Fabio Serblin’s Odyssey in the World of Hi-Fi – MoustachesToys Interview

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Fabio Serblin’s lifelong journey in high-end audio is a story of passion, innovation, and unyielding dedication. Rooted in family heritage and refined through decades of hands-on experience, his path has evolved from early childhood infatuation with music and electronics to the creation of ventures that continue to shape the future of hi-fi. In his own words, Fabio invites us into this world, where raw experimentation and heartfelt commitment have always been at the core of his work.

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He begins by clarifying his origins:

First of all, I must clearly state that I was not the founder of Sonus Faber—my uncle Franco was the sole founder. In the early 80’s, Franco, being close to our family (he is my father’s younger brother), was passionately involved with music and hi-fi systems, while I was equally passionate about music and electronics. I was 20, and Franco was already 41—a successful entrepreneur in the chemical market for dental products. To me, he shone like a star with almost alchemical powers, and I was naturally drawn into his orbit.

This early connection, as Fabio explains, set the stage for his formative years. The laboratory in Monteviale was not a conventional factory but a wonderland of experimentation:

I would say that the guiding principle was a sacred urge to experiment with exciting materials and toys in the same way a child would. In those early days, there were no detailed project plans or strict calculations of costs and profits. The laboratory in Monteviale resembled a playground, where every day brought new drivers, cabinets, and materials to match, test, and listen to.

As his interests in electronics grew deeper, Fabio’s career took a decisive turn. With a clear sense of direction, he left Sonus Faber in pursuit of his true passion, marking the birth of his own ventures:

I left Sonus Faber in 1991 because the company had increasingly focused on loudspeaker development and production, whereas my heart was dedicated to electronics. That year marked the beginning of Fase Evoluzione Audio. After many years and various life experiences, my passion for design and electronics called me back, thus, Serblin & Son was born.

Fabio’s evolution as a designer is intrinsically linked to the dramatic technological advancements experienced over the decades. Reflecting on his early challenges, he details the drastic differences between past and present tools:

The differences largely reflect the tremendous evolution in technology, both in electronic components and in software tools for mechanical and electronic design. Take, for example, a powerful, free electronic circuit simulator like LTspice or modern 3D mechanical design software, which were unthinkable in 1991. I recall making my PCB using a simple Gerber editor, kindly provided by a PCB manufacturer, on a second-hand 386PC. 

At that time, professional software packages were prohibitively expensive and nearly unattainable for someone like me. My first computer-generated PCB at Sonus Faber was designed on an Atari ST using generic CAD software in black and white (before that i used paper, tapes and transferrable). 

Can you imagine having to make a double sided PCB where you cannot distinguish which side is either track and you need to keep it in mind and constantly refresh the view by deselecting one layer or the other…. Simply crazy, today only a maniac could eventually do that… but maybe at that time as well!

Yet, a well-designed circuit topology from the 90’s, when implemented and tuned with today’s devices, can still perform remarkably well. Even older designs, like the famous John Linsley Hood circuit from 1969 can sound astonishingly good today.

Amid these technical challenges, the personal values and emotional impact of music remained the guiding light in Fabio’s creative process. His simple yet profound philosophy is echoed in his life and work:

My personal values are very simple. First, I need to do what I love and follow the ideas that come to me each morning. Then, I strive to do it at my best. Once I can make a living by doing these things, I feel happy and blessed.

Fabio’s life-long relationship with music is encapsulated in his vivid recollections of transformative listening experiences:

I can’t pinpoint a single album that ignited my passion for hi-fi; rather, it’s the range of emotions I experienced while listening to music. Music played a crucial role in my youth, whether as a listener or as an amateur musician, and I cannot imagine my life without its transformative power.

I vividly remember the first time I listened to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon at 14 — It was a mystical experience. Later, progressive rock and bands like King Crimson, Van der Graaf, Genesis, Jethro Tull, Gentle Giant, PFM (Premiata Forneria Marconi), along with soulful blues artists such as Joan Armatrading (whose first three records I adore), further deepened my love for music. Additionally, I was fortunate to have a very good hi-fi system at home, which was essential for fully appreciating the richness of the musical content.

