Sonus Faber OLYMPICA CENTER Center Speaker

4 799,00 €

Sonus Faber OLYMPICA CENTER is a center speaker for the center channel of a home cinema system. Its three-way design uses a 29 mm DAD tweeter, an 80 mm midrange driver and two 150 mm bass drivers. The stated frequency response is 50-30,000 Hz. A 50-300 W amplifier channel capable of supporting a 4-ohm load is recommended.

Description

Sonus Faber OLYMPICA CENTER is a center speaker designed to reproduce dialogue and action taking place at the center of the screen in a home cinema system. It is a 3-way speaker system recommended for use with a 50-300 W amplifier channel. Its stated frequency response extends from 50 to 30,000 Hz.

Three-way construction

The cabinet features Sonus faber’s distinctive “Lyra shape” design. High frequencies are reproduced by a 29 mm “Arrow Point” DAD H28 XTR-04 tweeter. DAD stands for Damped Apex Dome, a design that combines principles associated with conventional dome and ring-radiator drivers.

An 80 mm Sonus faber M18 XTR-04 driver handles the midrange. The bass section consists of two 150 mm drivers and a “Stealth Reflex” system. Each part of the frequency range is therefore handled by a dedicated driver section.

Connecting the speaker

Connect the speaker to the amplified center-channel speaker output of an AV receiver or power amplifier. A line-level output or subwoofer output is not suitable for this connection. When connecting the speaker cable, maintain the same positive and negative polarity at both ends.

The amplifier channel must be capable of driving a low-impedance load reliably. A high wattage figure alone does not guarantee compatibility. Consider the amplifier’s power rating together with the speaker impedance it is designed to support.

System setup

If your AV receiver includes automatic room calibration, use it as the starting point. After calibration, check the dialogue level from the main listening position. Voices should appear to come from the center of the screen without overpowering the left and right channels.

The lower frequency limit of 50 Hz does not by itself determine the most suitable crossover setting. Choose the setting according to the front speakers, the room and your usual listening volume. When a subwoofer is present, the AV receiver can direct the deepest effects to it.

The stated 88 dB SPL sensitivity is measured with a 2.83 V input at a distance of one metre. When comparing speakers, always take the measurement conditions into account. Sensitivity figures quoted under different conditions cannot be compared directly.

Placement near the screen

Position the center speaker as close as possible to the horizontal center of the screen. If it must be placed above or below the screen, angle it towards the main listening position. This helps the apparent direction of dialogue correspond more closely with the picture.

The speaker’s width × height × depth is 230 × 649 × 353 mm. Before purchasing, measure the intended shelf or cabinet using this exact dimension order. Do not obstruct the “Stealth Reflex” opening, and leave enough room for the speaker cable.

Technical specifications

Type Center speaker
Acoustic system 3-way
Cabinet design “Lyra shape” design
Tweeter 29 mm Sonus faber “Arrow Point” DAD H28 XTR-04
Midrange driver 80 mm Sonus faber M18 XTR-04
Bass drivers 2 × 150 mm, “Stealth Reflex” system
Frequency response 50-30,000 Hz
Sensitivity 88 dB SPL (2.83 V/1 m)
Nominal impedance 4 ohms
Recommended amplifier power 50-300 W
Dimensions 230 × 649 × 353 mm (width × height × depth)

FAQ

Can the speaker be connected directly to a television?

No. A television’s line-level or optical output cannot power the speaker directly. Connect it to the amplified center-channel output of an AV receiver.

How should I choose a suitable amplifier?

Check that the amplifier’s center channel can operate reliably with a 4-ohm load, as wattage alone is not enough to determine compatibility. You should also consider the recommended power range of 50-300 W.

Does the system require a subwoofer?

This model reproduces frequencies down to 50 Hz. A subwoofer is useful when you want it to handle the deeper effects in film soundtracks.

How should I set the center-channel volume?

After automatic calibration, listen from the main seating position and check whether dialogue is too quiet or too loud compared with the other channels. If adjustment is needed, change only the center-channel level.

Where is the best place for the speaker?

If the speaker is positioned above or below the screen, angle it towards the main listening position. Make sure the cabinet stands securely and that the “Stealth Reflex” opening remains unobstructed.