By CE Critic - Buy Better Tech

The powered speaker market is heating up, with Sonus Faber's recent launch of the Duetto wireless stereo speaker system. Following the success of their Omnia wireless speaker system in 2022, Sonus Faber is doubling down on the wireless audio game, aiming to cater to those who prefer a more traditional stereo speaker setup. As the competition intensifies, the launch of the Duetto promises to reshape the landscape of high-end wireless speakers.

Innovative Design Meets Audiophile Sound Quality

Sonus Faber has a reputation for blending innovation with timeless design, and the Duetto is no exception. The lute-shaped wood cabinet embodies the Sonus Faber philosophy of achieving natural sound reproduction through the use of natural materials. A custom-designed heatsink not only ensures stiffness but also eliminates internal resonance, maintaining the brand's signature natural sound.

Adding to its aesthetic appeal, the Duetto features a leather top interface known as SENSO, offering tactile control for functions like volume adjustment, input selection, and connections.

From Chief of Design Livio Cucuzza: "Duetto is a true Sonus faber stereo system, blending 40 years of premium speaker design, Italian style, and materials with modern technology and streaming features."

Sonus Faber's Signature Sound Quality

The heart of the Duetto lies in its exceptional sound quality. This two-way stereo system boasts a 0.7-inch tweeter and a 5.25-inch mid-woofer, both meticulously crafted by Sonus faber's research and design team in Vicenza, Italy. The silk dome tweeter, featuring a copper cap, elevates lower frequencies while maintaining a smooth and clear high end. A waveguide ring enhances off-axis response, ensuring an outstanding listening experience from any part of the room.

The mid-woofer, constructed from paper pulp, utilizes a neodymium magnet and surround suspension to reproduce deep bass frequencies. Enclosed in the Sonus faber Organic Basket, this design minimizes resonance and enhances airflow, thanks to the driver's extended excursion.

Amplification and Connectivity

The Duetto offers powerful amplification to complement its exceptional drivers:

• A 100W class AB amplifier for the tweeter ensures accurate and smooth high-frequency reproduction.
• A 250W class D amplifier for the mid-woofer delivers deep and robust bass response.

Connectivity is where the Duetto truly shines, making it a versatile addition to any setup:

• Wired Connectivity: HDMI and optical inputs cater to TV connections, while the internal MM phono preamplifier accommodates turntables. An active subwoofer can be automatically recognized through the Duetto setup system.
• Wireless Connectivity: The Duetto is WiFi Certified, supporting popular audio streamers like AirPlay, Chromecast, Tidal, Spotify, Roon Ready, and Bluetooth.
• Sonus Faber App: A dedicated app empowers users to customize settings for all Sonus Faber wireless products, providing seamless control and personalization.

Specifications and Performance

• Speaker Type: 2-way Curved Vented box (Bass Reflex)
• Tweeter: 0.7-inch with Ferrite Magnet system, copper cap, Silk dome, and dedicated Waveguide
• Mid-woofer: 5.25-inch with Neodymium Magnet system, copper cap and Aluminum ring, Long excursion design
• Crossover Point: 1,900Hz
• Frequency Response: 37Hz – 30,000Hz
• MAX SPL (Sound Pressure Level): 105dB @1m
• DAC: SABRE, AKM (specific chip model numbers not provided)
• Wired Connectivity: RCA Line/Phono IN, Optical, HDMI ARC/eARC, SUB Output
• Streaming Support: Airplay, Chromecast, Spotify, TIDAL connect, Qobuz, Bluetooth Aptx HD, Roon Ready
• Speaker Dimensions (HWD): 342 x 210 x 272 mm (13.4 x 8.3 x 10.7 in)
• Speaker Weight: 6.8 kg/15.0 lb
• Stand (Optional) Dimensions: 740 mm/29.1 inches (H), Base 298 mm/11.7 inches (W), 371 mm/14.6 inches (D)
• Stand (Optional) Weight: 7.8 Kg/17.2 Lbs

The Future of Wireless Audio

With the Duetto, Sonus Faber is boldly stepping into the wireless speaker market, aiming to deliver their signature sound quality in a versatile package. As the market for high-end wireless speakers continues to evolve, the Duetto promises an exceptional listening experience for audiophiles.

As we eagerly anticipate reviews and the crucial CE Critic score, the Duetto sets a high standard for competitors in the powered speaker arena. Priced at $3,999 USD per pair and with optional stands available at $749 per pair, it offers a premium all-in-one audio system for those who demand both style and substance.

As the competition intensifies in the world of wireless audio, Sonus Faber's Duetto promises to be a strong contender. It combines the brand's legacy of premium sound with modern technology, redefining what we can expect from wireless stereo speakers. The Duetto may just be the beginning of a new era in high-end wireless audio.