In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by Sonus faber. Sonus faber Sonetto Center G2 is a Center Channel speaker whereas the Sonetto VIII is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 and Sonus Sonetto VIII first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 | Sonus Sonetto VIII |
|---|
| Brand | Sonus faber
Italy · founded 1983 | Sonus faber
Italy · founded 1983 |
|---|
| Design | 3-way | 3-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1.1" Soft-Dome | 1.15" high definition DAD Dome |
|---|
| Midrange | 4" | 6" |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 6-1/2" | 3 x 7" aluminum cone |
|---|
| Frequency response | 45-40k Hz | 36-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 88 dB | 90 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | — | 50-300 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 17.63kg / 38.8lbs | 26.30kg / 57.9lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 9-1/2" x 25-9/16" x 14-9/16"
241.3 x 649.3 x 369.9mm | 47" x 11" x 17"
1188.0 x 283.0 x 427.0mm |
|---|
Sonetto Center G2 and Sonetto VIII are members of Sonus faber's Sonetto series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Sonus faber Sonetto Series
History
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both Sonetto Center G2 and Sonetto VIII are 3-way speakers.
Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2Sonus Sonetto VIII
TweeterMidrangeWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 |
Sonus Sonetto VIII |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.1-inch
|
1.15-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4-inch |
1 x 6-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6-1/2-inch
|
3 x 7-inch
|
Sonetto Center G2 features a 1.1" Soft-Dome Tweeter, a 4" Midrange and 2 x 6-1/2" Woofer. On the other hand, the Sonetto VIII features a 1.15" high definition DAD Dome Tweeter, a 6" Midrange and 3 x 7" aluminum cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 270 and 3.000 Hz.
Frequency Response
Sonetto Center G2 has a frequency range of 45-40k Hz whereas Sonetto VIII has a frequency range of 36-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 36Hz, the Sonetto VIII can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Sonetto Center G2's min frequency of 45Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Sonetto Center G2 and Sonetto VIII have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Sonetto Center G2 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the Sonetto VIII's is at 90 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Sonus Sonetto VIII a more sensitive speaker compared to Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Sonetto Center G2 and the Sonetto Center G2 can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Sonetto VIII features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Sonetto Center G2 has a Binding Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Sonus Sonetto VIII's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2's and Sonus Sonetto VIII's external dimensions. Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 has external dimensions of 241.3 x 649.3 x 369.9mm () whereas Sonus Sonetto VIII has external dimensions of 1188.0 x 283.0 x 427.0mm (47 x 11 x 17inch).
Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 is 946.7mm shorter and 57.1mm less deeper than Sonus Sonetto VIII but it is also 366.3mm wider.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 needs about 99% more floor or shelf area. Sonus Sonetto VIII is 57mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. Sonus Sonetto VIII is 947mm taller.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 is approximately 2401.8cm2 / 372.3inch2 and base area of the Sonus Sonetto VIII is approximately 1208.4cm2 / 187.3inch2. The Sonetto Center G2 requires 99% more surface area than the Sonetto VIII which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Sonus Sonetto VIII?
Here are the items that come with the Sonetto VIII:
- 8 Spikes
- 8 Under Spikes
- 8 Spike locks
- 2 Masks
- 2 Fabric dust guards
- 2 Basis
- 16 Locking screws
- 2 Jumpers
- 1 Allen Wrench
- 1 Manual