93%
Sonus Faber Maxima Amator
EMBRACING THE PAST TO ILLUMINATE THE FUTURE
Guided by passion, knowledge, and tradition.
A DREAM DECADES IN THE MAKING
Maxima Amator marks the fruition of a concept born in our past that waited for the technology capable of realizing it. An idea almost abandoned as impossible, the Maxima Amator is Sonus faber’s first two-way floorstanding speaker crafted from a solid wood cabinet.
MODERN INGENUITY WITH TIMELESS FINISH
Although current computer simulation technologies played an instrumental role in development, Sonus faber’s value on the Human Touch guides the belief that a skilled ear is still the ultimate judge of perfection. The final stage of the fundamental ‘tuning by ear’ process was performed in Sonus faber’s Research and Development listening room, leading the team to identify the perfect tonal balance of the project.
A MULTI-FACETED CABINET
In crafting the Maxima Amator, meticulous attention was given to the cabinet's interior, which is divided into three distinct chambers. In the first, acoustic volume is precisely optimized using advanced simulations and a new damping material. The second chamber enhances stability and minimizes unwanted resonances by lowering the system's center of gravity. The third chamber, located externally, houses the crossover, shielding it from any vibrations generated by the speakers in the acoustic chamber.
A CELEBRATION OF PRECIOUS MATERIALS
Maxima Amator brings together a beguiling combination of natural materials
KNOWLEDGE, BEAUTY, AND COMMITMENT TO TRADITION
The third member of the Heritage family brings forward the dream of creating a two-way floorstanding speaker with a solid wood cabinet. Achieving this ideal relied on modern innovations as well as the Sonus faber’s commitment to the Human Touch.
ACOUSTIC VOLUME
The first chamber of the cabinet optimizes acoustic volume using software node simulators and a brand-new damping material made of three layers: two external layers of recycled carbon fiber and one layer of silica fiber in between.
SUPERIOR STABILITY
The second chamber of the cabinet is filled with inert material that increases weight, thereby lowering the system’s center of gravity to increase its stability as well as minimize unwanted resonance.
EXTERIOR CABINET
The third chamber, visible from outside the speaker, is dedicated to hosting the crossover, shielding it from any possible vibration generated by the speakers in the acoustic chamber.
IFF CROSSOVER
This network design allows the two drivers to work together in a maximally connected and organic way. The IFF Crossover “Interactive Fusion Filtering” reimagines the principles of the classic Paracross Topology, featuring non-academic transfer functions based on our accelerated progressive slopes. The result is an extremely natural and fluid sound reproduction.
Dealers selling Sonus Faber near you
The Maxima Amator vanishes in-room with a vast, layered soundstage and an exceptionally natural, detailed midrange that makes vocals feel present and alive. Its two‑way IFF crossover yields agile, clean bass to about 35Hz, while artisanal solid‑walnut cabinets, leather baffles and a marble plinth combine beauty with build integrity — praised by reviewers like Craig Chase and SoundStage Solo.
Pros
- Natural, detailed midrange and vocal presence that renders singers and acoustic instruments with lifelike clarity.
- Wide, layered imaging and a convincing 'disappearing' speaker effect that creates palpable room ambience and depth.
- Exceptional artisanal build and finishes — solid walnut enclosure, leather baffles and Port Saint Laurent marble base feel heirloom‑quality.
- Impressive low‑end control and extension for a two‑way design — tight, well‑controlled bass down to the specified ~35Hz.
&
Cons
- Limited output below roughly 30Hz — serious sub‑sonic extension requires a dedicated subwoofer for some listeners.
- Not a 'roof‑raising' design — dynamics favor refinement and musical nuance over extreme SPL and visceral rock grunt.
- Series IFF crossover and a single pair of binding posts preclude bi‑wiring/bi‑amping, which some buyers may prefer.
Sound Quality
93/100
Bass
92/100
Reviews consistently report strong, deep, well-controlled bass to the specified 35Hz (e.g., SoundStage Solo, PT Audiophile, HomeTheaterHifi). Some reviewers noted slight upper-bass bloom/boom that can be managed by placement/toe-in, but overall the single 7" woofer in the large cabinet delivers impressive low-end extension and authority for a two-way design.
Mid
94/100
Multiple reviewers praised a linear, uncolored midband with natural timbre and excellent vocal presence (SoundStage Solo, Part Time Audiophile, The Ear). Comments cite 'organic wholeness', 'roundness of tone', and detailed, breathy vocals—evidence of excellent midrange tuning and driver integration.
Treble
91/100
Treble is lively, detailed and airy without harshness according to several reviews (SoundStage Solo, PT Audiophile, HomeTheaterHifi), though measurements/notes mention a slight rise 5–15kHz and that the soft-dome tweeter is not as ultrawide or silken as some exotic domes. Good resolution and sparkle but not reference-level extension.
Soundstage Imaging
94/100
Strong reports of wide, deep and layered soundstaging with solid imaging and 'disappearing' speakers (PT Audiophile, TONEAudio, HomeTheaterHifi). Reviewers noted excellent depth and natural venue ambience reproduction; a few noted width is more natural than exaggerated.
Dynamics
91/100
Reviewers highlight impressive transient speed, timing and macro/micro-dynamics for a two-way (The Ear, SoundStage Solo, HomeTheaterHifi). While not a roof-raising rock monster for some tastes, the speaker shows vivacity and control, with strong slam and alacrity in most material.
Show Less
Build Quality
96/100
Exceptional artisanal construction: solid-walnut cabinet, leather baffles, Port Saint Laurent marble plinth, brass accents and visible high-quality crossover parts (multiple reviews). Finish, fit and heavy-duty engineering are repeatedly praised as luxury, long-lived craftsmanship.
Features Connectivity
80/100
Passive two-way with single pair of binding posts and Sonus Faber's series 'Interactive Fusion Filtering' crossover. Baseline passive tower score applied (80); series crossover precludes biwiring but is intentional and noted by reviewers.
Value for Money
94/100
Multiple reviewers call the Maxima Amator a strong value or 'bargain' at the reviewer-stated price (~$15,000/pair), given its sonic performance and build quality (TONEAudio, HomeTheaterHifi, PT Audiophile). Score reflects excellent performance-to-price in the high-end context.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
FAST, EASY & NEAR
Find Sonus Faber Verified Dealers Near You
Sonus Faber dealers in the map