SONUS FABER HISTORY
SONUS FABER - HISTORY - TECHNOLOGIES - MCINTOSH & SONUS FABER CI-FI - PRODUCTS - CUSTOM INSTALLATION - GRAVIS SUBWOOFERS - ASTER - WIRELESS - LUMINA - LUMINA AMATOR - SONETTO G2 - OLYMPICA NOVA - HERITAGE - HOMAGE - REFERENCE
Where Italian Artistry Meets High-Fidelity Sound
Like many artisan manufacturers, our story began from a passion that inspired one man to study and apply historical violin-making techniques to his loudspeaker creations.
Sonus Faber's story is deeply rooted in the legacy of Italian violin-making, a tradition that captivated Franco Serblin, the brand's founder. Serblin was profoundly inspired by the craftsmanship of Amati, Guarneri, and Stradivari, whose violins are celebrated for their unparalleled tonal richness and emotional resonance. His fascination with these legendary artisans led him to explore their techniques, from the intricacies of wood selection to the composition of varnishes.
AMATI
GUARNERI
STRADIVARI
1979 - 1982
The Foundation of Sonus Faber
The origins of Sonus Faber date back to 1979, when Franco Serblin, a skilled cabinetmaker, designer, and music lover, began crafting loudspeakers that blurred the line between art and function. By 1980, Serblin had introduced the Snail Project, an innovative system featuring a low-frequency section shaped like a snail’s shell and adjustable satellite speakers inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s ingenuity. This unique design earned Serblin his first commercial success, but production remained a labour of love undertaken by a small team of enthusiasts.
1983 - 1992
building a legacy
The next decade marked a pivotal turning point for Sonus Faber, as the brand embraced natural materials and the distinctive forms of classic hand-crafted instruments. Inspired by the aforementioned violin makers.
In 1983, responding to market demand for compact and affordable speakers, Serblin introduced the Parva, a two-way bookshelf speaker that marked the formal establishment of Sonus Faber as a company. The Parva was followed by the Minima, a model that became renowned for its natural sound, timeless design, and enduring popularity, remaining in production for nearly two decades.
Sonus Faber developed its iconic lute-shaped designs. This revolutionary cabinet shape, grounded in centuries-old craftsmanship, became central to the brand’s identity, merging tradition with innovation to create visual and acoustic harmony. Sonus Faber’s reputation grew further with the release of the Electa Amator in 1987, a two-way bookshelf speaker featuring a rear-mounted passive radiator. Its innovative design and exceptional sound quality brought international acclaim, establishing Sonus Faber as a global leader in high-end audio.
This dedication culminated in creating the Guarneri Homage, a loudspeaker that epitomised Serblin’s vision of merging traditional craftsmanship with advanced acoustics. Crafted with the precision of a fine violin, the Guarneri featured a lute-shaped cabinet, non-parallel walls to eliminate standing waves, and a construction process involving hand-selected woods and natural varnishes. Its design was as much a tribute to Italy’s musical heritage as it was a breakthrough in loudspeaker technology, embodying the Sonus Faber philosophy of creating sound that is both visually stunning and emotionally engaging.
2004 - 2013
Technical Innovations by Sonus Faber
This era marked a transformative period for Sonus Faber, showcasing significant materials, engineering, and acoustics advancements. A hallmark of these years was the integration of die-cast aluminium, celebrated for its strength and durability. This material became central to their loudspeaker designs, enhancing structural integrity and improving acoustic performance.
Sonus Faber introduced groundbreaking driver design and internal structure developments during this time. These innovations elevated audio performance by ensuring precise sound reproduction and minimising internal resonances, aligning with the brand’s commitment to excellence.
The unveiling of the first-generation Stradivari Homage loudspeakers was introduced in 2004. Paying homage to the legendary luthier Antonio Stradivari, these speakers set a new benchmark for elegance and performance, combining Sonus Faber’s tradition of craftsmanship with innovative acoustic solutions..
Through these developments, Sonus Faber solidified its reputation for blending traditional craftsmanship with forward-thinking technology, creating products that resonate with beauty and acoustic superiority.
STRADIVARI HOMAGE
AMATI FUTURA
CREMONA
2014 - 2024
A Global Presence
Sonus Faber's journey over the past decade has been defined by a commitment to seamlessly integrating high-fidelity audio into diverse environments. The CI-FI (Custom Installation Fidelity) philosophy reflects a holistic approach, focusing on harmonising bespoke design with technical innovation. This methodology ensures that audio systems blend effortlessly into modern spaces while delivering the immersive, natural sound for which Sonus Faber is renowned.
Key product innovations during this era included the Palladio Collection, designed to integrate seamlessly into architectural spaces, and the Arena Series, which introduced advanced CI loudspeakers with elegant installation systems. The Aida 2 loudspeaker, an evolution of the original masterpiece, combined cutting-edge technology with artisanal craftsmanship, solidifying its position as a flagship product. In addition, wireless solutions like the Omnia demonstrated Sonus Faber’s adaptability to contemporary living, blending convenience with authentic sound.
BRAND COLLABORATIONS
In recent years, Sonus Faber has expanded its reach into custom installation, active loudspeakers, partnerships with luxury brands like Pagani, Maserati, and Lamborghini, and marine collaborations with Wally yachts.
These ventures have introduced Sonus Faber’s Natural Sound to new audiences and established its authority in the luxury market.