A little map of our “soggiorno” in Italy.
Day 1
We started our visit with the newest acquisition of Sonus faber: a new complex 10 minutes out of Vicenza where they are currently doing the first steps in cabinet finishing.
In this location we could see Sonus faber artisans hand sanding the cabinets. They were inspecting every aspects of the cabinets as they were working on the first step required to achieve Sonus faber’s amazing finish.
After the careful sanding process, cabinets are placed in one of the 3 air pressure controlled rooms in the new location for lacquering. Every cabinet receives 7 layers of lacquer, interposed with 3 sanding steps, to prepare for the polishing.
We then moved to the polishing factory, where the magic happens.The artisans spend about 1 hour per cabinet, hand polishing and inspecting visually and by touch after every pass to ensure that the expected quality is achieved. Once the great finish is achieved, the cabinets are placed in an oven to cure for 4 weeks, which seals in the finish and removes all the moisture that could be left in the wood, ensuring that the amazing finish will last for decades.
Lorenzo (our host) took us on a quick tour around the center of Vicenza. Many old buildings, very impressive stonework done by the architect Andrea Palladio who was inspired by the impressive history of old Italy and based his design often in classical roman roots.
Day 2
On our second day we visited the facility where the final assembly and verifications take place. It also serves as the main warehouse for Sonus faber in Italy.
The factory floor is kept very clean and organised, and a lot of efforts are made so that the workspace is kept enjoyable for the employees. Very large windows all along the ceiling allow for natural light to shine on the environment and equipment.
All components in the crossovers are custom made, hand mounted and hand soldered to ensure perfect placement and performance in every boards.
Artisans apply the iconic leather layer by hand and carefully shape it to follow every angle on the cabinet parts. The whole process takes only a few minutes but will last for decades.
There is a separate area in the facility where all the Lumina and Sonetto loudspeakers are thoroughly assembled, inspected and tested. The model and serial number identification is only applied to the units after the test results show that they meet the Sonus faber standards.
This picture of the Olympica Nova parts reflects the level of organisation and tidiness on all the assembly tables. All parts are laid out in advance and prepared for efficient mounting and ease of access.
Mounting crossovers and drivers on the homage series using the custom wood and felt fixtures designed by Sonus faber. Fixtures can be interchanged for every cabinet assembled in the factory.
The reference collection is assembled and inspected by a very small team of artisans. The fitting of every part must be absolutely perfect. Again the presence of natural light is beneficial for both the quality of the inspection and the enjoyment of the employees.
The new woofer design for Stradivari. Another example of the fine Italian design where function meets looks. This shorter and lighter design allows the new Stradivari to achieve exceptional control and punch on the bass frequencies.
The new Stradivari front baffle, ready to receive its drivers. Also in the picture, a rare sight at a pair of the previous version of the Stradivari. The evolution of the design while staying true to its roots is part of the core values at Sonus faber.
We were taken out for lunch at the Crichelon Ristorante near the Sonus faber facility. We sat at an incredible terrasse with a view of the surrounding hills and vines.
Freshly prepared “Bigoli al torcio al ragout d’anatra”(Bigoli with duck ragout). Hand made pasta and perfectly cooked duck made for an unforgettable lunch.
Day 3
Our final day was spent walking around Venezia. At the central Piazza San Marco we saw at least 5 restaurants with live musicians and various instruments. They played a variety of songs ranging from well know American classics to traditional Italian masterpieces such as Funiculì Funiculà.
Our last evening in Italy was spent at a great, simple diner on the beach of Lido island. As it was consistently the case throughout our “visita” we were served great food and had an even greater view of the landscape.
Coming back home, we are inspired by the approach Sonus faber has to creating loudspeakers. The intent to build on the existing foundation, to improve while staying true to their origins. To pay respect to what came before by continuing to create new things anchored in the same beliefs and values, but that adapt to new contexts. This is the Italian heritage that you can feel through Sonus faber’s passion at creating loudspeakers that are as vibrant as the musical instruments they are name after.
“Grazie mille” to the Sonus faber's team.