Audio T Verdict
The Sonus faber Electa Amator III is a reminder that a standmount speaker does not have to be small, anonymous or compromised. This is a substantial two-way design built around a 180mm midwoofer and 28mm D.A.D. tweeter, housed in solid walnut with leather, brass and natural marble. It looks more like a piece of Italian furniture than a conventional loudspeaker, but every one of those materials also plays a role in the structure of the enclosure.
The numbers are equally serious. An 88dB sensitivity, 4-ohm nominal impedance and 35–125W amplifier recommendation make Electa Amator III relatively flexible, although amplification with good current delivery is worthwhile. Its 40Hz lower frequency specification is also unusually generous for a two-way standmount, giving the speaker enough scale to work without a subwoofer in many music systems.
At this level, though, setup matters. Electa Amator III deserves proper space, suitable amplification and a solid support. Sonus faber's optional Carrara Stands are the obvious partners, placing each cabinet at the intended height on a substantial aluminium and marble structure. They are sold separately, but if the room and budget allow, we would consider the complete speaker-and-stand combination the natural way to experience Electa Amator III.
Carrara Stands Sold Separately
This listing is for the Sonus faber Electa Amator III loudspeakers only. The dedicated Sonus faber Carrara Stands shown in manufacturer photography are available separately and are not included unless a specific Audio T package states otherwise.
Sonus faber Electa Amator III Standmount Speakers
The Electa Amator III is the third generation of one of Sonus faber's most significant loudspeakers, bringing together the company's traditional two-way design philosophy with modern driver technology, crossover engineering and the distinctive use of solid walnut, Italian leather, brass and natural stone.
Created to commemorate Sonus faber's 35th anniversary, Electa Amator III follows the original Electa Amator of 1987 and Electa Amator II of 1997. Rather than reproducing either earlier model, this third generation takes the character and materials associated with those speakers and develops them using contemporary Sonus faber engineering.
- Current Sonus faber Heritage Collection loudspeaker
- Third-generation Electa Amator
- Two-way vented standmount design
- Handcrafted in Italy
- Solid walnut cabinet
- Port Saint Laurent marble speaker base
- Brass detailing
- Hand-applied black leather
- 28mm H28 XTR-04 D.A.D. soft-dome tweeter
- High-power neodymium tweeter motor
- Solid spruce rear acoustic labyrinth for tweeter
- 180mm MW18 XTR-04 midwoofer
- Cellulose-pulp midwoofer diaphragm
- 2500Hz crossover frequency
- Paracross Topology crossover philosophy
- Premium crossover components
- 40Hz–35kHz frequency response
- 88dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm nominal impedance
- 35–125W recommended amplifier power
- Bi-wire / bi-amp binding posts
- Rubber decoupling feet
- 375mm speaker height
- 235mm speaker width
- 360mm speaker depth
- 12.5kg per speaker
- Dedicated Carrara Stands available separately
A Celebration of Sonus faber's Heritage
Electa Amator III was developed as a celebration of Sonus faber's 35th anniversary.
That history matters because the Electa Amator name helped establish many of the ideas that would become closely associated with Sonus faber: compact two-way architecture, natural materials, furniture-quality construction and a strong focus on the tonal relationship between the two drive units.
The Third Electa Amator
The lineage began with Electa Amator in 1987.
Electa Amator II followed in 1997, while the third generation arrived as a modern reinterpretation rather than a replica.
Sonus faber describes Electa Amator III as a natural evolution of those earlier models, retaining the basic philosophy while bringing the acoustic engineering up to date.
Why Keep It Two-Way?
Electa Amator III uses just two drive units:
- A 28mm soft-dome tweeter
- A 180mm midwoofer
The midwoofer reproduces the bass and the majority of the midrange before handing over to the tweeter at 2500Hz.
The Appeal of a Two-Way Loudspeaker
A well-designed two-way system has only one crossover region to manage.
That does not automatically make it better than a three-way loudspeaker, but it gives the designer a relatively simple acoustic architecture in which the two drivers can be carefully integrated.
Sonus faber has long considered this simplicity particularly appropriate to its Heritage loudspeakers.
28mm D.A.D. Soft-Dome Tweeter
Electa Amator III uses Sonus faber's H28 XTR-04 high-frequency driver, a 28mm soft dome incorporating D.A.D. technology.
D.A.D. stands for Damped Apex Dome.
What Is Damped Apex Dome Technology?
At very high frequencies, the centre of a conventional soft dome can begin moving differently from the rest of the diaphragm.
Sonus faber's D.A.D. system locally damps the apex of the dome to control this behaviour while retaining the smooth characteristics of the textile diaphragm.
