The first connected speaker from the Italian manufacturer, the Sonus Faber Omnia immediately stands out as one of the most beautiful in its category, with a genuine wood veneer and luxurious finish. An attractive design that’s paired with a whole host of features, including AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Bluetooth aptX HD streaming, as well as direct access to Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect. The wide range of connectors includes an analog RCA line level or phono input, as well as an HDMI ARC input allowing it to be used as a soundbar. Will this sumptuous all-in-one speaker prove to be worthy of the famous Italian manufacturer’s previous designs?
Sonus Faber Omnia: packaging & accessories
The Sonus Faber Omnia connected speaker comes in a large cardboard box placed in a sleeve with the speaker’s many features printed on it: Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, phono input, HDMI ARC, etc. Inside this eye-catching packaging, the Sonus Faber Omnia speaker is properly secured with sheets of polystyrene. It comes with a power cable, a set-up guide, a DIN to RCA adapter, and an infrared remote control.
Sonus Faber Omnia: presentation
Design
The Sonus Faber Omnia connected speaker has a luxurious and refined design that leaves no doubt as to its origins. The Italian manufacturer’s signature style is distinguished by high-quality materials, in particular with an upper panel in real wood whose finish is like that of the speakers in the Sonus Faber Lumina range. This sumptuous panel features three illuminated lines that are perfectly integrated in the wood. The construction is meticulous and has no flaws. The first two lines are purely decorative, while the length of the third changes depending on the volume of the speaker. The result is very appealing and reinforces the speaker’s luxurious and futuristic look.
Under these illuminated lines is a touch sensitive control interface that allows you to start playback, pause the music and adjust the volume. For a more intuitive experience, the lighting of the central control changes color depending on the source: blue for Bluetooth, green for Spotify Connect, white for WiFi, pink for the phono input, etc.
The perfectly even real wood upper panel hangs over the speaker, whose simple and elegant silhouette allows it to become a true decorative object. The contours of this structure are adorned with a black acoustic grille whose edges curve towards the base of the speaker, like the hull of a ship.The left and right sides of the Sonus Faber Omnia are slightly recessed and hide drivers behind black fabric, joined to the rest of the chassis by a perfectly assembled chrome piece. The speaker rests on an aluminum base decorated with a changing light. This base raises the speaker by a few centimeters and gives the impression that it is floating in the air, which makes it all the more graceful and elegant.
Acoustic design
Behind its understated and delicate design, the Sonus Faber Omnia speaker has a complex and sophisticated acoustic construction that implements no less than 7 drivers in a 4-way configuration. The front panel features two 3” midbass drivers whose cellulose pulp cone is inspired by some of the Italian manufacturer’s speakers. They are paired with two 0.75” silk dome tweeters with a magnetic system that uses powerful neodymium magnets. The lows are handled by a long-throw driver with a 6.5” aluminum cone. The latter is directed towards the bottom of the speaker, directly opposite a lenticular reflector to ensure wider low frequency distribution. Lastly the Sonus Faber Omnia speaker has two 1.75” inverted dome cellulose pulp wideband drives on either side. Intelligently positioned, these two drivers offer a wider, more spacious and more realistic soundstage.
The Sonus Faber Omnia’s different drivers are joined by an amplifier with a total output power of 490 watts. The two lateral drivers use CRESCENDO technology to optimize sound dispersion by taking advantage of the reflection of sound waves off the walls. To adapt to all rooms, the Sonus Faber Omnia speaker also features presets to optimize the sound based on where it is placed. However, there is no entirely customizable equalizer. Thankfully, the sound produced by the Sonus Faber Omnia is already very well balanced and will suit most users.
Wireless connections
Primarily designed for wireless use, the Sonus Faber Omnia can be easily connected to the network via WiFi or Bluetooth. The Italian manufacturer has chosen not to restrict itself to a dedicated app, thus avoiding any planned obsolescence or incompatibility with the user’s hardware. Instead, the Sonus Faber Omnia speaker uses AirPlay 2 and Chromecast technologies to receive music from any smartphone, tablet, computer or DAP. It is also possible to access Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect through their official apps, while the speaker’s ROON compatibility lets you play music shared over the local network. Last but not least, the Sonus Faber Omnia speaker is equipped with a Bluetooth controller that allows transmission from any source that isn’t connected to the local network. Support for the aptX HD codecs ensures a superior sound quality with compatible smartphones and DAPs.
Wired connections
In addition to its many streaming options, the Sonus Faber Omnia connected speaker also has a wide range of wired connectors. In particular, there is an HDMI ARC input to retrieve the sound of the programs and various sources viewed on the living room TV. it is therefore possible to use this speaker as a soundbar. Its design also makes it a great match for a lifestyle TV like the Samsung The Frame with its natural wood frame. Moreover, the Sonus Faber Omnia speaker can also be connected to an analog source. To this end, it features a shared DIN input for the included DIN/RCA adapter. Thanks to this line level or phono input, it is even possible to connect a turntable. Again, a model with a wood finish such as the Pro-Ject T1 OM5e or Elipson Chroma 400 will be a most elegant match.
