Полочная акустика — Sonus Faber ELECTA AMATOR III

The Electa Amator III is a two-way vented bookshelf loudspeaker from Sonus faber of Italy, introduced to mark the 35th anniversary of the company. It belongs to the brand's vintage-styled range, combining solid walnut, black leather, Carrara marble and brass in one cabinet.

Key specs that matter

Two drivers are fitted, a 28 mm H28 XTR-04 tweeter with a neodymium motor and soft dome, and an MW18 XTR-04 mid-woofer. The crossover point is 2500 Hz. Sonus faber rates the frequency response at 40 Hz to 35,000 Hz and sensitivity at 88 dB SPL for 2.83 V at 1 m, with a nominal impedance of 4 ohm. Recommended amplifier power runs from 35 W to 125 W of undistorted signal. Each speaker measures 375 mm high, 235 mm wide and 360 mm deep, or 1095 mm high with the dedicated stand, and weighs 12.5 kg.

Engineering and use context

The mid-woofer was designed specifically for this project and uses the classic cellulose pulp cone that Sonus faber has long associated with its speakers. The tweeter uses Damped Apex Dome technology, which the company applies to achieve smoother extension in the high frequencies. At the rear, the reflex port is shaped so that it offers a view of the solid wood acoustic chamber behind the tweeter. Construction relies on organic materials and solid wood, which the maker ties to its long-standing philosophy of natural materials. Four binding posts split into high and mid-low sections permit bi-wiring or bi-amping, and rubber feet decouple the cabinet from its support.

Pairing

The matching Carrara Stand is built from aluminium, brass, Carrara marble and iron spikes, and it brings the total height to the stand-included figure quoted above. Sonus faber also lists stand versions in aluminium with Carrara marble or with matte Marquinia marble. Given the low nominal impedance, the amplifier chosen should be comfortable with such loads, and its output should sit inside the power window given by Sonus faber. Two stereo amplifiers or a pair of channels per side can drive the split terminals separately.

Alternatives

A related Sonus faber monitor is the Guarneri G5, which relies on a 150 mm neodymium mid-woofer and a 2200 Hz crossover.