The Familiar D.A.D. Tripod
The small structure visible in front of the tweeter is a functional part of the D.A.D. system rather than simply decorative trim.
It makes physical contact with the centre region of the dome to provide the required damping.
High-Power Neodymium Motor
The tweeter uses a high-power neodymium magnetic motor with Sonus faber's cup-style architecture.
This provides the magnetic control required for the extremely light soft-dome moving assembly.
Solid Spruce Rear Acoustic Labyrinth
Behind the tweeter is a solid spruce acoustic chamber.
This rear labyrinth controls the acoustic energy generated from the back of the dome and contributes to the high-frequency system's smoothness and extension.
Why Does a Tweeter Need a Rear Chamber?
A tweeter generates sound from both sides of its diaphragm.
The forward output enters the listening room, while rearward energy must be controlled so it does not reflect back through the moving dome and create unwanted resonances.
The solid wood labyrinth provides a carefully defined acoustic environment behind the driver.
35kHz High-Frequency Extension
Sonus faber specifies Electa Amator III to 35,000Hz.
That extends well beyond the upper limit of normal human hearing, but wide-band behaviour can still be relevant to the way the tweeter and crossover perform throughout the audible treble region.
180mm MW18 XTR-04 Midwoofer
Bass and midrange are handled by the MW18 XTR-04 driver, which Sonus faber's current technical data specifies at 180mm diameter.
It was developed specifically for the Electa Amator project and uses a traditional cellulose-pulp diaphragm.
A Note on the 6.5-Inch Description
Sonus faber's overview material also describes the driver as a 6.5-inch midwoofer.
The detailed technical specification identifies the complete driver as 180mm, so that is the figure we use in the specification field while retaining the manufacturer's familiar 6.5-inch description where appropriate.
Why Cellulose Pulp?
Paper and cellulose-based loudspeaker cones remain popular because they offer a useful combination of low moving mass, stiffness and natural self-damping.
That balance is particularly important in a two-way design because the same driver must reproduce both deep bass and a large proportion of the musically important midrange.
A Large Midwoofer for a Standmount
At 180mm, the Electa Amator III driver is substantially larger than the 130–165mm units found in many compact standmount speakers.
The extra radiating area contributes to:
- Greater bass scale
- More physical weight
- Improved low-frequency headroom
- Useful output in medium-sized rooms
- A more substantial presentation without moving to a floorstander
40Hz Bass Response
Sonus faber specifies the frequency response from 40Hz to 35kHz.
For a two-way standmount, 40Hz is a notably deep published lower limit and helps explain why Electa Amator III can sound considerably larger than its cabinet height might suggest.
What Does 40Hz Cover?
Forty hertz reaches well into the region occupied by:
- Bass guitar
- Kick drum
- Double bass
- Piano
- Electronic bass
- Orchestral bass instruments
Does Electa Amator III Need a Subwoofer?
For most two-channel music systems, there is no automatic need for one.
The 180mm midwoofer and 40Hz response provide considerably more bass extension than many conventional standmount speakers.
A subwoofer can still be useful if:
- You want strong sub-30Hz information
- You listen extensively to electronic music
- Pipe organ is a major priority
- You use the speakers for home cinema
- You need additional low-frequency headroom in a large room
Position the Speakers Before Adding More Bass
With a published 40Hz lower response and a relatively large midwoofer, Electa Amator III already produces substantial bass. Optimise the speakers and room position first before deciding whether a subwoofer is genuinely needed.
2500Hz Crossover
The 180mm midwoofer hands over to the 28mm tweeter at 2500Hz.
This region is critical because the two drivers must combine in level and phase without making voices and instruments sound as though they are being reproduced by two unrelated sources.
Paracross Topology
Within its current Heritage Collection information, Sonus faber confirms that Electa Amator III continues the company's established Paracross Topology crossover philosophy.
The network uses premium components and is designed to create a smooth and coherent relationship between the midwoofer and tweeter.
Why the Crossover Matters So Much in a Two-Way
A two-way speaker has only one crossover, but that crossover falls directly through a region containing a great deal of musical information.
It therefore needs to control:
- Driver level
- Electrical filtering
- Acoustic phase
- Dispersion
- Transition between the two diaphragms
Bi-Wire and Bi-Amp Terminals
Electa Amator III provides four binding posts per speaker, divided between high-frequency and mid/low-frequency sections.
This permits conventional single-wire connection using the supplied links or appropriate bi-wire and bi-amp arrangements.
Do You Have to Bi-Wire?
No.
A high-quality single run of speaker cable is perfectly valid when the terminal links are fitted correctly.
