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  1. Home
  2. Sonus faber Speakers
  3. Passive Center Channel Speakers
  4. Sonus faber Lumina Center I
Sonus faber Lumina CI Review
Sonus Lumina Center I - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1.15" high definition DAD Tweeter
  • 2 x 4.75" paper cone Woofer
  • 65-24k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: 30-100 watts
  • Weight: 16.80 lbs / 7.60 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 6.6"x20.6"x8.4" / 169.0 x 524.0 x 213.0mm
MSRP: $699 (list price)
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Sonus Lumina Center I Review
Sonus Lumina Center I Sonus Lumina Center...
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Made by Sonus faber · Italy · since 1983 · sold through dealers

Sonus faber Lumina Center I is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by Sonus faber. It was released in 2020. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 1.15" high definition DAD Tweeter and 2 x 4.75" paper cone Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 65-24k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. Sonus Lumina Center I has an MSRP of 699$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Sonus Lumina Center I is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

Sonus Lumina Center I  Lifestyle
Sonus Lumina Center I Lifestyle

Sonus faber's Lumina Series of Loudspeakers

Lumina CI is a member of Sonus faber's Lumina series of Passive speakers. Lumina is Sonus Faber's most affordable range, bringing the Italian brand's craftsmanship and sound to an accessible price. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 7 Sonus faber Lumina models compared »

Sonus faber Lumina Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Sonus Lumina II
Compare
55-24k Hz 86 dB4Ω 1 x 6"
Sonus Lumina V
Compare
38-24k Hz 90 dB4Ω 2 x 6.5"
Sonus Lumina III
Compare
40-24k Hz 89 dB4Ω 2 x 6"
Sonus Lumina I
Compare
65-24k Hz 88 dB4Ω 1 x 4.75"
Sonus Lumina Center I
65-24k Hz 87 dB4Ω 2 x 4.75"
Sonus faber Lumina V Amator
Compare
38-24k Hz 90 dB4Ω 2 x 6.5"
Sonus faber Lumina II Amator
Compare
55-24k Hz 86 dB4Ω 1 x 6"
Sonus faber Lumina Series Speakers
Sonus faber Lumina Series Speakers

Frequency Response of the Sonus Lumina Center I Speaker

Sonus Lumina Center I has a Frequency response range of 65-24k Hz and Power Range of 30-100 watts.

Here we have a comparison of how Lumina CI's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Sonus Lumina Center I
Min
Average
Median

Crossover frequency of the Sonus Lumina Center I?

The crossover frequency of the Lumina CI is set to 2000 Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

Sonus Lumina Center I driver frequency bands65-2kWoofer 4.75"2k-24kTweeter 1.15"20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

Sonus Lumina Center I's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Sonus Lumina Center I
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the Sonus faber Lumina Center I is a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective, make sure that you choose an amplifier than can provide 4 Ohms for this speaker.

Many AVRs (audio/video receiver) in the market may have difficulty when the speakers dip below the 4 Ohms levels (this may cause clipping or even physical damage), so we recommend to not pair the Sonus faber Lumina Center I with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, Sonus faber Lumina Center I is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps. Work out how loud the Sonus Lumina Center I plays in your room →

Running more than one pair from a single amplifier? Check the load it would present →

What amplifier does the Sonus Lumina Center I need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 30–100 W per channel into 4 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $750, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Lumina CI has Binding post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can enhance the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by using separate speaker wires for the low and high-frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping, on the other hand, involves using separate amplifiers for the high and low-frequency drivers, potentially resulting in a greater dynamic range and reduced distortion.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Sonus Lumina Center I Back View
Sonus Lumina Center I Back View

Sonus Lumina Center I External Dimensions and Weight

Sonus Lumina Center I has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 6.6 x 20.6 x 8.4inch (169.0 x 524.0 x 213.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Sonus Lumina Center I is approximately 1116.1cm2 / 173.0inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Sonus Lumina Center I, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Sonus Lumina Center I Real Life Body Size Comparison
Sonus Lumina Center I Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The Sonus Lumina Center I weighs 7.60kg / 16.7lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Lumina CI's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Sonus Lumina Center I
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $750
Sonus Lumina Center I
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Sonus Lumina Center I has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a real multilayer wood finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Port Position

Sonus Lumina Center I is a front-firing port speaker, which gives you more flexibility compared to rear firing speakers when you need to place it close against a wall or other surfaces.

