Faber turns visible speakers into works of art, without sacrificing the soundscape. The systems are elegant and responsive. For example, the Suprema 2.1 system offers two main speaker columns, a subwoofer, and an electronic crossover. Its sound is as if you were present when the music was first made. But the design elements are equally astounding, starting with the ancient lute-like look for the speaker columns, echoing the Guarneri violins of the 17th and 18th centuries. The subwoofers have a Stradivari-like elliptical design, which allows for memorable low-end responsiveness and stunning natural beauty. In 2024, Bose—perhaps the biggest name in audio—acquired McIntosh Group, of which Sonus Faber is a part. Lila Snyder, CEO of Bose, says that the new powerhouse is intent upon “pushing the boundaries of audio innovation to bring customers experiences they’ve never heard before.” No longer is installation intrusive. Sound engineers can work with designers to assess the number of speakers needed and their proper locations. Instead of listening in person, engineers measure the sound through microphones at different locations. A computer program then calibrates the system according to the sound-absorbing quality of materials in the room, the location of furniture and so on. This can be extended to outdoor settings. Landscape lighting can also serve as invisible speakers. “You can’t tell where the music is coming from,” Gibson says. Home audio and home theaters are for those who want such features. Other aspects of the smart home are also wants more than needs, such as televisions that transform into wall mirrors when switched off. For Gibson, automated lighting and shades are more necessary. Every home has both. The home tech industry has indeed grown. And, she adds, “who knows where the industry is going next?” COURTESY AXIOM 30 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® HAVEN 2025-2026
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