What Is Bi-Wiring?
Bi-wiring uses separate cable runs from the same amplifier channel to the high-frequency and mid/low terminal sections.
Whether this is worthwhile depends on the amplifier, cable and system as a whole.
What Is Bi-Amping?
Bi-amping uses separate amplifier channels for the high-frequency and mid/low sections.
This requires suitable amplification and should not be confused with simply adding another set of speaker cables.
Check Terminal Links Before Connecting
If using a normal single-wire connection, make sure the high-frequency and mid/low terminal links are fitted securely. If bi-amping, remove the links and follow the amplifier manufacturer's connection instructions carefully.
Solid Walnut Cabinet
Electa Amator III uses a solid walnut enclosure rather than merely applying a walnut-patterned finish to a conventional cabinet.
Natural solid wood has been a defining part of Sonus faber's identity since the company's earliest loudspeakers.
Why Solid Wood?
For Sonus faber, solid walnut is both a structural and aesthetic material.
It contributes to the mechanical behaviour of the enclosure while allowing the cabinet to be finished and worked like a piece of furniture.
A Living Material
Real wood naturally varies in colour and grain.
That means two cabinets will not look as mechanically identical as speakers covered in printed vinyl, and that slight variation forms part of the appeal of the Heritage approach.
Internal Structural Ribs
Sonus faber's Heritage cabinet construction uses modern drying processes and internal structural ribs to control the behaviour of solid walnut over time.
This allows the company to retain the traditional material while applying contemporary manufacturing tolerances.
Rounded Cabinet Edges
The enclosure retains the relatively simple squared form of the classic Electa Amator, softened by rounded edges rather than adopting the much more pronounced lute-shaped cabinet used elsewhere in the Sonus faber range.
Port Saint Laurent Marble
The loudspeaker itself incorporates Port Saint Laurent marble within its base.
This dark natural stone contrasts with the warmer walnut cabinet and is separated visually by brass detailing.
Why Use Marble?
Marble adds substantial mass and provides a mechanically different material from the solid wood surrounding it.
Sonus faber deliberately combines materials with different resonant characteristics rather than constructing every part of the speaker from one substance.
Brass Detailing
A brass insert provides the transition between the solid walnut and marble elements.
This reinforces the visual relationship between the speaker and its optional Carrara Stand.
Hand-Applied Italian Leather
The front baffle and rear panel are wrapped in leather, continuing one of Sonus faber's most recognisable design traditions.
The contrasting texture softens the visual transition between the walnut, drivers, terminals and stone base.
The Reflex Port Gives an Inside View
The vented enclosure incorporates a reflex opening that also provides a view towards the solid wood acoustic chamber behind the tweeter.
This makes part of the speaker's acoustic architecture physically visible rather than hiding every engineering feature inside the cabinet.
Bass-Reflex Loading
Electa Amator III is a vented or bass-reflex loudspeaker.
The port works with the internal cabinet volume and midwoofer to extend low-frequency performance beyond what the driver would achieve in an equivalently sized sealed enclosure.
Speaker Positioning Matters
A speaker capable of reaching 40Hz can interact strongly with room boundaries.
The final bass balance depends not only on the speaker itself but also on:
- Distance from the rear wall
- Distance from side walls
- Room dimensions
- Floor construction
- Listening position
Start With Breathing Room
Do not automatically push Electa Amator III tightly against a wall simply because it is a standmount.
Begin with useful space behind and beside the speakers, then adjust according to what happens to the bass in your own room.
If Bass Sounds Too Heavy
Try:
- Increasing the distance from the rear wall
- Moving away from corners
- Checking that both speakers have broadly similar boundary conditions
- Moving the listening position slightly if a strong room mode is present
If Bass Sounds Too Light
Experiment with moving the speakers modestly closer to the rear wall.
Boundary reinforcement can provide additional bass weight, but make changes gradually so definition is not lost.
Toe-In
A modest amount of inward angle is a sensible starting position.
Fine-tune toe-in while listening for:
- Centre-vocal focus
- Soundstage width
- Depth
- Treble balance
- Consistency between left and right channels
Don't Aim Them Automatically at Your Ears
The greatest amount of toe-in is not automatically the best setting.
Some rooms benefit from the speaker axes crossing directly at the listener, while others produce a more natural image with a slightly wider angle.
Speaker Spacing
Give the stereo pair enough separation to produce a broad image without weakening the centre.
A centrally recorded vocal should appear firmly between the speakers rather than sounding as though it is coming separately from both cabinets.
88dB Sensitivity
Electa Amator III is specified at 88dB for 2.83V measured at one metre.
