News: Sonus faber baby makes a comeback

When Sonus faber started out in the 1980s, much of its early reputation was built on small but beautifully crafted and inherently musical loudspeakers.

No wonder then that the Italian speaker maker chose to celebrate its 35th anniversary with last year’s reimagined Electa Amator III bookshelf speaker. The compact high-ender has now been joined by a second Heritage Series speaker: the Minima Amator II.

Like the Electa Amator III, the new bookshelf/standmount design draws its inspiration from an early-years model: the original Minima. However, in modern guise, the Minima Amator II combines its heritage with up-to-date tech.

In a nod to the original, the enclosure is fashioned from solid walnut, which apparently contributes to the two-way speaker’s unique sound. Another Sonus faber-specific retro touch are the leather-covered front baffle and rear panel.

The enclosure design is all new, however, as are the drive units: a 28 mm silk dome tweeter featuring the marque’s own Damped Apex Dome technology, coupled to a 152 mm mid/bass driver.

The latter uses a unique composite of cellulose pulp and natural fibres for the cone material, together with a powerful motor system and a die-cast aluminium basket. Also bang up to date is the crossover, which makes use of Sonus faber’s so-called paracross topology.

The result is a beautifully presented bookshelf speaker that promises a musically believable, highly resolved performance. Expect it to make its South African debut in August or September.

HFX Systems