Sonus faber Lumina II Loudspeakers Review
The Sonus Faber Lumina II was loaned to me by Audio Advice. A big shout-out to them! If you’re interested in purchasing anything for your AV setup, check out audioadvice.com. They’re a fantastic resource and their support allows me to provide free data and reviews for you.
Sound Quality
The Lumina II is not a neutral speaker; it has a top-end heavy sound. This means it tends to be forward, bright, and detailed. Many reviewers and newcomers to the audio hobby might find this appealing, as it can reveal aspects of the music that neutral speakers do not. However, it is essential to understand that this speaker boosts treble frequencies, which may not appeal to everyone.
In the lower bass region, the Lumina II performs adequately, similar to other bookshelf speakers of its size. It reaches down to about 50 Hz in room with mild compression and good distortion figures, meaning it handles higher volumes well without significant distortion. Below 50 Hz, distortion and compression increase, indicating the need for a subwoofer if you require deeper bass.
Placement and Equalization
The high-frequency boost remains regardless of placement or toe-in angle. The speaker also has a noticeable nasal quality, likely due to a resonance around 1 kHz. Using an equalizer to reduce this resonance improved the sound quality for me. Additionally, I found that reducing the treble by about 2 to 4 dB made a significant difference, with 4 dB being the sweet spot.
Design and Build
The Sonus Faber brand carries a certain prestige, and the Lumina II is no exception. It boasts an elegant design with a beautiful finish. The port is at the bottom, making it less conspicuous than standard bookshelf speakers. Distortion and compression are relatively low, and the soundstage is wide at about ±60°.
Sonus faber Lumina II Tech Specs
| PRODUCT | Sonus faber Lumina II |
| ORIGIN | Italy |
| TYPE | 2-way standmount loudspeaker |
| WEIGHT | 5.65kg each |
| DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) | 180 x 304 x 263mm |
| FEATURES | • 29mm silk dome tweeter • 1x 150mm pulped paper midbass driver • Quoted sensitivity: 86dB/1W/1m |
| DISTRIBUTOR | Fine Sounds UK |
| WEBSITE | sonusfaber.com |
Listening Experience
Instruments like cymbals and guitars sometimes appeared more spread out than intended. For example, a guitarist’s voice and instrument might not sound like they are in the same location. This issue, while minor, is worth noting for those seeking precise imaging.
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Technical Data
Using my Klippel Nearfield Scanner, I gathered detailed data on the Lumina II. The speaker’s impedance is around 4.1 ohms, making it driveable by an AVR, though a dedicated amplifier might be safer. The on-axis response averages about 86 dB, matching the manufacturer’s specifications.
The data reveals non-linearities, with a mid-range trough and a high-frequency boost of about 6 dB. This results in a mean sensitivity of roughly 86 dB, with the high frequency reaching up to 92 dB. For some, this might be too much, but it could appeal to those who enjoy a bright sound.
Equalization and Room Response
The Lumina II can be equalized effectively above 800 Hz, which smooths out some of its frequency response issues. Below 500 Hz, room acoustics dominate the sound, making placement crucial. My subjective listening matched well with the estimated in-room response, showing a sharp and silvery sound with a mild vocal offset.
Conclusion
While the Sonus Faber Lumina II has its quirks, it offers a unique sound signature that some may find appealing. Its elegant design and brand prestige are significant factors. However, if you’re sensitive to bright sound or prefer a neutral speaker, this might not be the best choice for you. Equalization can help, and pairing with a subwoofer is recommended for deeper bass.
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I hope you found this review helpful. Take care, and happy listening!
MOVE OVER Focal, B&W! Sonus Faber Speakers - Lumina II Speaker Review!
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