This is reasonably efficient for a premium standmount and allows useful output without requiring enormous amplifier power.
4-Ohm Nominal Impedance
The nominal impedance is 4 ohms.
That means amplifier quality remains important, because a lower-impedance speaker can demand more current than a nominal 8-ohm design.
35–125W Recommended Amplifier Power
Sonus faber's current official recommendation is 35 to 125 watts per channel with an unclipped signal.
The phrase "undistorted signal" matters: a lower-powered amplifier driven into heavy clipping can be considerably less safe than a more powerful amplifier operating comfortably within its limits.
Will a 35W Amplifier Work?
Yes. Thirty-five watts is the bottom of Sonus faber's published range.
In a modest room at sensible listening levels, a high-quality amplifier with good 4-ohm capability can be entirely appropriate.
What About 50–60W?
A capable integrated amplifier in this region can provide a very sensible starting point.
Current delivery and power-supply quality matter just as much as the headline wattage.
Would 80–100W Be Better?
Additional amplifier power provides greater headroom for dynamic peaks and may be particularly worthwhile in larger rooms or at greater listening distances.
Can I Use 125W?
Yes. That is the upper end of Sonus faber's current recommendation.
What About More Than 125W?
We would recommend discussing the exact amplifier with Audio T rather than assuming that a higher figure is automatically suitable.
The manufacturer's current published recommendation tops out at 125W.
Amplifier Quality Over Headline Watts
A premium 50W or 70W amplifier that remains stable into 4 ohms may make a much more convincing partner than a cheaper design with a much larger number printed on its specification sheet.
Valve Amplifiers
Electa Amator III can potentially work very well with appropriate valve amplification.
The 88dB sensitivity is useful, although the 4-ohm load means the amplifier's output transformer and available power need to be considered carefully.
Where the valve amplifier provides multiple impedance taps, follow its manufacturer's guidance.
Solid-State Amplifiers
High-quality solid-state integrated amplifiers and pre/power combinations are natural partners.
Look for good current capability into 4 ohms and sufficient dynamic headroom for the room.
Class A Amplification
A suitably powerful Class A amplifier can be particularly interesting with Electa Amator III, provided it is comfortable with the 4-ohm load and offers enough output for the intended listening level.
Class D Amplification
Modern Class D amplifiers can also be excellent partners when properly engineered for low-impedance loudspeaker loads.
Streaming Amplifiers
A premium all-in-one streaming amplifier can create a surprisingly simple system around such an elaborate loudspeaker.
Just make sure the amplifier section is genuinely capable of driving a 4-ohm speaker rather than selecting it solely for its streaming features.
What Size Room Suits Electa Amator III?
Medium-sized rooms are a natural fit.
The 180mm driver and 40Hz bass response give the speaker considerably more room-filling ability than a conventional compact standmount.
Can It Work in a Smaller Room?
Yes, provided you have space to position the speakers appropriately.
In a small room, the greatest challenge is likely to be controlling the deep bass rather than generating enough of it.
Can It Work in a Large Room?
Yes at appropriate listening distances, particularly with a capable amplifier.
If you want still greater scale and lower-frequency authority, a larger floorstanding Sonus faber such as Maxima Amator may ultimately be more suitable.
Dedicated Carrara Stands
Sonus faber offers a stand designed specifically for Electa Amator III.
The Carrara Stand combines aluminium, brass, white Carrara marble and iron steel spikes.
The stands and speakers are sold separately.
Why the Carrara Stand?
At this level, the stand is more than somewhere to place the cabinet.
It provides:
- Correct listening height
- A stable base
- A substantial support for each 12.5kg cabinet
- Materials that visually complement the speaker
- A consistent mechanical interface between speaker and floor
Aluminium Columns
The stand uses black anodised aluminium columns.
Sonus faber describes these as being filled with damping material to control unwanted resonance.
Carrara Marble Base
The white Carrara marble provides a heavy and visually distinctive foundation.
The contrast with the darker Port Saint Laurent marble incorporated into the speaker itself emphasises the deliberately varied use of natural stone across the complete installation.
Brass Detailing
Brass separates and highlights the different structural materials, echoing the metal detail used in the speaker cabinet.
Iron Steel Spikes
Sonus faber's current stand specification identifies iron steel spikes as the floor interface.
Use suitable floor protection beneath them where required on timber, laminate, tile or other delicate surfaces.
Carrara Stand Dimensions
- Height: 720mm
- Width: 300mm
- Depth: 350mm
- Weight: 12.5kg each
Overall Height With the Stand
Sonus faber specifies an overall speaker-and-stand height of 1095mm.
