Bookshelf Speakers — Sonoro ORCHESTRA (Gen.2)

The ORCHESTRA (Gen.2) is the second generation of the ORCHESTRA bookshelf speaker made by sonoro audio GmbH in Neuss. It replaces the first ORCHESTRA with a larger mid-bass driver, a waveguide for the tweeter, a higher crossover point and a matt finish instead of the earlier lacquer. The speaker was designed and developed in Germany, and sonoro lists it at EUR 600 per pair, with a bundle discount when bought together with the MAESTRO Quantum receiver.

Key specs that matter

The low-midrange unit is a 6 inch driver with a PE coated paper cone, a die-cast chassis and a dual magnet system. For high frequencies sonoro uses an AMT tweeter, driven by neodymium magnets, set in a waveguide and offering a membrane area of about 85 cm2. The crossover frequency is 2,800 Hz. sonoro quotes a frequency range of 39 Hz to 32 kHz at -6 dB and a sensitivity of 88 dB SPL at 2.83 V RMS and 1 m. It presents a 4 ohm load, and sonoro advises amplifier power between 50 and 170 W. Each speaker measures about 215 x 376 x 317 mm (width x height x depth) and weighs about 10.7 kg.

Engineering and use context

sonoro builds the enclosure from HDF (high density fibreboard) and adds an internal matrix of braces for stiffness. Apart from the side panels, the cabinet has no parallel walls, which reduces standing waves inside the enclosure. The wooden housing is hand-sanded, has rounded corners and a matt finish, and carries aluminium details. Removable covers attach magnetically, so the front can be left open or closed. Cabling is connected through screw terminals. A foam plug for the bass reflex tube is included in the box, which allows the port to be closed when the speaker stands near a rear wall. The pair also comes with an instruction manual and safety instructions, and colours listed by sonoro include white matt with silver as well as matt black. The size suits a shelf, sideboard or stands in a room of around 20 m2.

Pairing

sonoro designed the speaker for its MAESTRO Quantum smart hi-fi receiver, which supplies amplification, streaming and radio. Any stereo amplifier that handles low impedance and is able to deliver power within the stated range also fits, and the modest sensitivity favours a solid state design over a low-power valve amplifier.

Alternatives

The sonoro ORCHESTRA Slim (Gen.2) is a slimmer bookshelf model of the same generation, with a 5.25 inch Kevlar-reinforced mid-bass driver and the same AMT tweeter.