In this Chario Academy Sonnet Bookshelf Speakers review, we're diving deep into what makes these Italian masterpieces a revolutionary addition to the high-end audio landscape. As an audiophile reviewer at The Audio Tailor, I've had the pleasure of experiencing countless speakers, but these compact titans from Chario have left an indelible impression.
Breaking Convention with Revolutionary Design
The Academy Sonnet's most striking feature is its reversed array configuration - a bold departure from conventional speaker design. By positioning the 32mm SILVERSOFT™ dome tweeter below the 170mm ROHACELL® Full-Apex™ woofer, Chario has achieved something remarkable in spatial imaging.
Sonic Performance That Defies Physics
The Academy Sonnet's performance is nothing short of extraordinary. With a sensitivity of 90dB and a low-frequency cutoff at 55Hz, these speakers deliver a soundstage that seems impossible from their modest dimensions. The crossover frequency of 1180Hz ensures seamless integration between drivers, resulting in a cohesive, natural presentation that would impress even the most discerning audiophile.
Build Quality and Aesthetics
The combination of solid walnut and HDF cabinet construction speaks to Chario's commitment to excellence. At 14kg per speaker, these aren't lightweight contenders - they're serious pieces of audio engineering that feel as premium as they sound.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Revolutionary reversed array design
- Exceptional imaging and soundstage
- Premium build quality with solid walnut construction
- High 90dB sensitivity for efficient amplifier matching
- Compact form factor without compromising sound
- Sophisticated crossover implementation
- Impressive low-frequency extension for size
Cons:
- Requires careful placement for optimal performance
- Premium pricing (but justified by performance)
- Minimum 2.5m listening distance requirement
- May need substantial amplification (120W/4Ω recommended)
Room Integration and Setup
The Academy Sonnets demand thoughtful placement, with a minimum listening distance of 2.5 metres and at least 1 metre clearance from walls. For optimal results, we recommend consulting with our team at The Audio Tailor - give us a call on 1300 308 711 to discuss your specific room configuration.
Technical Excellence
The speakers' 4Ω impedance and sophisticated LKR4 Derived alignment showcase Chario's technical prowess. When paired with appropriate amplification (120W/4Ω recommended), these speakers sing with authority and finesse that belies their bookshelf classification.
A Symphony of Italian Engineering
The Chario Academy Sonnet Bookshelf Speakers represent a perfect marriage of form and function. Their innovative design choices and uncompromising build quality result in a speaker that doesn't just reproduce music - it presents it with all the emotion and detail that the artists intended.
The Virtuoso's Choice
For those seeking the pinnacle of bookshelf speaker performance, the Academy Sonnets demand serious consideration. Our team at The Audio Tailor is always available to discuss how these remarkable speakers might integrate into your system. Reach out to us for personalised guidance on creating your perfect listening environment.
Looking to explore these remarkable speakers further? Contact our team of audio specialists at 1300 308 711 for expert advice tailored to your listening preferences and space.
