Sonus faber now benefits from previous valuable experiences in this field. The previous attempt, in 2016, was the "revolutionary" Sf16 project - a stunning design inspired in “muscle cars” of the sixties and the seventies, merged with the Sonus faber recognizable touch of Walnut wood finish, and a futuristic pair of swiveling aluminum speaker wings. Unfortunately, the quality of the design was hindered by the complete lack of wireless options, being tied to the failed DTS Play-Fi technology and DLNA for wired networking. Also lacking any high-resolution audio format support, the $12,000 USD “elegant piece of furniture with a deep luxury appeal" had to be quickly moved to the "discontinued" section of the company's catalog and is now listed in the honorable mentions of too-early wireless speaker designs.
This time, the company didn't gamble in that regard, and the new Omnia wireless system features all of today's must-have connectivity options, wired and wireless, while engineered to fulfill the duties of both a room-filling omnidirectional speaker and home theater soundbar, as needed. Combining Sonus faber’s Italian heritage and design expertise, the 4-way, DSP-optimized Omnia system enhances the listening experience with a suite of innovative technologies while remaining relatively affordable for a luxury item.
The system is equipped with two new trademarked technologies from Sonus faber, the touch sensitive SENSO interface permits users to directly control the Omnia and easily connect to any digital or analog source, including television, turntable, or mobile device. The tactile illuminated wooden top panel allows direct control of all sources in combination with additional remote operation available via the supplied handheld controller and any smartphone or tablet. The illuminated SENSO lines indicate the wireless speaker mode, which streaming service is in use and which input is selected, also allowing the user to adjust the volume.
And the Omnia is able to support the latest streaming technologies, offering seamless playback from mobile devices with integrated Bluetooth (aptX HD), plus Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect via dual band Wi-Fi, being a Roon Ready system. On the wired front, the Omnia features an HDMI ARC input to enhance television sound, and an analog input that is ready to take external line sources or a phono (Moving Magnet) turntable.
Another key technology is the CRESCENDO advanced signal processing system for enhanced sound, resulting in a greater sense of dimensionality, cleverly utilizing the two full range side-speakers. The three-dimensional sound generated by the Omnia system is the result of a combined 490-watt closed box design hosting 7 drivers. Two 0.75" silk dome tweeters with neodymium slug structure magnet motor systems, two 3" paper pulp cone midranges, one 6.5" long throw, down firing woofer with aluminum cone, plus two 1.75" full-range drivers with a non-pressed cellulose pulp inverted dome activated with the built-in DSP.
"For me, Omnia was a complete journey exploring Sonus faber’s vast history, but made at two-times the speed," says Sonus faber’s Chief Design Officer, Livio Cucuzza. "With every project, my job is to tell the brand’s story - and with Omnia, the mission was the same, the process was just faster and went more in depth. In its new, more accessible category, Omnia will offer a taste of Sonus faber’s 40-year history to thousands of new customers, ambitious of course, but also gratifying."
Beyond the acoustic offerings, the elevated quality Italian design and authentic wood surface will enhance any home design. Omnia systems will be available through Authorized Sonus faber Dealers in Walnut finish beginning March 2022, with Graphite finish available in Summer 2022, retailing for $1,999 USD or €1,799 EUR.
www.sonusfaber.com