This puts the tweeter and midwoofer at an appropriate height for conventional seated listening.
Check Floor Protection Before Installation
The dedicated Carrara Stands use spikes. Protect delicate hard flooring appropriately and make sure each stand is stable and level before placing the 12.5kg loudspeaker on top.
Can I Use Another Stand?
Yes, but Electa Amator III is a large and relatively heavy standmount.
Any alternative should provide:
- Sufficient load capacity
- A suitably large support surface
- Excellent lateral stability
- Appropriate listening height
- A safe interface with the floor
Don't Treat It Like a Bookshelf Speaker
Sonus faber uses the international "bookshelf" classification for Electa Amator III, but in practical hi-fi terms this is a substantial standmount.
At 375mm high, 235mm wide, 360mm deep and 12.5kg each, it deserves a purpose-built support rather than a crowded bookshelf.
Speaker Dimensions
- Height: 375mm
- Width: 235mm
- Depth: 360mm
- Weight: 12.5kg each
Rubber Decoupling Feet
The speaker itself incorporates rubber feet as its decoupling interface.
These provide the contact between the marble base of the loudspeaker and the supporting surface beneath it.
Electa Amator III vs Concertino G4
Both belong to Sonus faber's current Heritage Collection, but they occupy quite different positions.
Concertino G4
- Compact two-way design
- 5.25-inch midwoofer
- D.A.D. Arrow Point tweeter
- 60Hz–25kHz response
- 85dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm impedance
- 30–150W recommended amplification
- 6.6kg per speaker
Electa Amator III
- Larger two-way design
- 180mm midwoofer
- 28mm D.A.D. tweeter
- 40Hz–35kHz response
- 88dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm impedance
- 35–125W recommended amplification
- 12.5kg per speaker
Why Move Up to Electa Amator III?
The larger cabinet and midwoofer provide substantially greater bass extension and acoustic scale.
Its cabinet construction also moves from the Concertino's walnut-and-cork architecture to an especially luxurious combination of solid walnut, marble, brass and leather.
Electa Amator III vs Maxima Amator
Maxima Amator takes the Heritage two-way philosophy into a full floorstanding enclosure.
Interestingly, the two models use closely related headline driver dimensions, but the much larger Maxima cabinet extends the low-frequency response further.
Electa Amator III
- Standmount design
- 180mm midwoofer
- 28mm D.A.D. tweeter
- 40Hz bass response
- 88dB sensitivity
- 35–125W amplification
- 12.5kg each
Maxima Amator
- Floorstanding design
- 180mm midwoofer
- 28mm D.A.D. tweeter
- 35Hz bass response
- 88dB sensitivity
- 25–125W amplification
- 38kg each
Choose Electa Amator III If...
- You want Heritage performance in a standmount format
- Your room cannot comfortably accommodate Maxima Amator
- You want greater bass and scale than Concertino
- You value the Carrara stand aesthetic
- You want a premium two-way design rather than a multi-driver tower
Choose Maxima Amator If...
- You want a full floorstanding installation
- You need still deeper bass
- Your room is larger
- You do not want separate speaker stands
- The larger cabinet and considerably greater weight can be accommodated
Good for Vinyl?
Very much so.
Electa Amator III has enough resolution to reveal meaningful changes in turntables, cartridges and phono stages, while its deep bass gives vinyl recordings a level of scale that many smaller standmounts struggle to reproduce.
Good for Streaming?
Yes.
A premium streamer and suitable amplification can make an excellent system, and there is nothing about the Heritage styling that requires an analogue source.
Good for CD?
Absolutely.
A high-quality CD player or transport and DAC can exploit the speaker's resolving ability just as effectively as a turntable or streamer.
Good for Vocals?
Voices sit across the operating range of both drivers, making crossover integration especially important.
The D.A.D. tweeter, cellulose-pulp midwoofer and Paracross crossover are all designed around a smooth transition through this critical region.
Good for Jazz?
Yes.
The large midwoofer gives double bass and drums useful weight, while the two-way architecture keeps the reproduction of brass, piano and vocals relatively direct.
Good for Classical Music?
Its combination of 40Hz extension, wide bandwidth and stereo imaging makes Electa Amator III suitable for both smaller chamber works and larger orchestral material.
Good for Rock?
Yes. The relatively large midwoofer provides considerably more physical impact than a small compact standmount.
Good for Electronic Music?
The 40Hz lower response gives Electa Amator III useful electronic bass capability in its own right.
A subwoofer becomes relevant mainly where the deepest synthesised frequencies are an important part of the listening experience.
Good at Lower Listening Levels?
