Our previous models are built around the combination of monitors and subwoofers. Excellent products, but with some inherent complexity. Both in terms of design, and in terms of making the customers understand: Yes it is different. And yes it is awesome.
Sigberg Audio represents a no nonsense approach, providing the ability to play loud with a huge, natural soundstage that you can listen to for hours without getting tired. But it was never just about the technical excellence, it was just as much about creating an emotional bond with the music.
With Saranna, we set out to achieve the same high-performance characteristics and emotional delivery in a floorstanding loudspeaker. On the surface, in a more traditional package. In reality it is still very much different. And very much awesome. Let's dive in.
The Vision
In some ways, the Saranna represents our most ambitious loudspeaker project to date. The goal was to create a floorstander with the transparency and transient accuracy of a studio monitor while delivering the award winning full-range sound of our subwoofer-integrated systems.
We also wanted to explore a market segment we currently could not reach: Those who wanted floorstanders, and/or those who did not want subwoofers.
The Approach
A key element in our approach is the use of coaxial drivers to achieve point-source-like behavior. This design results in precise imaging, an even dispersion pattern, and excellent phase coherence. While optimal performance is always achieved in the sweet spot, Saranna’s wide and controlled dispersion ensures clarity and balance throughout the listening environment.
Our previous systems have been 4-way systems with dedicated midbass drivers and subwoofers. With the Saranna we were limited to 3-way. But we did not want to compromise on capacity and headroom in the important midbass range (~100-600hz). So the decision was made to use a different and larger coaxial driver than the one used in SBS.1 and Manta. The choice fell on a custom version of another excellent coaxial driver from Sica. This one is an 8" combined with a horn loaded compression driver. It has crazy capacity combined with a smooth and refined delivery. To secure maximum capacity in the upper bass, the rear facing bass drivers and the coaxial overlap in the 100-200hz area. The midrange driver in the coaxial driver is very well behaved and linear, and works its magic up to 1500hz, where the horn loaded compression driver takes over.
To further refine the midrange response and reduce unwanted reflections, Saranna borrows one of the tricks that made the Manta so extraordinary: It incorporates a cardioid design. This helps minimize energy directed toward side and rear walls, reducing room interactions and improving clarity. The result is a cleaner sound and larger soundstage, providing a more natural listening experience.
As always with our speakers, it was a key goal to offer detailed and dynamic reproduction without harshness or excessive brightness. Through high quality drivers and careful tuning, Saranna delivers exactly that. This means long, enjoyable listening sessions without listening fatigue.
Active. Different.
Saranna is a fully active system, meaning that the tweeter, midrange and dual bassdrivers have dedicated amplification and DSP control. This allows for precise crossover implementation, optimal time alignment, and maximum efficiency. The result is low distortion, high dynamic range, and excellent resolution.
All our current subwoofers are sealed designs. To ensure enough capacity in the low end, we decided on a bass reflex design for the Saranna. The port is tuned low and expands into a massive opening to avoid any port noise and distortion. The result is a bass signature similar to our sealed subwoofers: Tight, controlled bass without excessive resonance or boominess, and in-room extension down to 20Hz and below.
Finally, we made an unusual design choice of placing the bass drivers on the rear of the speaker to reduce room interaction. We then carefully tuned the bass section to perfectly integrate it with the front mounted coaxial driver. The tall and wide front baffle reveals just a single driver, hiding the fact that Saranna is a speaker with a bass foundation and tactile response that is rare in systems without subwoofers.
Versatility Across Genres
As all our speakers, Saranna is designed to perform across all genres of music, from delicate acoustic recordings to highly complex and layered productions. Particular attention has been given to ensure that it excels with demanding and dynamic material. The combination of transient response, dynamic capability, and controlled low-end extension ensures that complex arrangements retain their clarity and impact, even at higher volumes.
We use both measurements and listening sessions to dial in the rich, natural sound that is the signature of all Sigberg Audio products. A linear anechoic response is a good starting point. Then we measure and listen our way to a combined dispersion characteristics that translate into that "just right" sound in the sweetspot.
Form Meets Function
All our speakers have what we'd call a functional design, where form follows function. The Saranna stays true to a strong functional identity, while at the same time being designed to be visually refined. The speaker is available in two carefully selected finishes: Fade to Black and Shady White. Both variants emphasize monochromatic aesthetics, using subtle texture differences rather than strong color contrasts.
This approach is inspired by industrial and high-end automotive design, where material choices and finishes are used to create depth and character rather than relying on bold color contrasts.
The Result
Full-bodied, tactile, natural sound. Coaxial driver design, and cardioid midrange control. Saranna delivers an expansive and immersive soundstage that threatens to rival our end state Manta speaker system. I am proud to say that we have done it again: A loudspeaker that sounds natural and "just right". That provides clarity and detail, while remaining engaging and enjoyable for extended listening sessions.
Saranna represents a continuation of our design philosophy — a speaker that is all about engineering excellence and performance. And all about creating a true connection between the listener and the music. A speaker that makes you want to keep listening, to just one more song. And then another after that.
Pre-orders open March 18th, 2025.
Done reading? Check out our articles on the SBS.1 system and Manta system as well:
Designing a cardioid loudspeaker: The Manta
Designing a loudspeaker: The SBS.1 story
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