancements of new technological lifeblood.
In its simplicity, it aims to elevate the acoustic minimalism of our origins.
A CELEBRATION OF PRECIOUS MATERIALS
Concertino G4 brings together a beguiling combination of natural materials
IRON STAND
The Iron stand, featuring iron and walnut veneer wood, is designed specifically for the Concertino bookshelf speaker from the Heritage collection.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Classy appearance with walnut side panels and black leather surround
- Remarkable low-frequency response given the size of the woofer and cabinet
- Good overall definition, with a special grace in the highs
- Clear and neat mid-range, and vocals are a strong point
- Creates a precise and very wide virtual soundstage when positioned correctly
Product Considerations
- May require a subwoofer for those who want more voluptuous bass
- Can be troubled in wide listening rooms, and might disappoint organ music fans
- Stereo depth is strongly affected by the distance from the rear wall—placement requires careful balancing
- May not be hyper-detailed or analytical
- Stands are recommended for optimal performance
Takeaway: The Sonus Faber Concertino looks great and sounds detailed, especially with vocals. It's a good choice if one wants a nice sound in a smaller room.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The Anniversary 10 (A10) is a culmination of all the experience that we have gathered over the last 10 years of designing and building HiFi speakers. Over the last decade, we have produced and sold thousands of speakers to happy HiFi enthusiasts from all around the world. Listening to feedback from our customers, learning from the best and adding our own flavor to the mix, has created extremely popular and critically acclaimed speakers, and now, this has evolved into our best sounding speaker yet. The A10 is something we are truly proud of, both in terms of sound, look and production values. It is a true celebration of our passion for amazing high-end sound, great engineering and high value products.
Product Strengths
- Exceptional bass performance for its compact size, with bass that is fast, clear, and tight
- Multiple 'Master Tunings' offer customizable sound profiles, adapting to different room acoustics and user preferences
- A high-quality Purifi woofer and SB Acoustics tweeter contribute to clarity, detail, and low distortion
- A solid wood cabinet made in Denmark provides a luxurious look and feel
Product Considerations
- Bass output may diminish or be limited at high volumes to protect the drivers from damage
- A separate purchase of the Platin Stereo Hub may be required for full wireless functionality and room correction
- The 'Made in China' label applies to the electronics inside the cabinet
- While the A10 offers impressive bass, some may still prefer to add a subwoofer for a true full-range experience
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Buchardt S400 Mark II, the A10 is more transparent with greater inner detail, clarity, and top-end extension—and deeper, tighter bass—while the S400 Mark II is more relaxed and forgiving with harsh recordings
- Vs Buchardt A500, the A10 has comparable performance, with possibly a crisper sound in some instances
Takeaway: The Buchardt Anniversary 10 is a compact yet powerful speaker that offers a customizable listening experience. Its impressive bass and versatile tuning options make it a great choice for those seeking a high-quality audio solution in a small to medium-sized room.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Extremely good build quality, feeling solid and carefully assembled
- Delivers well-defined, three-dimensional imaging and a snappy sense of timing
- Combines exceptional midrange coherency
- Known for a natural, open, and detailed sound
- A beautifully three-dimensional speaker with very little perception of cabinet coloration or even cabinet presence
Product Considerations
- Inherent bass response drops away slowly
- Some recordings may sound a little sharp in the treble, but this is not the fault of the speakers
- Some limits to detail retrieval
- On the brighter side
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Lumina I: The Lumina II has meaningful extension below 50Hz, creating a believable weight and scale to the performance
- Vs KEF LS50 Meta: The Sonus faber is easier to drive, more forgiving of less pristine recordings, and has an emotional quality that the LS50 Meta lacks
Takeaway: The Lumina II is a speaker that delivers many of the qualities that make Sonus faber loudspeakers stand out, offering an inviting and spirited sound that is also beautiful to look at. It represents an affordable way to experience Sonus faber's Italian-made craftsmanship and sonic signature.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Lute-shaped cabinets improve sound dispersion and help them sonically disappear in the room
- Detailed and refined finish
- The Camellia midrange driver provides a sense of realism and transparency, bringing out every detail
- The entire Sonus Faber lineup gives you that famous Sonus Faber sound, with warmth in the mid-range while retaining musical details
- Great tonal accuracy, and each model kept the same sound signature
Product Considerations
- The Soneto 1G2 and Soneto 2G2 bookshelf speakers need some good current to really show their best
