Sonus Faber Duetto connected speakers

The Sonus Faber Duetto connected speakers are compact stereo speakers offering the aesthetic and musical quality of the Italian brand, with wireless technology. These speakers constitute a Hi-Fi system integrating several technologies, with unique features in terms of design, sound quality, connectivity, and ease of use. Duetto is a true Sonus Faber stereo system, embodying 40 years of high-end speaker design.

SONUS FABER DUETTO: MANUFACTURING AND DESIGN

The exterior design of Duetto follows the brand’s philosophy by using natural, noble, and refined materials. The design is deliberately minimalist, highlighting the quality of the materials used. The speaker is covered in real wood with two possible finishes, Walnut (light wood) or Graphite (dark wood).

The Duetto's lute-shaped cabinet ensures rigidity while avoiding internal resonances. A heat sink at the back of the speaker is specially designed to fully integrate with the speaker's shape. The top of the speakers is covered in genuine leather. On top of one of the speakers, there is a "SENSO™" user interface, allowing for control and configuration of speaker functions such as volume, input selection, and connections.

The speakers can be hidden behind a rigid black jersey fabric grille with magnetic attachments.

The cabinet is very rigid and its mass (> 6.8 kg) is a testament to its quality.

These speakers are, of course, handmade in Sonus Faber’s factory in Italy.

SONUS FABER DUETTO: SPEAKERS AND AMPLIFIERS

The Sonus Faber Duetto are 2-way active stereo speakers. They feature an 18 mm tweeter and a 13 cm mid-woofer, both created from scratch by Sonus Faber’s research and development team.

The silk dome tweeter is equipped with a copper cap to improve low-frequency reproduction while maintaining smoothness and clarity in the highest notes. It is placed in a waveguide that reduces directivity and increases off-axis response.

The mid-woofer has a cellulose pulp diaphragm, a specific suspension, and a neodymium magnet to achieve the lowest possible frequencies. It is built around the new Sonus Faber "Organic Basket" chassis, which prevents resonances and facilitates airflow produced by the long excursion of the diaphragm.

These speakers are amplified by two distinct units. The tweeter is paired with a 100 W class AB amplifier for precise and smooth high-frequency reproduction. The mid-woofer is driven by a 250 W class D amplifier, providing the necessary power for deep, firm bass.

There is a Bass/Reflex port that opens via a vent behind the speaker.

SONUS FABER DUETTO: CONNECTIONS

Sonus Faber has developed an application that allows users to customize all settings for all Sonus Faber wireless products.

The Duetto can be connected to a TV via HDMI or optical inputs. An analog input allows for connecting all devices with RCA jacks, and it is possible to connect a turntable equipped with an MM (Moving Magnet) cartridge.

It is also possible to add an active subwoofer, which will be automatically recognized by the Duetto configuration system.

The Duetto speakers are Wi-Fi certified and have a full set of digital connections to the most common audio streamers, including AirPlay, Chromecast, Tidal, Spotify, Roon Ready, and Bluetooth.

Access to Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect is also possible from the official apps of these two services, while ROON compatibility allows playback of music shared on the local network. Finally, the Duetto allows music playback via Bluetooth. Support for the aptX HD codec ensures high-quality listening with compatible smartphones and portable players.

The Sonus Faber Duetto utilizes UWB (Ultra Wide Band) technology to avoid latency and interference between the two speakers. UWB also guarantees a very wide frequency spectrum to send high-speed data signals.

Today's streaming capabilities do not compromise quality but offer even higher quality for an almost infinite choice of music.

The Duetto comes with a remote control that allows for source selection, volume adjustment, track change, and LED brightness adjustment of the "SENSO™" user interface on top of the speaker.

SONUS FABER DUETTO: INSTALLATION

The installation of the Sonus Faber Duetto is very simple. Just connect the speakers to the power outlet and place them on a console or stands. Sonus Faber offers specific stands, the SONUS FABER DUETTO STANDS.

Ideally, they should be placed at least 30 cm from the rear wall and spaced at least 2.20m apart.

Once set up, a button allows for pairing. They require a listening room with an area greater than 16 m² to express themselves properly.

The Sonus Faber Duetto is associated with a web interface that allows for configuration and optimization of listening. Access is via a flash code in the user manual provided with the speakers. This allows for selecting the "master" speaker (left or right), its position in the room, near or far from the wall, and adjusting the balance and treble level. It is also possible to activate the subwoofer output, with options to adjust the cutoff frequency, gain, and delay. Other parameters are also offered, such as standby time, automatic TV detection, and startup volume.

SONUS FABER DUETTO: TEST AND LISTENING

For testing, we used Qobuz via Air Play and a Pro-Ject X8 turntable with a 2M Black cartridge.

The sound is not that of a "standard" connected speaker. It does not seek to be overly demonstrative. It prioritizes musicality and nuance over the traditional "Boom-Boom" of connected speakers we are accustomed to. The midrange, as always with the manufacturer, is reproduced with finesse and subtlety, with remarkable timbre quality. This gives rare realism to the reproduction. String and wind instruments are perfectly rendered without any aggressiveness but with surprising transparency and sharpness. The low end of the spectrum is incredible in its solidity and articulation. It is very clear and never undermines the quality of the other registers. The dynamics are surprising and remarkable for a product of this size. When properly positioned, the Duetto offers a wide and precise soundstage in all three dimensions. They easily fill the room even at low volumes.

Sonus Faber's foray into connected products is a real success. Unlike its competitors, they offer unmatched refinement and musical quality in this range. The Sonus Faber Duetto is certainly the best-connected speakers we have listened to so far.

Our favorite!