Sonus faber has announced four next-generation Homage collection loudspeakers, updating them with new innovations for the modern music lover, three decades after Homage’s 1993 debut. The extension of the current range progresses Sonus faber’s Italian-made Homage collection, which debuted with the Guarneri (in 1993), and pays tribute to the musical instruments that inspired the collection.
The four new models include the Guarneri G5 (5th generation) 2-way standmount (below), Serafino G2 3.5-way (2nd gen, above) and Amati G5 3.5-way (5th gen) floorstanders, plus the 3-way Vox G3 (3rd gen) centre channel. The four Homage models will be available in three luxurious finishes: red, wenge and graphite.
The latest computer simulation and testing equipment has improved the cabinets. Improvements have been made to the bracing and porting system which allow greater efficiency and output while maintaining resonance control. The midrange and tweeter chambers have also seen radical change. Homage retains the classic iteration of the lute shape, first introduced in the previous Homage Tradition collection, but with modified metalwork including smooth, rounded edges, with a graphite grey anodised finish.
Intono is a proprietary Sonus faber technology that addresses the drawbacks of ported cabinet and sealed enclosure designs, yet plays to their strengths. It uses a midrange driver ducted into a further sealed enclosure which is tuned just above peak pressure frequency. When the port unloads, or goes below its tuning frequency, the pressure is equalised into the alternate chamber, significantly reducing impedance peaks. Intono is available in the Amati G5 and Sefafino G2.
The Amati and Serafino models benefit from a new, more efficient 150 mm natural fibre midrange driver with a neodymium magnet, plus a new shorter and wider voice coil. The suspension has also been improved. The Serafino’s bass driver has been updated with a new coil and spider material, optimised for greater air movement and bass extension. The entire system has also been mass-loaded to counterbalance any resonant vibration.
Amati (above) benefits from a new 220 mm bass driver with two ultralight CCAW voice coils in a neodymium Slug featuring two air gaps for maximum speed, with an integrated heat sink for improved power handling. Tuning of the Guarneri’s 150 mm driver has led to improvements in control and has tamed resonance right down to 15 Hz. A purpose built neodymium motor system combined with a new tuning frequency, allow for deeper extension without distortion. The entire system has also been optimised, balancing mass to reduce modal vibration.
Guarneri G5: £13,000 (Guarneri stand: £3,200); Serafino G2: £22,000; Amati G5: £30,000; Vox G3 £14,000