Sonoro Meisterstück test: the mini multifunction connected Hi-Fi system that achieves an ideal synthesis

If, like the author of these lines, you appreciate the flexibility of music in streaming but you are sorry to know your collection of CD audio relegated to boxes at the back of the garage, the test that we suggest you discover should arouse your interest. This is the Sonoro Meisterstück, a compact connected Hi-Fi system, which combines a classic CD player, an FM/Dab tuner, ATM+ as well as streaming services and access to radios Internet.

On paper, the proposal is ideal for those who do not want to confine themselves to a single source. But are the quality and ease of use there? To find out, we spent several weeks trying out the Sonoro Meisterstück.

Sleek design, premium finish

Upon unpacking, the Meisterstück first surprised us with its weight (9 kg) and its generous dimensions (570 x 165 x 262 mm). In the age of compact connected wireless speakers seeking to be forgotten, this is surprising. And yet, these are essential qualities in theuniverse of the Hi-Fi to which this audio system refers, both in its design and its finish.

The Meisterstück is designed from a box in wood, material benchmark for optimal audio reproduction. It rests on four feet which play a dual role: to neutralize vibes parasites and save the space necessary for the work of the subwoofer housed under the device. the style plays the card of purity and sobriety, with simple and soft lines.

On the front, the two grids in aluminum loudspeakers frame a platinum of the same metal which accommodates all the control buttons as well as the screen color 2.8 inches well readable. The adjustment of the elements is impeccable, no unsightly day or play under the fingers. Each button, as well as the edges of the plate, are chamfered, which shows the manufacturer’s high attention to detail. The Meisterstück is a beautiful object that is a pleasure to exhibit.

Several finishes in “piano lacquer” or natural walnut are available, allowing everyone to find the style that best suits their interior. Our test copy, shiny white and silver, perfectly highlights the minimalist aesthetic of the Meisterstück. The touch of the surfaces, the manipulation of the buttons provide a feeling of quality worthy of the world of Hi-Fi. In German, Meisterstück means “masterpiece”. If the term is probably excessive to describe the finish of this Hi-Fi system, the perceived quality is clearly top of the range and up to the price requested.

Complete connectivity

To say that Sonoro has pushed the quest for versatility to the limit is no exaggeration. The connections bear witness to this physical and wireless that leave nothing to chance: port USB with charging function, network socket RJ45RCA input, 3.5 mm auxiliary input, digital optical, RCA line output, front headphone socket, FM/DAB/DAB+ aerial, aerial Wireless.

For the wireless part, the Meisterstück is Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n dual-band 2.4 and 5 GHz compatible. It also supports the Bluetooth aptX(codec which improves the quality of the streaming) bidirectional, which makes it possible to play music from its smart phone but also connect headphones or listeners wireless to the Hi-Fi system.

The set is controlled either from the supplied remote control (well laid out and pleasant to use), or via a smartphone by installing theapplication Undok (android and iOS) which concentrates all the available sources. You can also intervene directly on the Meisterstück using the buttons dedicated to each source, but this is the least practical solution.

Easy streaming

In addition to CDs (but also CD-R, CD-RWMP3-CD, WMA), the Meisterstück provides access to 25,000 Internet radio stations, classic FM and DAB+ digital radio as well as music streaming services Amazon Music, Deezer, QobuzNapster, Spotify and Tidal.

Spotify and Amazon Music offer a function that recognizes any audio device connected to the same Wi-Fi network. From the mobile application of one of these two services, simply select the Meisterstück from the list of available devices and launch the reading. It’s very simple and we keep our habits by staying in the native apps.

For the rest (other streaming services, FM radios, Internet radios, DAB +, local content), you have to go through the Undok application which turns the smartphone into a remote control for all sources, including CD playback. The interface is clear and rather easy to handle despite the multitude of sources available.

For example, navigation on the FM band is done using a cursor that is moved with your finger, but you can also perform a name search. On the other hand, navigating streaming services that don’t have the direct connection can be a little more cumbersome, especially when it comes to searching. But, overall, we take our hat off to Sonoro for having managed to create a simple and pleasant user experience despite the multiplicity of sources.

A neat and powerful audio configuration

The requirement brought to the finish of the Meisterstück can be found in its audio configuration with: two tweeters 0.75 inch for the treble, two 3 inch speakers for the mids, 1 5 inch subwoofer hidden under the Meisterstück with its vent. Each benefits from its class D amplifier for a total power of 140 W RMS. It is possible to adjust the level of treble and bass from the remote control or activate one of the equalization presets (flat, pop, rock, jazz and classic) in the device settings.

Rich, balanced sound

As much to say it bluntly, the Meisterstück gave us a lot of listening pleasure. The overall rendering is well balanced, warm and sufficiently dynamic. Whether CD or streaming, the sound is detailed and the separation effective stereo. The bass has a nice depth without being too intrusive, even if personally, we reduced it slightly. A little practical advice: make sure to install the Meisterstück on a piece of furniture or a very stable support and away from objects or trinkets likely to conduct the vibrations of the bass and cause noise. parasites.

The sharpness is very appreciable when listening to the radio or a podcast, with a judicious highlighting of the voices. On the power side, our Meisterstück perfectly filled the room of about thirty square meters in which we tested it. She could easily mount the watts to set the mood during a festive evening with friends. Classical music, jazz, rock, electro, hip-hop… We have explored most musical genres with the same satisfaction.

Futura’s opinion

The Meisterstück is a great discovery. Where many multifunction stereos have gotten lost in incomplete proposals or “factory-to-use” interfaces gas », it offers impressive versatility and ease of use. Certainly, its price of more than 1,000 euros makes it a high-end product, but the expense is amply justified. The Meisterstück is an excellent choice for music lovers who are looking for a solution that is both aesthetic and complete to enjoy their physical and digital discotheque.

WE love

• Manufacturing quality
• The versatility of connections and sources
• Ease of use
• The excellent sound

We love less

Futura’s note