Sonus Faber, the iconic Italian artisan of high-end loudspeakers, has unveiled the fourth-generation Concertino G4, a bookshelf speaker that elegantly bridges the brand’s storied past with cutting-edge innovation and sustainability. Part of the prestigious Heritage Collection, the Concertino G4 celebrates the 30th anniversary of the original Concertino model launched in 1994, blending timeless design cues with advanced materials and acoustics for discerning audiophiles seeking compact yet captivating performance.
Unibody cabinet from recycled cork
At the heart of the Concertino G4 is a groundbreaking unibody cabinet constructed primarily from recycled cork – a first for Sonus Faber when paired with a midwoofer driver. This natural, eco-friendly material, drawn from the brand’s experience in flagship lines like Suprema and Sonetto, dramatically reduces internal resonances while minimizing the need for additional damping. The cork core is flanked by solid walnut side panels with ribbed surfaces for enhanced rigidity, eliminating complex internal bracing. The front baffle and top are wrapped in a luxurious plant-based leather alternative from Italian startup Ohoskin, crafted from byproducts of Sicilian oranges and prickly pears – a vegan, sustainable touch that maintains the opulent feel Sonus Faber is renowned for, accented with brass details.
Lute-inspired aesthetics
The speaker retains the classic trapezoidal form that echoes the lute-inspired aesthetics of Cremonese violin makers, a nod to founder Franco Serblin’s original vision. A rear-firing reflex port, constructed from paper and solid wood for further environmental responsibility, optimizes bass response without frontal turbulence.
Technical information
Technically, the Concertino G4 is a two-way standmount design featuring a 1.1-inch silk dome tweeter with Sonus Faber’s proprietary Damped Apex Dome (D.A.D.) Arrow Point technology for smooth, extended highs, paired with a 5.25-inch long-throw paper pulp midwoofer in an organic basket. A phase-coherent, anti-resonant crossover at 1,700 Hz ensures seamless integration and precise soundstaging.
Key specifications include:
- Frequency response: 60 Hz – 25 kHz
- Sensitivity: 85 dB (2.83V/1m)
- Nominal impedance: 4 ohms
- Recommended amplifier power: 30 – 150 watts
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 314 x 214 x 296 mm
- Weight: 6.6 kg per speaker
Optional dedicated stands, crafted from iron beams with walnut veneer inserts, add architectural stability and vibration control for $1,500 / €1,500 per pair.
Price and availability
To mark the anniversary, the first 300 pairs are offered as the limited-edition “Maestro” version, each adorned with a numbered brass plaque on the walnut panel – a tribute to the master-apprentice tradition of Renaissance Italian workshops.
Priced at $5,000 / €4,750 per pair (Maestro Edition carries a slight premium in some markets), the Concertino G4 positions itself as an accessible entry into Sonus Faber’s luxury realm, delivering the brand’s signature “Natural Sound” philosophy: warm, organic tonality with exceptional clarity, depth, and emotional engagement.
The Sonus Faber Concertino G4 is more than a speaker; it’s a statement of enduring craftsmanship in an era of mass production. For those who appreciate the fusion of art, ecology, and acoustics, this revival of a classic is poised to enchant a new generation of high-end enthusiasts.
