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Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

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.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

Manufacturer details

  • System: 3 way, Midrange sealed box with Intono, Woofers vented box "Stealth Ultraflex" system
  • Sensitivity: 90 dB SPL (2.83V/1 m)
  • Frequency response: 40 Hz – 35000 Hz
From the Latin word for 'voice,' the third generation of Vox ties together the home cinema experience in style.
The Voice of SoundFrom the Latin word for “voice,” the third generation of Vox ties together the home cinema experience in style.SOUND TAKES CENTER STAGEVox is the sonic anchor of the Homage Collection, providing crystal-clear dialogue and ensuring that every word spoken on-screen is conveyed with pristine clarity, even against the powerful background audio amplified through the surrounding equipment. Vox gives clarity to dialogue and creates an immersive soundstage for the most discerning film enthusiasts.SURROUND YOURSELF IN SOUNDThe third generation Vox features an upgraded crossover and cabinet structure, infused with Sonus faber’s core technologies. The result: crisper vocals both on and off axis free of interference and coloration.
Manufacturer Site

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.

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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Avg. Product Price
$10,001-$20,000
Used For Sale
71
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
33
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
42
Founding Year
1983

Our take on the brand

Sonus Faber is an Italian hifi brand that designs speakers with unique lute-shaped cabinets inspired by traditional violin-making, featuring wood and leather materials to achieve a natural sound. Their speakers incorporate distinctive elements like cork chambers for midrange drivers and asymmetrical driver baskets that mimic natural forms, with each unit being individually tuned by ear to ensure tonal perfection.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Chario
Aviator Balbo
25392
25392
/
1
Reviews
Chario is a hifi speaker brand that handcrafts their cabinets from solid walnut and uses several proprietary technologies including NRS for enhanced subwoofer performance and LFR to reduce listening fatigue. Their unique Vertical Reversed Driver Array and T38 Wave Guide tweeter are specifically designed to improve soundstage and imaging in typical home environments, addressing real-world acoustic challenges that most users face.
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Product Strengths

  • Exceptional build quality using premium Italian walnut
  • Superior 3-way design for optimal frequency handling
  • Impressive 90 dBSPL sensitivity
  • Versatile performance across music and cinema
  • Stunning aesthetic design

Product Considerations

  • Premium positioning means investment required
  • Quality amplification is required to shine
  • Size may be substantial for some setups

Takeaway: The Chario Aviator Balbo Center Speaker is beautifully crafted and delivers excellent sound for both movies and music. Its high sensitivity makes it a great option for creating a high-end home theater.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Chario is a hifi speaker brand that handcrafts their cabinets from solid walnut and uses several proprietary technologies including NRS for enhanced subwoofer performance and LFR to reduce listening fatigue. Their unique Vertical Reversed Driver Array and T38 Wave Guide tweeter are specifically designed to improve soundstage and imaging in typical home environments, addressing real-world acoustic challenges that most users face.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Wilson Audio
Mezzo CSC
21250
21250
/
1
Reviews

Wilson Audio approaches a new product release with the utmost care and consideration; every factor is examined, including the choice of materials, the aesthetic appeal, the technological advancements, and, most importantly, the auditory experience it delivers. A mere singular modification is not sufficient to warrant a new launch; instead, a multitude of enhancements must be present. That is exactly what you get with Mezzo CSC. We strive to push the boundaries of what is possible to deliver an unparalleled listening experience. We continue the legacy of "Excellence in All Things" with Mezzo CSC, combining cutting-edge technology and meticulous craftsmanship to create a loudspeaker that transcends expectations.

Mezzo CSC is a work of art that not only sounds extraordinary, but complements your living space with elegance. You can install the Mezzo CSC directly on the ground or raise the loudspeaker height on a purpose-built Wilson Audio Stand.

Mezzo CSC has been intentionally engineered with the highest quality and best-performing components. This obsession with the ideal has led to Mezzo CSC weighing in at 200 pounds of world-class capability.

Custom-built Wilson Audio binding posts have now also been integrated into Mezzo CSC. Both banana plug termination and traditional spade connections can be used with this binding post. This premier binding post offers a clean signal path with an upgraded and larger contact surface area for your speaker cables.

Wilson Audio is often considered the quintessential American high-end hi-fi brand, a staple in premium audio dealerships across the country. Many reviewers use Wilson speakers in their own home systems, reflecting their reputation for outstanding dynamics, bass depth, and the ability to reproduce classical music with remarkable realism. Wilson focuses on creating an uncolored sound, aiming to replicate the experience of live, unamplified performances.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Provides sound like having a Wilson Audio Sasha V loudspeaker right in front of the listener because the driver compliments are identical
  • Capable of reaching down to 19 Hz and reproducing bass superbly
  • Upgrading to the Mezzo CSC provided a more cohesive front soundstage
  • The Mezzo CSC and Alida CSC upgrade provides a weave of immersive music instead of a handoff of sound between speakers

Product Considerations

  • At $21,250 ($24,250 as tested with Premium Pearl finish), the Mezzo CSC is an expensive center channel speaker

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs WATCH Series 3 center channel speaker: The Mezzo CSC is far superior, being able to reproduce bass without offloading it to the subwoofer

Takeaway: The Mezzo CSC is a great upgrade for immersive music playback, creating a crystal clear sphere of sound. It is especially suited for listeners who want to experience the full potential of high-quality immersive recordings.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Wilson Audio is often considered the quintessential American high-end hi-fi brand, a staple in premium audio dealerships across the country. Many reviewers use Wilson speakers in their own home systems, reflecting their reputation for outstanding dynamics, bass depth, and the ability to reproduce classical music with remarkable realism. Wilson focuses on creating an uncolored sound, aiming to replicate the experience of live, unamplified performances.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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