Sonoro Orchestra slim (Gen.2) white (pack of 2)
Overview
The second generation of the Orchestra Slim is an evolution of the previous model. It features a revised crossover and a reinforced woofer-midrange cone using Kevlar and bamboo, affecting soundstage rendering and register separation. Designed in Neuss, Germany, this two-way bass-reflex speaker with an AMT tweeter suits rooms up to 30 m², while maintaining compact dimensions and a refined finish.
A composite cone that makes the difference
The Orchestra Slim Gen.2 woofer-midrange driver uses an uncommon assembly. Its 5.25-inch (13.3 cm) cone combines paper, bamboo, and Kevlar fibers in a composite structure aimed at optimizing rigidity while limiting unwanted resonances. This combination is not mere cosmetic flair: Kevlar provides mechanical strength that minimizes deformation during rapid movements, while bamboo contributes lightness for improved speed. Paper, for its part, aids internal damping and contributes to the tonal character of the driver.
This three-layer structure effectively reduces undesirable vibrations that can compromise musical clarity, particularly in the midrange where most human voices reside. The cone is mounted in a die-cast chassis, ensuring increased mechanical stability even under significant demand. The result is midrange reproduction with greater definition and better readability of instrumental and vocal textures.
Compared to the first generation, this optimized cone offers a more linear low-frequency response. Frequency variations are reduced, resulting in superior cohesion between bass and mids. The transition to the AMT tweeter occurs at 2800 Hz, a crossover point chosen to avoid operating the woofer-midrange in a zone where its directivity degrades.
The rear tubular bass-reflex port extends low-frequency response down to 45 Hz (-6 dB). A foam plug is provided to tune the port’s impact depending on wall proximity. This is useful when the speakers are placed near a boundary, a situation that can overly reinforce bass through coupling. By partially blocking the port, this effect is reduced while maintaining a satisfying low-frequency extension.
The AMT tweeter: a revisited legacy from the 1970s
The Air Motion Transformer tweeter in the Orchestra Slim Gen.2 draws on technology developed in the late 1970s by physicist Oskar Heil. Unlike conventional dome tweeters that operate with a back-and-forth motion, the AMT uses a pleated diaphragm that behaves like a bellows. This diaphragm, made from polyester (PET) film, carries an etched aluminum conductive trace. When an electrical signal passes through this trace, the diaphragm compresses and expands laterally, displacing air via a pumping action.
The advantage of this design lies in the ratio between effective radiating surface and the transducer’s footprint. A 25 mm-wide AMT ribbon offers a radiating area comparable to that of a 200 mm dynamic cone. In the Orchestra Slim Gen.2, the pleated diaphragm area reaches about 85 cm². This large surface moves more air without requiring significant excursion, which limits distortion and improves transient response.
The speed at which air is expelled by the diaphragm is roughly five times higher than the transducer’s own movement, hence the name “air motion transformer.” This characteristic favors detailed treble reproduction, with the ability to render fast transients without smearing. The tweeter is integrated into a waveguide that controls dispersion and optimizes acoustic coupling with the environment. This guide contributes to a stable soundstage and wider coverage.
The tweeter’s motor uses a neodymium magnet, a material offering high magnetic flux density in a compact volume. This configuration ensures high efficiency while keeping distortion low. Frequency extension reaches 32 kHz, well beyond the limit of human hearing, ensuring the useful bandwidth (up to 20 kHz) is reproduced without early roll-off or attenuation.
A redesigned crossover for greater coherence
The main acoustic advancement of this second generation lies in the passive crossover that handles the transition between the woofer-midrange and the tweeter. This crossover determines how frequencies are distributed between the two drivers. Careful design is crucial to achieve coherent phase response and avoid dips or peaks in the overall response curve.
The new crossover in the Orchestra Slim Gen.2 refines the transition around the 2800 Hz crossover point. This optimization delivers more tonal homogeneity between mids and highs, reducing temporal offsets that can create audible artifacts, particularly on vocals. Vocal presence gains in clarity and focus, making it easier to locate sound sources within the stereo field.
This crossover improvement also helps widen the soundstage. The controlled dispersion of the AMT tweeter and the managed directivity of the woofer-midrange create an image that extends beyond the speakers’ physical boundaries. Instruments are positioned with greater precision, and depth increases. These qualities are especially apparent in acoustic recordings where spatial cues are key to conveying atmosphere.
The components used in the crossover are selected for thermal stability and linearity. This attention to detail ensures acoustic characteristics remain consistent even during loud or extended listening sessions. High-quality binding posts ensure optimal signal transfer and accept large-gauge cables, easing connection to various amplifiers.
A natural match for Sonoro amplifiers
The Orchestra Slim Gen.2 has been specifically designed to pair with Maestro and Maestro Quantum amplifiers from Sonoro. These all-in-one units include network playback, a CD player, multiple inputs, and Class D amplification. The Maestro Quantum delivers 2 x 180 watts into 4 ohms, more than enough to harness the Orchestra Slim’s capabilities. This power enables comfortable listening levels in rooms up to 30 m² without straining the amplifier.