The 88dB sensitivity and 180mm driver give the speaker useful body without requiring extreme volume, although the exact presentation will naturally depend on the amplifier and room.
Can Electa Amator III Be Used With a Television?
Yes, provided the amplifier or source system has an appropriate television input such as HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC or optical.
Can It Be Used for Home Cinema?
Technically yes, although Electa Amator III is principally designed as a high-end two-channel Heritage loudspeaker rather than as part of a dedicated matching multichannel range.
Caring for the Cabinet
Electa Amator III uses real wood, leather, brass and natural marble, so treat it more like fine furniture than a conventional plastic loudspeaker.
Avoid:
- Abrasive cleaning products
- Excessive moisture
- Household spray polish directly on the cabinet
- Strong solvents
- Placing hot objects on the marble or wood surfaces
Natural Materials Will Vary
Walnut grain and marble veining naturally differ between individual pieces.
Those variations are part of the character of the materials rather than manufacturing defects.
Keep the Packaging
With natural stone in the speaker base and a 12.5kg cabinet, retaining the original packaging is particularly sensible.
It provides the safest way to transport the speakers if you move house, change system or ever require service.
Product Registration
Sonus faber currently invites owners to register qualifying products within 30 days of purchase for its available extended manufacturer warranty under the current terms.
Recommended Electa Amator III Setup Routine
- Unpack both speakers carefully and retain all packaging.
- Remember that each cabinet weighs 12.5kg and incorporates natural marble.
- Place the speakers on stable, appropriately sized stands.
- Use the dedicated Carrara Stands where practical.
- Protect hard flooring appropriately beneath spikes if using the Carrara Stands.
- Check both supports are completely stable and level.
- Position the pair with useful breathing room from walls.
- Avoid tight corner placement as an initial setup.
- Keep the relationship with nearby boundaries broadly symmetrical where possible.
- Start with a modest amount of inward toe-in.
- Switch the amplifier off before connecting speaker cables.
- For single wiring, check that the terminal links are securely installed.
- Observe correct positive and negative polarity.
- Begin listening at a conservative volume.
- Use familiar vocals to optimise centre-image focus.
- Adjust toe-in in small increments.
- Use familiar bass material to judge wall distance.
- If bass is heavy, move the speakers further into the room.
- If bass is light, experiment with modest additional boundary reinforcement.
- Listen to several different recordings before finalising placement.
- Only assess further equipment changes once the loudspeaker position is properly established.
Who Is Electa Amator III For?
- Customers wanting a reference-quality two-way standmount
- Medium-sized listening rooms
- Smaller rooms with enough space for careful placement
- Listeners who value natural materials and Italian craftsmanship
- Customers attracted to the Sonus faber Heritage Collection
- Vinyl-based systems
- High-quality streaming systems
- CD-based systems
- Jazz, acoustic, vocal and classical music
- Rock systems wanting more scale than a compact standmount
- Listeners who prefer a two-way speaker over a multi-driver floorstander
- Customers prepared to partner the speaker with suitable 4-ohm amplification
Who Might Prefer Something Smaller?
Concertino G4 may make more sense if:
- Your room is compact
- The 360mm depth of Electa Amator III is difficult to accommodate
- You want a lighter and physically smaller speaker
- You do not need 40Hz bass extension
- You prefer the more contemporary cork-and-walnut Heritage construction
Key Features
- Sonus faber Electa Amator III
- Heritage Collection
- Third-generation Electa Amator
- 35th anniversary design
- Handcrafted in Italy
- Two-way standmount speaker
- Vented enclosure
- 28mm tweeter
- H28 XTR-04 tweeter
- D.A.D. tweeter technology
- Damped Apex Dome
- Soft-dome tweeter
- Neodymium tweeter motor
- Solid spruce acoustic labyrinth
- 180mm midwoofer
- MW18 XTR-04 midwoofer
- Cellulose-pulp cone
- 2500Hz crossover
- Paracross Topology
- Premium crossover components
- 40Hz–35kHz frequency response
- 88dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm nominal impedance
- 35–125W recommended amplification
- Four binding posts
- Bi-wire capable
- Bi-amp capable
- Rubber decoupling feet
- Solid walnut cabinet
- Port Saint Laurent marble
- Brass detailing
- Hand-applied leather
- Natural stone construction
- 375mm height
- 235mm width
- 360mm depth
- 12.5kg per speaker
- Carrara Stands available separately
- 720mm Carrara Stand height
- 12.5kg Carrara Stand weight
- Aluminium stand structure
- Carrara marble stand base
- Brass stand detailing
- Iron steel stand spikes
- 1095mm overall height on stand
- Suitable for vinyl systems
- Suitable for streaming systems
- Suitable for CD systems
- Suitable for medium-sized rooms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sonus faber Electa Amator III still current?
