This is the second commemorative loudspeaker from Sonus Faber. In June 1993 Guarneri homage inaugurated a programme of three tributes dedicated to the grand Masters of the art of violin making in Cremona: giuseppe Guarneri, Andrea Amati and Antonio Stradivari.

CABINET DESIGN

Structural rigidity, resonance control and excellent sound dispersion are the product of this sophisticated acoustic cabinet. The lute shape was first developed by  Sonus Faber in 1990 and was introduce on the market in 1993 with Guarneri homage. The absence of the far wall and the curved sides make this cabinet extremely rigid and immune to vibrations. Moreover, this design encourages a more homogeneous response from the loudspeaker than is possible with usual parallel-sided shapes. The back wave produced by the loudspeaker is easily transmitted to the reflex channel, thus reducing inner reverberation. The resonances are controlled with copper-leaded tuning parts.

The cabinet is made of sheets of wood of various consistency, which are joined by means of a polymeric glue with a high a high coefficient of viscosity in order to dampen vibration. The benefit if such a complex structure is the capacity for excellent dynamic contrasts, a precious element for correct musical reproduction.

TRANSDUCERS

They represent the state of the art in terms of intrinisic musical quality. They are manufactured according to the free compression driver concept, able to reproduce the slightest musical detail at high speed, whit absolute control and great power. The tweeter has no ferrofluid content, so that the moving coil can reproduce the softest musical transients. The midrange is a carefully developed component designed for excellent linearity. The cone is made of paper, carbonium an titanium, an ideal metal for equalization. The woofer cones, made of paper carbonium, are extra-rigid in order to avoid break-up phenomena and are individually equalized with damping substances. All drives benefit from a system which controls the impedance according to frequency variations.

CROSS-OVER

It is optimised to absorb the minimum energy and therefore to give the best possible impulse response, as well as maximum transparency. Minimum-tolerance components with a high musical value are used throughout. High-conductivity copper and silver cables are for all wiring. The network is insulated against vibration by virtue of our resin encapsulation system. System efficiency allows minimum amplifier power (30 Watt|per channel).

FINISH

The artisan-grade finish is hand-applied by skilled craftsmen, the result of a meticulous and painstaking procedure. The lacquering consists of seven coats of red and black lacquer, in rememberance of the instruments made in Cremona, the native city of Andrea Amati, to whom this homage is dedicated.