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 G2 is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 and Sonus faber Sonetto VIII G2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 | Sonus faber Sonetto VIII G2 |
|---|
| Brand | Sonus faber
Italy · founded 1983 | Sonus faber
Italy · founded 1983 |
|---|
| Design | 3-way | 3-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1.1" Soft-Dome | 1.1" Soft-dome |
|---|
| Midrange | 4" | 6.5" |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 6-1/2" | 2 x 8" Paper Pulp |
|---|
| Frequency response | 45-40k Hz | 33-40k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 88 dB | 90 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | — | 50-400 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 17.63kg / 38.8lbs | 45.10kg / 99.2lbs |
|---|
| 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 | 46-13/16" x 13-3/16" x 19-7/16"
1190.0 x 335.0 x 494.0mm |
|---|
Sonetto Center G2 and Sonetto VIII G2 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 G2 are 3-way speakers.
Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2Sonus faber Sonetto VIII G2
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 faber Sonetto VIII G2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.1-inch
|
1.1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4-inch |
1 x 6.5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6-1/2-inch
|
2 x 8-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 G2 features a 1.1" Soft-dome Tweeter, a 6.5" Midrange and 2 x 8" Paper Pulp Woofer.
Frequency Response
Sonetto Center G2 has a frequency range of 45-40k Hz whereas Sonetto VIII G2 has a frequency range of 33-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 33Hz, the Sonetto VIII G2 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 G2 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 G2's is at 90 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Sonus faber Sonetto VIII G2 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
Sonus faber Sonetto VIII G2
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Sonetto VIII G2 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.
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 faber Sonetto VIII G2's external dimensions. Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 has external dimensions of 241.3 x 649.3 x 369.9mm () whereas Sonus faber Sonetto VIII G2 has external dimensions of 1190.0 x 335.0 x 494.0mm (46-13/16inch x 13-3/16inch x 19-7/16inch).
Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 is 948.7mm shorter and 124.1mm less deeper than Sonus faber Sonetto VIII G2 but it is also 314.3mm 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 45% more floor or shelf area. Sonus faber Sonetto VIII G2 is 124mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. Sonus faber Sonetto VIII G2 is 949mm 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 faber Sonetto VIII G2 is approximately 1654.9cm2 / 256.5inch2. The Sonetto Center G2 requires 45% more surface area than the Sonetto VIII G2 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Sonus faber Sonetto VIII G2?
Here are the items that come with the Sonetto VIII G2:
- 2 Floorstanding loudspeakers
- 6 Grilles
- 4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)
- 2 Binding-post covers (pre-installed)
- 8 Rubber feet
- 8 Spikes 8 Protective discs
- 8 Locking washers
- Wrench
- Dust cloth