- Careful attention to the setup will reward you greatly
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Only Sonus Faber's higher-level models were better than these new Sonetos
Takeaway: The Sonus Faber Soneto G2 speakers bring flagship technology to a more accessible package, delivering a smooth and musical sound. They perform great with both music and movies, offering realism and clarity.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Remarkably precise, unusually musical, and vivid sound, creating an open, inviting sound and bringing superb clarity and resolution to music
- Wide, airy, and holographic soundstage with excellent directivity, spreading reflections evenly for a consistent sound experience even when not in the 'sweet spot'
- Innovative Meta Material Absorption Technology (MAT) absorbs 99% of unwanted sound coming from the rear of the tweeter, leading to improved clarity, precision, and detail in the high frequencies—and better overall composure when the mix gets complicated
- A dedicated woofer handles the bass, allowing the coaxial system to focus on the important midrange without interference, which results in improved bass performance and power handling
- Neutrality and balanced frequency response, combined with excellent linearity, makes it very suitable for equalization, allowing users to adjust the sound to their preferences
Product Considerations
- The bass, while tight and tuneful, might not provide the 'gut punch' or chest-thumping experience some listeners prefer, and a subwoofer is recommended for those seeking more pronounced low-end dynamics
- The treble response, while detailed and airy, may sound a bit bright when the speaker is aimed directly at the listener (on-axis), and a slight toe-out (5-10 degrees) is recommended to relax the high frequencies
- Some reviewers note that they may sound a little flat or leaner at very low listening volumes, excelling more when given some 'juice' and volume
- The piano black finish, while beautiful, is prone to fingerprints and requires care to maintain its appearance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. LS50 Meta: Considered a better, more complete speaker with a more balanced presentation from top to bottom—and a more fleshed-out sound
- Vs. Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3: Puts the treble on a much tighter leash, while the 705 S3 can come on as just too much in that lower treble region
- Vs. Buchardt S400 Mark II: Is leaner, airier, and more spatial, while the Buchardt is warmer, thicker, and has more bass punch
- Vs. Revel M106: The Revel M106's directivity is nowhere near as good as the Kef R3 meta
Takeaway: The KEF R3 Meta is a well-rounded and high-performing loudspeaker, offering a detailed and balanced sound signature with excellent imaging capabilities. It is a great choice for those seeking a neutral and engaging listening experience.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Highly accurate sound with surprising dynamic and bass abilities
- Intuitive BluOS app provides access to many streaming services, multi-room control, and customisation options
- Wide range of connectivity options including HDMI eARC, phono inputs, USB, Wi-Fi, and aptX HD Bluetooth
Product Considerations
- BluOS app required for setup and primary use, no dedicated remote control is provided
- BluOS app can be quirky, and there are potential setup difficulties and HDMI connectivity issues
- Lacks room EQ features for near-wall or desktop placement, and doesn't have enough output for larger rooms without a subwoofer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SVS Prime Wireless Pro, the Alpha iQ provides a deeper soundstage and more filled-in sound
- Vs Q Acoustics's Q Active 200, the Alpha iQ delivers greater sense of scale
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3, the Alpha iQ provides more transparent sound and better dynamic range
- Vs ELAC Debut ConneX, the Alpha iQ offers wider-ranging connectivity and a dedicated control app
- Vs KEF LSX II, the Alpha iQ has a feature-rich app and multi-room audio skills
- Vs Alpha AM3, the Alpha iQ is physically larger, with more rated power and wireless connection between speakers
Takeaway: The PSB Alpha iQ is a compact, all-in-one streaming speaker system with excellent sound quality and versatility, making it a great addition to smaller spaces. Its multiple connectivity options and simple setup allow one to easily enjoy music from various sources.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Precise and stable stereo imaging
- Good detail retrieval
- Neutral tonal balance
- Versatile directivity
Product Considerations
- Bass extension requires a subwoofer for full-range playback, especially below the mid-40Hz range
- Potential for brightness, especially when toed-in directly towards the listening position
- Requires careful setup and experimentation with placement to optimize sound, especially in relation to the rear wall and toe-in
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The SourcePoint 8 is more neutral, with a less elevated top end, while the SourcePoint 10 is brighter
Takeaway: The SourcePoint 8 is a well-engineered speaker that stands out for its clear imaging and ability to convey musical detail across different genres. It offers a balanced and neutral sound that makes it an engaging listening experience.
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