The Sonus Faber Olympica
With a pair of Cremona’s in one of StereoNET's listening systems, we’re unabashed fans of the Italian speaker brand Sonus Faber. But while the Cremonas continue to thrill we can’t help but notice Sonus has a new range.
It’s called the Olympica, and what’s more it has been inspired by the works of art designed by Master architect Andrea Palladio and in particular his unforgettable Teatro Olimpico, Vicenza.
According to Synergy’s Philip Sawyer, ''The Teatro Olimpico represents the pinnacles of harmonious design, proportions and sensitivity; a search for beauty, wonder, exquisite materials and emotions. Using two classic Sonus faber materials, walnut wood and leather, the Olympica range, like the Teatro Olimpico, is truly a work of art,’’ he told StereoNET.
''Sonus faber are renowned for designing some of the most stunning speakers in the world, and the Olympica range is no exception. And luckily for us, they sound as good as they look.’'
The Olympica line now consists of four pieces: Olympica I; Olympica II; Olympica III; and the Olympica Center. The Olympica I (2-way bookshelf) and the Olympica Center have a frequency response of 50Hz-30Hz. The Olympica II is a 3-way floorstanding system with a frequency response of 40Hz-30Hz. Also a 3-way floorstanding system, the Olympica III boasts a frequency response of 35Hz-30Hz. Each system has an impressive 29mm dome Tweeter containing DAD (Damped Apex Dome) technology, derived from the development of Aida—one of Sonus faber’s leading systems.
The cabinet design is a combination of the experience gained from the flagship Aida and the classic lyre form. The important difference lies in the asymmetry of the cabinet, introduced in the Olympica’s for the first time by Sonus faber. The purpose of this asymmetry: it further reduces internal resonances by removing all parallel surfaces. Second, it accommodates the new bass reflex system.
The top is covered in natural leather, with a hot-branded Sonus faber logo, and a bevelled aluminium ring. The back is also covered in leather with sunken serial number tags and connection terminals below. The new side reflex port lies vertically at the back of the speaker. It is covered with a perforated metal grille.
Few speakers are able to combine such a brilliant balance of technical innovation and quintessential style. For this reason, it is easy to see that the Olympica range will be a favourite for all music lovers, adding a touch of elegance to any living area.
For more information visit Synergy Audio Video.
Posted in: Hi-Fi
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