James SA68 Makes Invisible Installation Sound Better Than Ever

Posted on 17th April, 2025
James SA68 Makes Invisible Installation Sound Better Than Ever

James by Sonance has introduced the SA68, the new flagship in its acclaimed Small Aperture series, promising high-performance audio from an elegantly discreet form factor.

Designed to integrate seamlessly into walls or ceilings with only a 3" or 4" visible grille, the James SA68 continues the brand’s mission to deliver premium sound without disrupting architectural harmony—and now, with improved installer-friendly flexibility.

The SA68 represents a significant performance leap for the Small Aperture range. Featuring an integrated 6.5" woofer and 2" full-range driver—both constructed from thin-ply carbon composite—the speaker is engineered to deliver deeper, tighter bass and articulate, natural midrange and treble response. This advanced carbon material, more commonly used in aerospace and other demanding industries, is said to enhance structural rigidity and driver control while maintaining the weight and geometry necessary for precise sound reproduction.

Wrapped in an aircraft-grade aluminium enclosure and built to marine-grade standards, the SA68 is as robust as it is refined. The company says its CDX Crossover technology ensures broad, uniform coverage across the listening space. At the same time, the low-profile design allows it to disappear visually within both residential and commercial installations.

From an installer’s perspective, the SA68 has been engineered with ease of integration in mind. Its modular approach—combined with a wide array of grille options and trim accessories—offers flexibility for various ceiling and wall configurations, making it well-suited to new builds or retrofits where architectural discretion is essential.

Skylar Gray, Director of Product Management at Sonance, says the SA68 reflects a total rethinking of Small Aperture design:

We deconstructed every element of Small Aperture technology to make it more accessible—then pushed performance even further with James. Now, we have two incredible solutions that redefine what’s possible for architectural audio.

Customisation remains a hallmark of the James offering. The SA68 is available with either round or square grilles in a choice of 3" or 4" openings, with eight standard finishes included at no extra cost. Optional upgrades include centre or offset opening configurations, grille trims and spacers, 70/100v compatibility, and additional marine-grade enhancements.

UL 1480 and 2043 certified models are also available upon request, meeting safety standards for use in commercial spaces such as air-handling ceilings (UL 2043) and public areas where fire and audio performance compliance (UL 1480) are required.

The James SA68 will be made available through authorised Sonance dealers, with pricing and availability expected in June.

Visit Sonance for more information

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Jason Sexton

Joining StereoNET in 2025 as Deputy Editor, Australia & New Zealand, Jason’s decades of experience comes from a marketing, brand development, and communications background. More recently, a decade in specialist retail has armed him with the knowledge required to deliver the right information to a captive and curious audience.

Posted in: Integration

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