Sonus Faber Omnia: key specifications
- Real wood finish
- Amplification of 490W
- 7 drivers, including 2 on the sides
- AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Bluetooth
- Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect
Sonus Faber Omnia: listening conditions
The Sonus Faber Omnia connected speaker is very easy to set up. Once it is connected to the mains, you simply have to go into the WiFi settings of your smartphone or computer to select the “Omnia” network and pair it to the local WiFi network. No password is required, the pairing is performed seamlessly. The Sonus Faber Omnia is then fully functional. For even greater ease of use, the Sonus Faber Omnia can also be connected via Ethernet, eliminating the need for any configuration.
As it doesn’t have a dedicated app, the Sonus Faber Omnia speaker is controlled via its touch sensitive control interface, from the connected source or using its attractive and ergonomic infrared remote control. The remote allows you to adjust the volume, change tracks, select the source and set the brightness of the LED lines on the top of the speaker.
Sonus Faber Omnia: listening impressions
Its ingenious acoustic design with drivers on either side allowed the Sonus Faber Omnia speaker to provide better spatialization. The sound was a lot less direct, which allowed us to enjoy a more enveloping soundstage and a clear perception of the music, without necessarily being opposite the speaker. Placed on top of a piece of furniture in the living room, the music sounded just as good in every corner of the room. The sense of space and airiness was also reinforced, especially in WiFi mode and with aptX HD Bluetooth sources. Lower resolution Bluetooth codecs may slightly restrict the soundstage with a slight decrease in audio quality.
The Italian manufacturer’s hi-fi DNA runs through the veins of this wireless speaker with its lively, realistic and transparent reproduction. Overall, the tones were accuratz and naturally distributed. The lows were deep, extensive and always had a strong presence, even at low volume. They contributed to the balance of the soundstage. The vocals also enjoyed a strong presence and stood out from the rest of the soundstage. They were clear and natural. The highest notes sometimes seemed withdrawn, probably because of the DSP, which prevents the apparition of any harshness or sibilance in this frequency range. However, this didn’t affect the naturalness of the sound, which was soft enough to be listened to for a long time.
The Sonus Faber Omnia connected speaker displayed a dynamic and energetic character. Its power is ideal for any room, whether it is for ambient, background music at low volume or for loud party music. This Italian speaker’s sense of rhythm was always maintained, along with its control in the lows. The latter gained more authority and power as the volume increased, but managed to remain natural and packed a punch without the slightest error.
Because the Sonus Faber Omnia connected speaker is equipped with an HDMI ARC input, we also connected it to the HDMI port of an OLED LG television to retrieve the soundtracks of the programs we watched. It is important to note that the Sonus Faber Omnia speaker can’t play Dolby and DTS formats. Consequently, we had to set the ARC output to PCM. As a result, the reproduction was far more convincing than that of the TV’s speakers. Although the Sonus Faber Omnia does not have a surround mode to virtually spatialize the soundstage, the various effects were very convincingly distributed in a sound field that extended far beyond the dimensions of the TV. The dynamism benefited the action scenes, as did the woofer which provided authority and credibility during explosions. Voices were better embodied and always clearly audible. The Sonus Faber Omnia speaker plunged us more effectively into the heart of the action.
Sonus Faber Omnia: compared to…
Naim Mu-so 2: sold at the same price, the Naim Mu-so 2 speaker is available in several colors, notably a refined light oak wood finish that makes it a serious rival of the Sonus Faber Omnia. Like the latter, the Naim Mu-So 2 can receive music via AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Bluetooth and can also be paired with a TV via HDMI ARC. The acoustic design of the Naim Mu-so 2 speaker was handled by the famous manufacturer Focal for a clear, transparent and very natural sound. However, it can’t compete with the sonic breadth of the Sonus Faber Omnia, whose lateral drivers give it a considerable advantage in providing a wider soundstage, both for music and movies.
Devialet Phantom I 103 dB: sold for €1,990, this connected speaker has a more futuristic design that breaks free from the norm. Used alone, the Devialet Phantom cannot provide a soundstage that is as wide and spacious as that of the Sonus Faber Omnia. However, it is able to go a lot lower, with more authority and energy, occasionally excessively so. The Devialet Phantom isn’t as balanced. It can also have a tendency to slightly emphasize the mids and highs.
Sonus Faber Omnia: who is it for?
A wonderful combination of hi-fi and craftsmanship, the Sonus Faber Omnia connected speaker is a premium audio system solution whose luxurious and refined design make it a real decorative object. It’s a perfect fit for any interior, where it adds charm and draws attention. The Sonus Faber Omnia is also an ideal investment as a first connected speaker, thanks to its ease of use. Immediately operational, it is suitable for both streaming and listening to wired sources. Finally, this sumptuous Italian speaker will always provide a clear, spacious and well-balanced sound.
Sonus Faber Omnia: conclusion
With the Sonus Faber Omnia, the iconic Italian artisan has successfully entered the world of connected speakers. The manufacturer has managed to preserve the luxurious character that has made its speakers successful for so many years. The real wood finish is paired with a contemporary streamlined design. The brand’s expertise can be found in the harmony between the different elements of the speaker, all perfectly assembled, as if made from a single piece. The acoustic expertise of the brand is also illustrated in the sound, with a very wide soundstage for a single speaker. The reproduction is immersive, generous in the lows and consistently natural-sounding. The Sonus Faber Omnia is a real success that is easy to use thanks to a highly simplified configuration, its appealing design and captivating sound.
We liked:
- The luxurious design and wood finish
- The ease of use
- The spacious soundstage
- The generous lows
We would have liked:
- Customizable equalization
