Floorstanding loudspeakers — Sonus Faber LUMINA V

The Lumina V is the larger floorstanding model of Sonus faber's Lumina collection, announced in 2021 at USD 2,999 per pair, USD 800 more than the Lumina III. It sits above the Lumina III in the Italian company's entry range, and it is built in Arcugnano near Vicenza. An Amator version with a revised crossover and wooden front was added later.

Key specs that matter

A three-way vented tower, the Lumina V uses a 29 mm DAD tweeter, a 150 mm paper cone midrange and two 165 mm woofers with sandwich diaphragms. Crossover points are 260 Hz and 2,600 Hz. The frequency response extends from 38 Hz to 24 kHz, sensitivity is 89 dB and nominal impedance is 4 ohms, and Sonus faber recommends 50 to 300 W of amplification. Iron spikes are supplied, and the woofers share the lowest octaves equally. The cabinet measures 1,049 mm high, 280 mm wide and 372.6 mm deep and weighs 22.5 kg per speaker. Finishes are Piano Black, Wenge and Walnut, all combined with leather.

Engineering and use context

Compared with the Lumina III, the Lumina V moves both crossover points down. The lower handover to the woofers leaves the midrange free of the upper bass, and the lower tweeter crossover gives the dome a larger share of the upper midrange. The woofer cones use a sandwich construction that joins several layers into one diaphragm. Larger woofers and a cabinet 60 mm taller and 95 mm deeper than the Lumina III account for the slightly deeper bass limit and the higher power rating. The DAD tweeter uses a Damped Apex Dome, whose centre is treated to prevent it moving out of phase with the outer part of the dome. The cabinet front is layered wood with a veneer and the rest of the body is wrapped in leather. The supplied spikes rest the heavy cabinet on the floor through small contact points. Like the rest of the Lumina range, the V is assembled in Italy, and the collection remains the least expensive entry into Sonus faber's catalogue.

Pairing

Integrated or power amplifiers within the recommended range that handle low-impedance loads suit the Lumina V, and its sensitivity allows moderate power to reach normal listening levels in rooms of 20 m2 to 30 m2. In larger spaces a Gravis subwoofer can add low-end extension.

Alternatives

The Sonus faber Lumina III is the smaller floorstander of the collection, with paper cone woofers and higher crossover points.