Available colors

Sonus Lumina Center I is available in Black, Wenge and Walnut.

Sonus Lumina Center I  Colors
Sonus Lumina Center I Colors

Does the Sonus Lumina Center I come with a Grille?

Lumina CI comes with magnetic grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the Lumina CI is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

What's in the Box of Sonus Lumina Center I?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Lumina CI:
  • 1 Center Channel Speaker
  • 1 Manual
  • 2 Jumpers
  • 1 Grilles
  • 1 Fabric dust guards

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Sonus faber Lumina Center I.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Sonus faber Lumina Center I, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Sonus Lumina Center I

Official Brochure

Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Sonus faber Lumina Center I speaker:
Official Brochure for Sonus Lumina Center I

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Sonus faber Lumina Center I speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Sonus Lumina Center I

Related Videos

Sonus faber Lumina Center I Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Sonus Lumina III
Compare
3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 40-24k Hz
Sonus Lumina V
Compare
3-way 90 dB 4 ohms 38-24k Hz
Sonus Lumina II
Compare
2-way 86 dB 4 ohms 55-24k Hz
Sonus Lumina I
Compare
2-way 88 dB 4 ohms 65-24k Hz
DALI Oberon Vokal
Compare
2-way 89.5 dB 4 ohms 47-26k Hz
Klipsch RP-504C II
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 50-25k Hz
ELAC Uni-Fi Ref UCR52
Compare
3-way 85 dB 6 ohms 47-35k Hz
Polk R400
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 48-39K Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Sonus faber Lumina Center I

What amplifier do you need for the Sonus Lumina Center I?

Sonus faber rates the Sonus Lumina Center I for 30-100 watts of amplifier power. It is a 4-ohm speaker, a demanding load that wants an amplifier rated to drive 4 ohms - many budget receivers are not.

Is the Sonus Lumina Center I easy to drive?

The Sonus Lumina Center I has a sensitivity of 87 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the Sonus Lumina Center I need a subwoofer?

The Sonus Lumina Center I reaches down to 65Hz (full range 65-24k Hz). That leaves the lowest octaves out, so a subwoofer will make a clear difference for films and bass-heavy music.

What drivers does the Sonus Lumina Center I use?

The Sonus Lumina Center I is a 2-way design using a 1.15" high definition DAD tweeter and 2 x 4.75" paper cone woofers.

Is the Sonus Lumina Center I sealed or ported?

The Sonus Lumina Center I uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Can the Sonus Lumina Center I be bi-wired or bi-amped?

Yes. The Sonus Lumina Center I has two sets of terminals, so it can be bi-wired or bi-amped: bi-wiring runs separate cable to the treble and bass sections, bi-amping gives each its own amplifier channel. It uses Binding post terminals.

Does the Sonus Lumina Center I come with grilles?

Yes. The Sonus Lumina Center I comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the Sonus Lumina Center I?

The Sonus Lumina Center I weighs 7.60kg / 16.7lbs each and measures 6.6 x 20.6 x 8.4inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Sonus Lumina Center I cost?

The Sonus Lumina Center I has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $699 per pair.


Sonus Lumina Center I Detailed Specifications

General
BrandSonus faber
Full Model NameSonus faber Lumina Center I
Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
Power Range30-100 watts
Sensitivity87 dB
Impedance4 ohms
Frequency Response65-24k Hz
Release Date2020
DRIVERS
Woofer Size4.75-inch
Woofer Compositionpaper cone
Tweeter Size1.15-inch
Tweeter Typehigh definition DAD
Crossover freq2000 Hz
Port Positionfront

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
Biamp InputsYes
Port Positionfront
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height169.0mm ( 6.6-inch)
Width524.0mm ( 20.6-inch)
Depth213.0mm ( 8.4-inch)
Height169.0mm ( 6.6-inch)
Weight7.6 kg (16.8 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
Finishreal multilayer wood
Available ColorsBlack, Wenge, Walnut
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty
Labor Warranty
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