Yes. Electa Amator III remains part of Sonus faber's current Heritage Collection.
Is Electa Amator III discontinued?
No. Sonus faber continues to list it as a current model.
What generation is this?
It is the third generation of Electa Amator.
When was the first Electa Amator introduced?
The original model appeared in 1987.
Why was Electa Amator III created?
Sonus faber developed it as a celebration of the company's 35th anniversary and as a modern evolution of the previous Electa Amator generations.
Is Electa Amator III made in Italy?
Yes. It belongs to Sonus faber's handcrafted Heritage Collection.
Is Electa Amator III a bookshelf speaker?
Sonus faber uses the bookshelf classification, but its size, depth and 12.5kg weight make standmount a more useful description for serious hi-fi installation.
Is it a two-way speaker?
Yes.
How many drivers does each speaker have?
Two: one 28mm tweeter and one 180mm midwoofer.
What tweeter does it use?
The H28 XTR-04 28mm soft-dome tweeter with D.A.D. technology.
What does D.A.D. stand for?
Damped Apex Dome.
What does the D.A.D. system do?
It locally damps the centre of the soft dome to control unwanted anti-phase motion at very high frequencies.
What is the small tripod in front of the tweeter?
It forms part of the D.A.D. system and provides the mechanical damping at the dome apex.
What type of tweeter magnet is used?
A high-power neodymium motor system.
Does the tweeter have a rear chamber?
Yes. Sonus faber uses a solid spruce wood acoustic labyrinth behind the tweeter.
How large is the midwoofer?
Sonus faber's current technical specification lists the MW18 XTR-04 as 180mm.
Why does some literature call it 6.5 inches?
Sonus faber's overview uses the conventional 6.5-inch description while the detailed technical specification gives the complete driver diameter as 180mm.
What is the midwoofer cone made from?
Cellulose pulp.
What is the crossover frequency?
2500Hz.
What crossover technology is used?
Sonus faber's current Heritage information identifies Electa Amator III as using its established Paracross Topology approach with premium components.
What is the frequency response?
40Hz to 35kHz.
How low does Electa Amator III play?
Sonus faber's current published frequency response extends to 40Hz.
Does it need a subwoofer?
Not necessarily. Its 40Hz response is substantial for a two-way standmount.
Can I add a subwoofer?
Yes, where still deeper low-frequency extension or home cinema bass is required.
What is the sensitivity?
88dB SPL at 2.83V/1m.
What is the nominal impedance?
4 ohms.
What amplifier power does Sonus faber recommend?
The current official specification recommends 35–125W per channel with an undistorted signal.
Can I use a 35W amplifier?
Yes, provided it is a capable design that is comfortable driving a 4-ohm loudspeaker.
Can I use a 50W amplifier?
Yes.
Can I use a 75W amplifier?
Yes.
Can I use a 100W amplifier?
Yes.
Can I use a 125W amplifier?
Yes. That is the upper end of Sonus faber's current recommendation.
Why do some websites say 200W?
Older dealer data still carries a higher figure. Sonus faber's current official technical specification gives 35–125W, which is the figure Audio T should use.
Can I use a valve amplifier?
Potentially, yes. The 88dB sensitivity helps, but the amplifier should be comfortable with the 4-ohm load.
Can I use a Class A amplifier?
Yes, provided it offers sufficient power and suitable 4-ohm capability.
Can I use Class D amplification?
Yes. A properly designed Class D amplifier can be entirely suitable.
Can I use a streaming amplifier?
Yes, provided its amplifier section meets the speaker's electrical requirements.
Does Electa Amator III support bi-wiring?
Yes. Four binding posts are provided for separate high-frequency and mid/low connections.
Do I have to bi-wire?
No. Normal single-wire operation is perfectly acceptable with the terminal links fitted.
Can Electa Amator III be bi-amped?
Yes, with suitable amplification and correct removal of the terminal links.
What is the cabinet made from?
The cabinet uses solid walnut, Port Saint Laurent marble, brass and hand-applied leather.
Is the walnut real solid wood?
Yes.
What marble is used in the speaker?
Sonus faber's current specification identifies Port Saint Laurent marble.
What marble is used in the matching stands?
The dedicated stands use Carrara marble.
Why are two different marbles used?
The contrasting stones form part of Sonus faber's deliberate combination of natural materials and different mechanical properties.
Does the speaker use real leather?
Sonus faber describes the Heritage Collection as using Italian leather, with the Electa Amator III front and rear surfaces hand covered.