The visual pairing between the speakers and Maestro amplifiers is harmonious thanks to matching finishes. Matte black and matte white with silver accents appear across the range, allowing you to assemble a system that’s aesthetically cohesive. This visual continuity appeals to users mindful of interior integration, avoiding stylistic clashes that can occur when mixing brands.
Acoustically, the Maestro Quantum’s EQ presets are optimized for the Orchestra series speakers. The Dynamic Bass function, for example, adapts low-frequency reproduction according to listening volume, compensating for the ear’s variable sensitivity to bass. This psychoacoustic correction maintains a satisfying tonal balance at all listening levels, from late-night low-volume sessions to more spirited listening.
Maestro amplifiers also offer extensive connectivity: FM/DAB tuner, phono input, HDMI ARC, streaming via AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, and Roon compatibility. This versatility makes the Maestro + Orchestra Slim Gen.2 pairing a complete system that meets most contemporary needs, from vinyl playback to high-resolution streaming.
Technical specifications
Acoustic transducers
- Woofer: 5.25-inch (13.3 cm) paper/bamboo composite driver reinforced with Kevlar, mounted in a die-cast chassis
- Tweeter: Air Motion Transformer integrated into a waveguide
- Neodymium motor
- Diaphragm surface of approximately 85 cm² (folded)
Electrical specifications
- Recommended power: from 50 W
- Nominal impedance: 4 Ω
- Frequency response: 45 Hz – 32000 Hz (-6 dB)
- Sensitivity: 86 dB SPL (2.83 V RMS / 1 m)
- Crossover frequency: 2800 Hz
Enclosure construction
- Cabinet made of high-density fiberboard with internal matrix for optimal rigidity and faithful reproduction
- Hand-sanded wood enclosure with premium matte finish
Connectivity
- High-quality binding posts for optimal signal transfer
Design and finishes
- Rounded corners and aluminum accents for an elegant aesthetic
- Flush-mounted drivers, with no visible screws
- Compact dimensions for easy installation in any environment
Package contents
- 1 pair of ORCHESTRA Slim speakers (Gen. 2)
- User manual and safety instructions
- Removable protective grilles
- Foam plug for bass-reflex port
General information
- Designed and developed in Germany
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum recommended amplification for the Orchestra Slim Gen.2?
Recommended power starts at 50 watts into 4 ohms. This is the minimum for comfortable listening levels, but these speakers handle more generous amplification with ease. The Sonoro Maestro and Maestro Quantum amplifiers, with 170 to 180 watts into 4 ohms, provide comfortable headroom to fully exploit the speakers’ dynamic potential in rooms up to 30 m².
How does Gen.2 differ from the first generation?
The main improvements concern the woofer-midrange cone and the crossover. The cone is reinforced with Kevlar and bamboo, improving rigidity and reducing frequency irregularities. The new passive crossover refines the transition between mids and highs, widening the soundstage and improving vocal focus. These changes yield better register separation—particularly noticeable in the low end—and a subtle balance between dynamic impact and treble finesse.
Are the Orchestra Slim Gen.2 suitable for classical music?
The AMT tweeter offers extension up to 32 kHz and fast transient response—qualities that favor the reproduction of acoustic instruments. The composite woofer-midrange cone limits unwanted resonances, preserving the clarity of instrumental textures. The 2800 Hz crossover ensures a smooth transition between drivers, avoiding timing offsets that can impair tonal coherence. These characteristics make these speakers a strong choice for classical recordings, where spatialization and natural timbre are key.
Must the magnetic grilles be used?
Magnetic grilles protect drivers from impacts and dust, but their use is optional. Some listeners prefer to remove the grilles for a more direct presentation. Acoustically, the grilles’ impact on frequency response is minimal thanks to their permeable design. The high-quality fabric allows sound waves to pass without significant attenuation in the treble. The choice to keep or remove the grilles is therefore more aesthetic than sonic.
Can these speakers be used with an amplifier from another brand?
The Orchestra Slim Gen.2 are standard passive speakers and will work with any amplifier capable of delivering at least 50 watts into 4 ohms. Although designed to pair with Sonoro’s Maestro amplifiers, there is no issue connecting them to electronics from another brand. The binding posts accept large-gauge cables and ensure reliable signal transfer. The 4-ohm impedance does require confirming that the chosen amplifier can handle this load without difficulty.
What room size is recommended for these speakers?
The compact form and bass-reflex loading make the Orchestra Slim Gen.2 a good fit for living spaces up to 30 m². In such conditions, they deliver comfortable listening levels without requiring excessive amplification. For larger spaces, the larger-format Orchestra or Orchestra Gen.2 models are better suited. Extension down to 45 Hz allows reproduction of the fundamentals of most instruments, though a subwoofer can complement the setup for those seeking even deeper low-end extension.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- GTIN / EAN: 4260117330773