The speakers inspired by Andrea Palladio: perfect audio and invisible installation

The name is as prestigious as the product. Literally. In Amsterdam, the Italian Sonus Faber has unveiled Palladio, a line of speakers which has borrowed the name of the Renaissance architect to express the two main features of these speakers. Not only is great attention paid to sound quality, but the aesthetics are linked to architecture, and the speakers integrate with furnishings thanks to in-wall and in-ceiling solutions.

Significant progress is being made in both cases - we have seen that Sonus is also making moves in this direction - and thus Sonus Faber looks to architecture in its search for acoustic excellence. As well as aspects of aesthetics, integrated systems also manage to create all-enveloping sound even in difficult-to-reach areas or where an external speaker is not possible.

The collection is made up of two lines and thirteen models: the first, named Level 5, includes two in-wall and four in-ceiling models, while the second, Level 6, offers two in-wall and five in-ceiling models. Both can also be combined with a passive sub-woofer. All of these elements can be combined to create the ideal audio solution for those seeking sound environments for either music or cinema.

The most interesting are undoubtedly the angled models to be installed in the ceiling, created specifically for those who are unable to fit front-facing speakers. The speaker drivers are in fact angled with respect to the surface they are fitted into, thus allowing sound to be directed towards the listener. In the case of the in-wall speakers, the main speaker is set vertically, while the central channel can be installed horizontally, as with classic home cinema systems. Clamps allow the units to be fixed to plasterboard, exploiting the acoustic load of the internal space inside.

From a design point of view, all the models are supplied with a magnetic metal grille which can be painted. Looking in further detail, the Level 5 tweeters have a silk dome framed by an aluminium flange, while the speakers have a front panel with a striped pattern. With Level 6, the tweeters and mids are installed in a support which is covered in real leather, with walnut front panels with maple inlays. All in all, this new Made in Italy solution promises to be both beautiful and functional. Release is scheduled for July, at which point prices will also be available.