This personal journey evolved into a renewed vision when he established Serblin & Son. The new brand is more than a business venture, it is a revival of earlier aspirations and fresh motivation:

Serblin & Son represents the continuation of a vision that had been interrupted with Fase Evoluzione Audio around 2003 due to various reasons. I created the new brand to rekindle my enthusiasm and to provide a fresh outlook.

His design philosophy remains anchored in a blend of heritage and modernity. Fabio underscores the importance of maintaining full bandwidth circuitry and judiciously applying feedback, highlighting his unique approach:

Bridging the gap between tradition and innovation, he describes the creative process as an organic evolution, an interplay of spontaneity and thoughtful reflection:

It’s a challenging question, my friend. For me, it starts with a small seed — an idea, a circuit, or even a design element that excites me. I let the idea simmer in the background, and as it evolves, I truly enjoy the process of watching it develop, almost like an inner meditation. The final outcome is simply a blend of inputs from both the tangible world and my imagination.

Even the ambitious future of his projects, notably the revival of the RAPTOR project, is approached with both enthusiasm and realism:

I aspire to complete the RAPTOR project — the very first design for the new direction of Serblin & Son — which I had put on hold, fearing it was too bold for its time. Now, it’s time to revive it, although it presents even greater challenges because I must integrate it with all my other ongoing endeavors. I’m aware of the need for assistance in this process, yet my past experiences have taught me that after training someone, they might eventually move on.

Fabio’s philosophy extends beyond technical prowess, it encompasses an emotional and aesthetic balance. He believes that a product’s value lies not only in its technical performance but also in its ability to evoke emotion:

Emotion is fleeting and depends on so many variables. I believe that a product merely serves as a trigger for feelings that already exist within the listener. Through a product, a person can recognize and reconnect with something familiar.

When asked about the ideal sound, his response is reflective and unyielding:

Defining the perfect sound is quite a challenge, if it even exists. When I listen to a system that makes me feel good, where I can see the soundstage and follow every instrument clearly, I know I’ve experienced something exceptional. It’s that feeling that makes you want to raise the volume and listen for hours.

This sensibility extends to aesthetics as well. For Fabio, functionality and beauty go hand in hand:

Just as most people wouldn’t drive an unattractive car even if it were perfectly functional, we wouldn’t place an ugly speaker in our living room. Achieving the right balance between performance, aesthetics, and price is an art in itself.

In the evolving landscape of digital streaming and modern sound production, Fabio offers a measured critique of current trends:

Digital streaming undoubtedly has its advantages. For instance, listening to streaming radios has introduced me to an array of excellent music and artists I might have otherwise never encountered. However, the overwhelming influx of information available at our fingertips can distract us, encouraging superficial browsing rather than a deep, immersive musical experience. As Sting sang in Ghost in the Machine by The Police, there’s too much information running in my brain.

He also reflects on the difference between true audiophiles and casual listeners, emphasizing a refined and discerning auditory palate:

A true audiophile, in my view, is someone with a particularly refined aesthetic sense for sound, a person who perceives the nuances in timbre and sonic detail that many casual listeners might overlook. I am not sure if I can label myself as an audiophile, but one thing is clear: I am far from a casual listener, as sound and music are profoundly significant in my life.

On the subject of younger generations, he expresses a cautious outlook regarding their engagement with high-quality audio:

Regarding younger generations, I see high-quality audio as a niche interest. The rise of portable electronics and the compromised quality of mass-produced music make it difficult for young people to truly appreciate what they are listening to, with many popular tracks compressed to less than 20dB of dynamic range — hardly sufficient for a rich audio experience.

Addressing the role of technology, Fabio is both optimistic and critical:

Finally, for those embarking on their own exploration of high-end audio, his advice is both practical and heartfelt:

I would advise anyone looking to invest in their first high-end audio system to take the necessary time to listen carefully, ideally in their own living room. The right system is the one that resonates deeply with your personal auditory experience.

Fabio Serblin’s story is not just one of technological evolution but also of personal discovery and artistic expression. A journey where every circuit, every component, and every note of music is a testament to his unyielding commitment to the art of sound.

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