Chario Nobile

Chario Nobile – bookshelf loudspeaker with Rohacell® woofer and waveguide tweeter

The Nobile sits in Chario's Aviator Series — a step above the Constellation MK2 line. It brings a more sophisticated driver package to the same solid walnut cabinet tradition. A 160mm Rohacell® woofer with NeFeB motor and a 38mm soft dome tweeter with waveguide deliver 90dB sensitivity into 4 ohms. Furthermore, bass extends to 50Hz. Optional original Chario stands are available separately and optimise placement height and floor coupling.

Chario Nobile bookshelf loudspeaker — Rohacell® membrane and crossover design

Rohacell® is a structural foam composite with exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio. Because of this, the membrane moves faster and more precisely than conventional paper or polymer alternatives. The waveguide on the tweeter extends acoustic coupling between drivers. Consequently, the 1180Hz crossover (fourth order) sits below the range where the ear is most sensitive to phase anomalies. Additionally, the absence of cooling iron in the tweeter's air gap removes a source of non-linearity at elevated output levels.

Reversed Vertical Alignment and bass loading

The Nobile uses a Reversed Vertical Alignment — tweeter below woofer. As a result, the optimal listening axis aligns with the woofer centre at a seated listener's ear height. Phase coherence between drivers is therefore consistent across the listening window without cabinet tilt. The NRS bass reflex system moreover maintains airflow below 130 km/h through the port, eliminating audible chuffing. Bass extends to 50Hz — 5Hz deeper than the Constellation Delphinus MK2.

Cabinet and provenance

Solid Italian walnut up to 45mm thick combines with high-density fibreboard for a cabinet that is acoustically inert and visually distinctive. All lacquers are water-based and non-toxic. Named after Umberto Nobile — the Italian airship commander and polar explorer — the Nobile carries a pedigree beyond the name. Chario recommends a listening distance of more than 2 metres and at least 1 metre clearance from side and rear walls.

Specifications

• Configuration: 2-way Reversed Vertical Alignment bookshelf loudspeaker
• Tweeter: 38mm soft dome with waveguide, no cooling iron
• Woofer: 160mm Rohacell® with NeFeB motor
• Sensitivity: 90dB (1W/1m)
• Impedance: 4Ω (min. 3.4Ω)
• Frequency response: 50Hz – 20kHz (±3dB)
• Crossover frequency: 1180Hz (4th order)
• Recommended amplifier: 120W / 4Ω
• Bass reflex: NRS type
• Cabinet: solid Italian walnut + HDF
• Dimensions: 440 × 240 × 310mm (H×W×D)
• Weight: 11kg per speaker
• Stands: original Chario stands optionally available
• Optimal listening distance: >2 metres
• Origin: Italy

Frequently asked questions about the Chario Nobile

How does the Nobile differ from the Constellation Delphinus MK2?

The Nobile is from the higher Aviator Series and uses a Rohacell® woofer and a waveguide tweeter without cooling iron. Furthermore, the crossover sits at 1180Hz — lower than the Delphinus MK2. As a result, bass extends 5Hz deeper and driver integration is more precise.

Why is the tweeter mounted below the woofer?

Reversed Vertical Alignment places the optimal listening axis at seated ear height. Because of this, phase coherence between drivers is consistent without the need for cabinet tilt.

What amplifier does the Nobile need?

Chario recommends up to 120 watts into 4 ohms. At 90dB sensitivity, the Nobile works well with valve amplifiers and lower-powered solid-state designs. Consequently, amplifier quality matters more than wattage.