Chario · ACADEMY S
SONNET
Italian artisanal mastery challenging the conventions of standmount loudspeaker architecture.
The Chario Sonnet is a serious statement in compact loudspeaker engineering, demonstrating that structural substance can bypass the typical constraints of small enclosures. Far from an ordinary bookshelf monitor, it presents an imposing weight and architectural presence crafted with unapologetic dedication to acoustic purity.
As the foundational standmount model within Chario's flagship Academy S series, the Sonnet inherits the advanced proprietary driver development and tailored internal acoustic design of its larger floorstanding siblings. The cabinet utilizes a complex bracing network specifically calculated to work in tandem with high-mass materials, completely eliminating internal standing waves.
Sonically, the Sonnet expresses an authoritative, highly detailed presentation coupled with a surprisingly linear and robust low-frequency foundation. The midrange possesses a lifelike warmth and textural depth that anchors vocals convincingly, while the top end reveals micro-detail with smooth, fatigue-free clarity. It draws the listener directly into the performance rather than highlighting the machinery behind it.
Key Features
01
Reversed array configuration
Positioning the 32 mm tweeter below the 170 mm woofer directs the first floor reflection beyond the listening position, significantly reducing acoustic phase distortion.
02
Silversoft dome tweeter
The custom 32 mm T32 Silversoft soft dome tweeter uses a powerful neodymium magnet system to allow a exceptionally low crossover threshold of 1180 Hz.
03
Rohacell full-apex woofer
A high-performance 170 mm woofer features a single-piece Rohacell cone and poly-ring motor designed for structural rigidity and rapid transient speed.
04
Hourglass back-firing vent
The low-frequency load is regulated by a proprietary half-exponential hourglass rear port that smooths air velocity and ensures tight, un-boomy bass extension.
Chapter 01
The Reversed Array Architecture
Traditional loudspeaker philosophy dictates aligning the tweeter at the highest point of the cabinet to meet ear level, occasionally requiring a backward tilt for time synchronization. The Sonnet deliberately upends this layout by mounting the woofer on top and angling the frontal profile slightly forward. This unorthodox methodology accounts for human localization processes between 700 Hz and 1400 Hz, managing early room reflections to stabilize the stereo image.
Chapter 02
Artisanal Italian Construction
Each cabinet represents a demanding manufacturing process involving months of material preparation, including a strict six-month wood drying phase. The structural shell combines solid Italian hardwood outer planks with a high-density fiberboard core, lined internally with energy-dispersing polymer fibers. Custom heavy-duty binding posts and driver chassis fixing screws match the bespoke Nextel finish of the baffles.
Chapter 03
Real-World Listening Notes
Though official specifications state a conservative low-frequency limit of 55 Hz, independent measurements consistently confirm flat, usable room extension touching 40 Hz. The acoustic alignment behaves with absolute cohesion, erasing the physical boundary between the two drivers. To unlock their full three-dimensional imaging capabilities, they require careful room integration, benefiting from an inward toe-in and generous breathing room from rear walls.
Specifications
Type2 -way Reversed Array
Low Frequency Cut Off55 Hz @ -3dB referred to C4 WETS
Sensitivity90 dB SPL normalized to 1 m / 2.83 Vrms / de-correlated L/R pink noise ITU-R BS 1116-1 compliant listening room
Impedance4 Ω (minimum 3.0 Ω)
Dimensions (H × W × D)445 mm × 235 mm × 340 mm
Weight14 kg per piece
Finish optionsSolid walnut, cherry
Drivers1 Tweeter 32 mm SILVERSOFT™ dome NeFeB motor 1 Woofer 170 mm ROHACELL® Full-Apex™ Poly-Ring NeFeB motor
Xover Frequency1180 Hz
AlignementLKR4 Derived (Δf= 45°)
Suggested AmplifierRated for 120 W/4Ω Average Power
Vent GeometryHalf-Exponential Hourglass Type