How big is each speaker?
375mm high, 235mm wide and 360mm deep.
How much does each speaker weigh?
12.5kg according to Sonus faber's current technical specification.
Why does the old Audio T page say 14.6kg?
That is older product data. Sonus faber's current specification now gives 12.5kg per speaker.
Are the Carrara Stands included?
No. Sonus faber states that speakers and stands are sold separately.
What stands are designed for Electa Amator III?
The Sonus faber Carrara Stands.
How tall are the Carrara Stands?
720mm.
How wide are the stands?
300mm.
How deep are they?
350mm.
How much does each Carrara Stand weigh?
12.5kg according to Sonus faber's current stand specification.
What are the Carrara Stands made from?
Sonus faber specifies aluminium, brass, Carrara marble and iron steel spikes.
How tall is the complete speaker and stand?
Sonus faber specifies an overall height of 1095mm.
Can I use different stands?
Yes, provided they are large enough, stable enough and correctly proportioned for a 12.5kg speaker.
Can I put Electa Amator III on a bookshelf?
We would not recommend it as the normal installation. Its physical size and weight make a substantial dedicated stand much more appropriate.
What size room suits Electa Amator III?
Medium-sized rooms are particularly suitable, although careful placement allows use in smaller or larger spaces too.
Can it work in a small room?
Yes, but its deep bass means wall distance and corner reinforcement need careful attention.
Can it work in a large room?
Yes at appropriate listening distances, although a larger floorstanding model can provide still greater scale.
How far from the wall should it be?
There is no universal distance. Begin with useful breathing space and adjust according to bass balance in your room.
What if the bass is boomy?
Move the speakers further from the rear and side walls and avoid tight corner placement.
Should I toe Electa Amator III in?
A modest inward angle is a good starting point. Fine-tune by listening from the normal seat.
Is Electa Amator III good for vinyl?
Yes. It is an excellent candidate for a high-quality turntable-based system.
Is it good for streaming?
Yes.
Is it good for CD?
Yes.
Is it good for vocals?
Yes. The two-way architecture places considerable emphasis on coherent integration through the vocal range.
Is it good for jazz?
Yes. The large midwoofer provides convincing bass scale while the D.A.D. tweeter handles high-frequency detail.
Is it good for classical music?
Yes. Its broad bandwidth and dynamic capability suit both chamber and larger orchestral recordings.
Is it good for rock?
Yes. The 180mm midwoofer gives it considerably more weight and punch than many smaller standmounts.
Is it good for electronic music?
Yes. Its 40Hz response is useful in its own right, with the option of adding a subwoofer for still deeper frequencies.
How does it compare with Concertino G4?
Electa Amator III is considerably larger, more sensitive and reaches much deeper in the bass, while Concertino G4 is easier to accommodate in a compact room.
How does it compare with Maxima Amator?
Maxima Amator develops the Heritage two-way idea into a full floorstander with a much larger cabinet and 35Hz published bass response.
Should I audition Electa Amator III before buying?
Absolutely. At this level, amplifier matching, stands and room positioning are all important enough that a proper demonstration is highly worthwhile.
Related Sonus faber Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy Sonus faber Electa Amator III From Audio T?
Electa Amator III is a serious loudspeaker investment and deserves more attention than simply matching an amplifier wattage to a specification sheet. Its 4-ohm load, large midwoofer, dedicated stand system and substantial bass extension mean that electronics, room size and positioning all play a meaningful part in the final result.
Audio T can demonstrate Electa Amator III with suitable amplification, compare it with other Sonus faber Heritage models and help decide whether the dedicated Carrara Stands are the right support for your room. We can also help with source matching, speaker cable, turntable systems and positioning so the loudspeakers are working with the room rather than against it.
- Sonus faber demonstrations
- Electa Amator III demonstrations
- Heritage Collection comparisons
- Electa Amator III versus Concertino G4 comparisons
- Electa Amator III versus Maxima Amator comparisons
- Amplifier matching for 4-ohm speakers
- Solid-state amplifier matching
- Valve amplifier advice
- Class A amplifier matching
- Class D amplifier matching
- Streaming amplifier matching
- Turntable and phono-stage matching
- CD and streaming system planning
- Carrara Stand advice
- Alternative speaker-stand advice
- Room-size matching
- Speaker-positioning guidance
- Toe-in setup
- Bass optimisation
- Bi-wire and bi-amp advice
- Speaker cable matching
- Subwoofer integration where appropriate
- Part-exchange options
- Home demonstration options where available
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration of the Sonus faber Electa Amator III or discuss amplifier, stand and room matching.