Chario Aviator Nobile (pack of 2)

The Chario Aviator Nobile are two-way bookshelf speakers, handcrafted near Milan. They offer a clear sound signature and an elegant design in solid walnut. Their inverted vertical alignment and ability to adapt to various acoustic environments make them a relevant choice for audiophiles. With a sensitivity of 90 dB and a frequency response down to 50 Hz, the Aviator Nobile deliver precise, balanced listening, with controlled bass and detailed highs.

Italian Heritage and Craftsmanship

Chario, an Italian company founded in 1975, boasts over four decades of expertise in loudspeaker design. This long-standing experience translates into complete mastery of the manufacturing process, from material selection to final assembly. The Aviator Nobile are entirely hand-assembled near Milan, reflecting the Italian tradition of artisanal excellence.

The choice of Italian solid walnut as the main material is no coincidence. Beyond its undeniable aesthetic qualities, this noble wood offers exceptional acoustic properties: rigidity, natural damping of unwanted vibrations, and long-term stability. Each pair of speakers benefits from meticulous finishing that highlights the natural beauty of the wood grain, giving the Aviator Nobile a timeless elegance that fits seamlessly into both contemporary and classic interiors.

Technological Innovations and Acoustic Design

The inverted vertical alignment (Reversed Array) is one of the technical hallmarks of the Aviator Nobile. Unlike conventional layouts, the tweeter is positioned below the woofer, an approach based on extensive psychoacoustic studies. This arrangement optimizes phase coherence in the critical midrange area and improves integration between the two drivers, resulting in a more precise and natural stereo image.

The 38 mm T38Waveguide soft dome tweeter is a true technical feat. Without a cooling iron in the gap and equipped with a specific waveguide support, it stands out for its ability to handle high sound pressure levels while maintaining a remarkably low crossover frequency (1180 Hz). This uncommon feature promotes better tonal cohesion between the two drivers and reduces phase distortion in the crucial midrange area.

The 165 mm woofer uses a Rohacell® Full-Apex™ diaphragm combined with a neodymium (NeFeB) magnetic motor. This combination offers both lightness and rigidity, allowing for precise piston-like movements even during large excursions. The down-firing bass-reflex system has been meticulously optimized to maintain constant sound pressure and avoid audible turbulence, even at air flow speeds approaching 130 km/h.

Sound Signature and Acoustic Performance

The Aviator Nobile stand out for their almost paradoxical ability to combine sonic richness and neutrality. Their acoustic signature is characterized by deep, articulate bass, a natural and transparent midrange, and detailed yet never aggressive highs. This particularly balanced sound allows you to rediscover the subtle nuances of recordings, whether classical music, jazz, or contemporary productions.

Dynamics are one of the major strengths of these speakers. Despite their relatively compact size, they can reproduce the most demanding passages without audible compression, while maintaining remarkable resolution in more delicate moments. This dynamic agility is accompanied by a wide and precise soundstage, where each instrument finds its place with convincing spatial localization.

A particularly remarkable aspect of the Aviator Nobile is their ability to “disappear” acoustically. Unlike some speakers that impose their presence, they fade away in favor of the music, creating the illusion that the performers are physically present in the listening room. This rare quality is a testament to Chario’s engineers’ mastery in managing diffractions and early reflections.

Versatility and Applications

Versatility is one of the Aviator Nobile’s major assets. These speakers excel at faithfully reproducing all musical genres, from large orchestral ensembles to contemporary electronic productions. This versatility is due to their extended frequency response (50 Hz - 20 kHz) and their ability to maintain tonal coherence and balance at different listening levels.

Notably, the Aviator Nobile can also serve as monitors in recording studios. Their neutrality, precision, and ability to reveal the subtlest details make them valuable tools for demanding sound engineers and producers. This dual studio/home purpose is a testament to their tonal accuracy and transparency.

In terms of amplification, while the recommended power is 120W at 4 ohms, the high sensitivity of 90 dB allows for satisfactory results even with moderately powered amplifiers. Nevertheless, to fully exploit their dynamic potential, a quality amplifier with good current reserves is recommended. The Aviator Nobile are particularly expressive when paired with tube electronics or class A transistor amplifiers, which highlight their natural harmonic richness.

Technical Specifications

Design and Construction

• Type: 2-way bookshelf speaker
• Cabinet made from solid Italian walnut with a refined finish
  • Handcrafted to ensure quality and structural rigidity
  • Classic design with generous curves and elegant depth
• Materials: solid walnut and high-density fiberboard (HDF)
• Compact dimensions, ideal for various home environments

Drivers and Acoustic Technology

• Transducer configuration:
  • 1 x 38 mm tweeter with soft dome and waveguide
  • 1 x 165 mm woofer with Rohacell® diaphragm and NeFeB motor
• NRS bass-reflex technology
  • Optimized port pressure to prevent turbulence
  • Stable acoustic wave even at speeds of 130 km/h
• Inverted vertical alignment of drivers
  • Design based on psychoacoustic studies
  • Tweeter height optimized for seated listening
• 1180 Hz crossover (4th order)
  • Improved tonal cohesion between the two drivers

Sound Performance

• Sensitivity: 90 dB SPL (standardized at 1 m / 2.83 Vrms, decorrelated pink noise L/R)
• Low cutoff frequency: 50 Hz at -3 dB (C4 WETS reference)
• Nominal impedance:
  • Module: 4 Ω (minimum 3.4 Ω)
  • Argument: +/-36°
• Balanced and natural sound reproduction
  • Deep, rounded, and perfectly controlled bass
  • Clear and precise highs for natural rendering
  • Pleasant and smooth upper-midrange section
• High dynamics with low distortion
• Open and immersive soundstage

Installation and Listening Environment

• Speaker orientation: angled inward facing the listener
• Listening height: preferably aligned with the woofer axis
• Optimal listening distance: over 2 m
• Recommended listening setup:
  • Carpeted floor in front of the speakers
  • Side and rear walls at least 1 m from the front baffle
• Suggested amplification: maximum average power of 120 W / 4 Ω

General Information

• Design philosophy: balance between aesthetics and acoustic performance
• Adaptability to non-optimal acoustic environments
  • Precise directional sound reducing listening fatigue
  • Maintained performance even in spaces with suboptimal reflections or absorbing surfaces
• Designed for modern audiophiles seeking both elegance and powerful sound