Thirty years since the collection was originally launched, Sonus faber has added four new next-generation models to its Homage loudspeaker range, featuring new innovations for modern music lovers.
Debuting in 1993 with the Guarneri, the extension of the Homage collection pays tribute to the musical instruments that inspired the collection’s creation. The range honours the genius of the talented creators of musical instruments and the lute-making tradition with its roots in Cremona, Italy.
Consisting of a standmount speaker, two floorstanders and a centre channel, the four new models consist of the Guarneri G5 (5th generation) 2-way standmount, the Serafino G2 3.5-way (2nd generation) and Amati G5 3.5-way (5th generation) floorstanders, and the 3-way Vox G3 (3rd generation) centre channel. The four new Homage models will be available in three finishes: red, wenge and graphite.
The cabinets on the new models have been improved thanks to the latest computer simulation and testing equipment. Helped by Sonus faber’s 2021 acqusition of the De Santi woodworking facility, the new cabinets feature revolutionary technology.
Dramatic improvements have been made to the bracing and porting system, allowing greater efficiency and output while maintaining resonance control. The midrange and tweeter chambers have also seen radical change.
The collection retains its classic iteration of the lute shape, first introduced in the previous homage Tradition collection, but with modified metal work including smooth, rounded edges, with a graphite grey anodised finish.
Serafino G2
Intono, a new proprietary technology from Sonus faber is included in the new models to address the drawbacks of ported cabinet and sealed enclosure designs, yet plays to their strengths.
Intono 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. The Intono system offers the benefits of a ported and sealed enclosure designs but in a more efficient system. Intono is available in the Amati G5 and Serafino G2.
The Amati and Serafino models also benefit from a new and more efficient 150mm natural fibre midrange driver with a neodymium magnet, as well as a new shorter and wider voice coil for greater control, a faster response and more overall force. The suspension has been improved too, with optimisation for greater speed and control.
Bass drivers have 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 resonance vibration.
Amati benefits from a new 220mm bass driver with a 23.6% increase in force. Two separate ultralight CCAW voice coils are implemented in a custom formed neodymium Slug featuring two air gaps for maximum speed, with an integrated heat sink for improved power handling. The Finite Element Method was deployed to give the Amati its best possible bass performance.
Tuning of the Guarneri’s 150mm driver has led to improvements in control and has tamed resonance down to 15Hz. 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
Homage also benefits from Sonus faber’s new hybrid crossover system, which uses its best components available. The use of the latest simulation software combined with extensive listening trials has evolved Sonus faber’s proprietary Paracross topology and Interactive Fusion Filtering to next-level status.
Hand-selected Jantzen inductors, custom specification Clarity Caps, plus Mundorf capacitors and resistors are hand-soldered on custom PCBs to ensure maximum clarity, high power handling, a low noise floor and long life.
The new Homage drive units are time-aligned and phase correct on every single driver. This phase coherent driver array not only means greater impact, but considerably better 3D effect for more immersive sound.
The Homage models feature established Sonus faber technologies too, including the D.A.D reference tweeter, cellulose pulp midrange cones and sandwich cone mid-bass drivers.
Aluminium ‘dampshelves’ are also used at the top of the cabinet to increase rigidity and reduce resonance, while the proprietary UltraFlex anti-resonance porting system maximises airflow.
Available to order now, the Guarneri G5 is priced at £13,000 (Guarneri stand: £3,200), the Serafino G2 is £22,000, the Amati G5 is £30,000, and the Vox G3 is £14,000.
Main image: Amati G5