Sonus Faber Olympica I G3 Bookshelf Speaker

As its name suggests, the Olympica I G3 is the third generation of monitor speakers in the Olympica range. It features all the hallmarks of the range in a bookshelf speaker delivering ultra-high-performance sound in small to medium-sized rooms.

Sonus Faber Olympica I G3: Design

The Olympica speaker stands out with a herringbone wood veneer covering its entire surface, a pattern inherited from the iconic Stradivari design. Angled at 45 degrees, this veneer gives the whole cabinet visual continuity, showcases Sonus Faber's exceptional woodworking craftsmanship and gives each speaker a refined, unique presence.

The top plate of the Olympica I G3 has been redesigned. It now offers a more distinctive and elegant identity. The Sonus Faber logo on the top plate and the surround provide a refined signature that reinforces the luxurious, contemporary expression of this new Olympica.

Sonus Faber Olympica I G3: Drivers

At the heart of the Olympica I G3 is the 16.5 cm Camelia mid/bass driver. Originally developed for the Sonus Faber Suprema, it is designed to reproduce the most essential part of the acoustic spectrum with exceptional resolution. Inspired by the natural geometry of the camellia flower, its non-circular cone helps reduce unwanted resonances while offering the listener the largest possible radiating surface. The result is remarkable transparency, striking vocal realism and Sonus Faber's inimitable natural sound.

High frequencies are handled by a superb DAD Arrow Point tweeter with a 28 mm silk dome. The crossover frequency is set at 2,300 Hz.

These two drivers deliver a linear frequency response from 57 Hz to 40,000 Hz!

The bass is loaded in bass-reflex via a vertical laminar port located on a rear corner. This port can therefore be positioned facing towards or away from the listening area.

The Olympica G3 speakers feature superb speaker terminals that allow bi-wiring or bi-amping.

Sonus Faber Olympica I G3: Positioning

Where possible, it is recommended to place both speakers away from the room's corners, at a distance of at least 80 cm and at least 50 cm from the rear wall.

The two speakers should be at least 1.8 metres apart. The stands offered by the manufacturer place the speaker 70 cm above the floor, which seems to be an optimal height in a living room. The ports can face inwards or outwards. This has a significant influence, and we will advise you on this position depending on your room and what you prioritise in terms of sound reproduction.

Sonus Faber Olympica I G3: Listening

From the very first tracks, the Olympica I G3 reproduces voices with remarkable realism and presence. They are rendered with beautiful texture and in an organic way. The same goes for acoustic instruments, which benefit from remarkable realism. This is partly due to a treble register that favours finesse and fluidity over artificial brightness. This is clearly noticeable on cymbals, plucked strings and room reverberation, yet never at the expense of detail or definition.

Bass is reproduced with impact and rhythm. Of course, they cannot deliver the scale and foundation of a floorstanding speaker such as the Olympica III G3. But in a 20 m² to 30 m² room, the balance is very convincing and there is no frustration in the lower end of the spectrum.

The Sonus Faber Olympica I G3 offers a three-dimensional stereo image that extends well beyond the speakers, with superb instrument separation. The placement of musicians and instruments in space is easy to perceive.

The Olympica I G3 delivers expressive, nuanced and subtle sound without excessive harshness. It favours tonal quality and emotion with refinement and subtlety.

Our favourite!

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Sonus Faber Olympica I G3 bookshelf speakers

What room size is the Olympica I G3 suited to?

The Olympica I G3 is designed for small to medium-sized rooms. In a 20 to 30 m² room, its balance is very convincing, with no frustration in the low end. To hear it before you buy, book an appointment at our auditorium in Rennes.

Which amplifier should I pair with the Olympica I G3?

This 4-ohm, 87 dB speaker accepts a recommended power of 30 to 250 W. For a 20 to 30 m² room, our experts pair it with the Atoll IN400 or the McIntosh MA352, two amplifiers that match its signature very well. A larger room will require more power.

Which speaker cables should I choose?

The Olympica I G3 terminals allow bi-wiring or bi-amping. Our experts recommend Audioquest Rocket 88 or Transparent The MusicWave Plus cables, which preserve the finesse of its treble and the texture of voices.

Are the stands included with the speakers?

No, the Olympica I G3 is sold without stands. The dedicated Olympica I stands place the speaker around 70 cm above the floor, an optimal height in a living room. To build the rest of your system, see our guide How to build a complete Hi-Fi system?.