Sonance, the company that first popularized architectural, in-wall, and in-ceiling speakers, is now shipping their Invisible Speaker Series. These speakers are entirely flat and vanish into the room design.

The new Sonance Invisible Series consists of three models. The SA3 and SA1.5 combine unique, variable-thickness planar flat-panel midrange/tweeters with conventional, round dynamic woofers.  The Invisible Series SAW is a subwoofer featuring conventional drivers. In all three models the surface of the finished unit is covered with a perfectly flat, acoustically transparent vellum overlay that can be painted with a water-based finish, wallpapered, or covered with textured wall coverings without significantly impeding performance, while leaving a single, continuous, unblemished surface.

Sonance says the underlying physics of planar transducers give the Sonance SA3 and SA1.5 the power to radiate sound omnidirectionally, to achieve good, smooth coverage up to 10kHz.

The flagship of the Invisible Series, the SA3 mates a 48-square-inch planar-diaphragm driver with an 8-inch conventional cone woofer to achieve extended response from a concealable source. A second model, the Invisible Series SA1.5, pairs the same planar unit with a 6.5-inch woofer for similar performance with slightly less bass extension, while delivering a mounting profile that is reduced by one-half: 16×12 inches versus the SA3’s 16×24 inches. The SAW subwoofer has dimensions identical to the SA3’s, with dual 8-inch low-frequency drivers for even greater deep-bass extension and dynamic potential when deployed in “subwoofer” applications. The SAW subwoofer is optimized for use with Sonance’s Sonamp A800 subwoofer amplifier.

All three Invisible Series models require just 3-7/8 inches of depth and can be installed in any conventional 2×4-studded construction. All three incorporate new MDF baffle structures that ease installation while improving acoustical performance. All three also include integral, supplied metal back-boxes that ensure their specified low-frequency performance regardless of wall-structure details and dramatically reduce adjacent-room spillover.

We saw these at CEDIA last year and was impressed with the sound quality for use with a distributed audio system. And in terms of the appearance, it was like the speakers weren’t even there. Your clients that are concerned with not seeing any of the technology at all whatsoever (you know who I’m talking about) will love these.

Suggested retail pricing is $1400 for a pair of SA3s, $1000 for a pair of SA1.5s and $1000 each for the SAW subwoofer.

To see all the specs, go here.