The Olympica Nova speaker series,first released in 2019, occupies a middle ground between the affordable Sonetto and the top-of-the-line Homage. The cabinet construction once again features wood block construction, a combination of walnut and maple, as in classic models. However, the speakers now feature a new lyre profile and the signature “Stealth Reflex” acoustic design. The Olympica Nova speaker series replaces the popular Olympica line. In addition to updating four existing models, the series has been expanded with three new ones: the flagship Nova V floorstanders, the Nova Center II center channel speaker, and the Nova Wall wall-mounted surround speakers.
The Olympica Nova loudspeaker cabinets are constructed from eight layers of bent wood with reinforcing ribs. The front baffles are crafted from hand-finished natural wood. The low-turbulence Stealth Ultraflex bass reflex ports are crafted from a single piece of extruded aluminum, also inherited from the Homage Tradition systems. The cabinets feature completely redesigned baseplates made from solid aluminum billets with steel spikes. Olympica Nova loudspeakers are available in two finishes: matte wenge and matte walnut.
The new speakers are equipped with the H28 XTR2-04 tweeter with DAD (Damping Dome) technology, which uses a special retainer to block the membrane's forward movement, preventing the tweeter from operating out of phase, ultimately expanding the frequency range and improving dispersion.
The M15 XTR-04 midrange driver, in turn, is largely similar to the driver found in the Homage Tradition line. Its magnet system utilizes copper Faraday coils, a highly acoustically transparent aluminum basket, a spider made of durable Bimax polymer, a voice coil made of copper-coated CCAW aluminum wire, and a cone made of a composite of cellulose pulp and natural fibers.
The MW 15XTR midrange/woofer also inherits technologies from the Homage Tradition series and features a larger voice coil for greater excursion and a larger-diameter dust cap made of impregnated fabric. This solution, according to the company, should ensure a natural sound in the low end. Finally, the W18XTR-08 woofer's “sandwich” cone is made of two sheets of cellulose pulp sandwiched between synthetic foam. The company also mentioned that the crossover uses new, custom-made capacitors from the British manufacturer ClarityCap.
The Sonus Faber Olympica Nova III is a three-way speaker system occupying the middle position among the floorstanding speakers in the new Olympica Nova line. The smoothly curved sides of the elegant cabinet are composed of eight layers of natural wood, and the speaker is ribbed internally. This design minimizes vibration and ensures excellent damping. The top panel and front of the cabinet are also made of natural wood. An aluminum plate is integrated into the top section. The speaker has no parallel or flat walls, effectively eliminating issues related to internal standing waves and resonances. The Sonus faber Olympica Nova III's cross-sectional profile resembles the asymmetrical silhouette of a lute, which, according to the manufacturer, makes the speaker less sensitive to placement in the room. This is further enhanced by a slotted bass reflex port with a sculpted aluminum insert (Stealth Ultraflex technology), which minimizes turbulence and reduces distortion. The model is finished with seven layers of lacquer and is available in two finishes: walnut or wenge.
The Sonus faber Olympica Nova III features a 28mm tweeter with a neodymium magnet system and a silk dome. DAD technology, which uses a damper attached to an aluminum diffuser, eliminates unwanted resonance in the dome membrane. This technology smooths out the frequency response, resulting in a precise and natural high-frequency delivery.
In the Sonus faber Olympica Nova III, the midrange is handled by a 150mm driver with a cone made of a blend of cellulose and other natural fibers, such as kapok and kenaf. The diaphragm is formed without pressing and is air-dried. The cone has a rough surface and variable density, which helps eliminate resonance. A metal phase equalizer helps improve microdynamics and reduce distortion. The midrange driver's voice coil uses copper-clad aluminum wire, and the basket is cast aluminum. The midrange and tweeter are housed in a single flange, finished in genuine leather.
The Sonus Faber Olympica Nova III features a pair of 180mm woofers with syntactic foam membranes sandwiched between two layers of cellulose. This technology ensures high rigidity, light weight, and excellent damping.
A crossover with Paracross Topology ensures minimal noise and excellent transient response, harmonizing the sound of all drivers. The filters utilize high-quality components, including custom-made Clarity Cap capacitors. Two pairs of screw-type terminals enable bi-wiring. The speaker is equipped with a durable aluminum base with steel spikes.
Sonus faber Olympica Nova III Specifications
- Case type bass reflex, vertical slotted port is located in the rear part (Stealth Ultraflex system) and is equipped with an aluminum element with a figured profile
- Number of bands 3
- Number of speakers 4
- Frequency range 35–35000 Hz
- Sensitivity 90 dB (2.83 V/1 m)
- Impedance 4 ohms (nominal)
- Recommended amplifier power 50-300 watts per channel
- Maximum input voltage 22 V
- HF emitter 28 mm tweeter H28 XTR3, silk dome membrane, DAD (Damped Apex Dome) technology, neodymium magnet
- Midrange emitter 150 mm Midrange driver M15 XTR2-04 with a diffuser made of a mixture of cellulose and other natural fibers, the coil is wound with CCAW wire, phase-equalizing element, cast aluminum basket
- LF-emitter 2 x 180 mm LF-drivers W18XTR2-08 with sandwich diffusers (two layers of cellulose and high-tech syntactic foam between them)
- Crossover frequencies of 250/2500 Hz
- Crossover circuit design Paracross Topology
- Grill consists of rubber strips in a fabric braid
- Input connectors 4 screw terminals
- Dimensions (WxHxD) 376x1105x460 mm
- Weight 35 kg
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