Actually launched at ISE at the top of the year, Sonus faber is adding more details about its Palladio line, a collection of in-wall and in-ceiling loudspeaker systems that are designed to stay true to the Sonus faber heritage.
Choosing a name for a new collection is a process Sonus faber approaches with serious consideration.
The team always looks for meaningful ways to present new models and the Palladio Collection was no different.
The intention was aimed at paying homage to the company’s Italian roots and Vicenza’s artistic heritage which is why the new collection bears the name of the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, considered to be one of the most influential figures in the Western architecture history, so no pressure there then.
The Palladio collection features two lines; Level 5 and Level 6, and can complement the company’s Sonetto and Olympica collections respectively with 13 models in total. Level 5 offers two in-wall and four in-ceiling speakers and the Level 6 includes two in-wall and five in-ceiling speakers.
Additionally, both lines have the option to add a passive subwoofer (PS-G101).
Some technologies included are silk dome tweeters, characterised by DAD (Damped Apex Dome) technology and mid-ranges and woofers that are equipped with natural fibre and cellulose pulp diaphragms.
The maker says these two elements give life to the recognisable and iconic ‘Voice of Sonus faber’.
The Crossover network is designed for better definition and purity of sound featuring the Paracross TopologyTM circuitry.
Each line has two angled models (PC-562P and PC-563P for Level 5, PC-662P and PC-664P for Level 6) that increase the versatility of the collection allowing users to complete any home theatre or stereo system, in any environment, even those difficult to access.
Whenever front speakers cannot be placed on walls, these models are designed to be mounted in the ceiling.
Drivers have been positioned at an optimal angle to aim the sound towards the listening position.
Both lines have an in-wall LCR (Left/Center/Right) model (PL-563 for Level 5 and PL-664 for Level 6), designed to cover multiple roles according to different needs.
For example, thanks to their high-power capabilities, the wall speakers can turn any room into a fully capable movie and music theater environment.
In Level 6, three models (PC-664P, PL-664, PW-662) come with a wooden sealed box, designed to be used when sound isolation is required.
The back sealed box is the ideal solution to avoid sound pollution to other floors and, at the same time, allow a precise control of the speaker load.
However, it is possible to open the boxes to allow greater acoustic loading using the internal space inside the plasterboard.
Finally, all the Level 6 loudspeakers feature die-cast aluminium baskets, designed by the Sonus faber laboratories.
Equipped with swing out dogs fixing system, all Palladio speakers can be secured quickly and effectively to plasterboard.
Looking good
With its moniker to live up to, the speakers better look pretty good right, thankfully they do mixing in wood inlays and aluminum inserts.
The two levels draw inspiration from two successful Sonus faber collections: Sonetto and Olympica, which inherited the mid-high frequencies section design. In the Level 5, the silk dome tweeter is framed by a flange made in aluminum, an element that is also found in the woofer’s aesthetic rings.
Separately, the Level 6 is characterised by the presence, in smaller dimensions, of the entire front baffle of Olympica, in which tweeters and mid-ranges are placed on a support covered in natural leather.
The string pattern design reminiscent of the Sonetto bookshelves’ stand is also present.
The Level 6 features the optional walnut wood front panels with maple inlays derived from the Olympica finish and creating a highly distinctive design in the in-wall speaker market.
All Palladio series models are equipped with a magnetic metal grille, designed to make each model as discreet as possible and ready to be paint.
For Level 6, however, an extra option is offered, for those who do not want to relinquish the Sonus faber style, PL-664 and PW-662 models can be upgraded with classic elastic grilles masks, iconic design element and a tribute to stringed musical instruments that have guided the look of the brand.
Palladio products will be available in the third quarter of 2019 and pricing information will be confirmed in the second quarter.
