In this review, we will be comparing Sonetto CII and Revel Performa3 C208, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Sonus Faber and Revel. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Sonus Sonetto Center II and Revel Performa3 C208 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Sonus Sonetto Center II and Revel Performa3 C208 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Sonus Sonetto Center II and Revel Performa3 C208 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Sonetto CII and Revel Performa3 C208 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Sonus Sonetto Center II |
Revel Performa3 C208 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.15-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
2 x 6-inch |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6-inch
|
2 x 8-inch
|
Sonetto CII features a 1.15" high definition DAD Dome Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 2 x 6" aluminum cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1.650 Hz. On the other hand, the Revel Performa3 C208 features a 1" aluminum dome with proprietary acoustic lens and waveguide Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 8" anodized aluminum cone with cast frames Woofer .
Frequency Response
Sonetto CII has a frequency range of 42-25k Hz whereas Revel Performa3 C208 has a frequency range of 50Hz- 20kHz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the Sonetto CII can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Revel Performa3 C208's min frequency of 50Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Sonetto CII is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Revel Performa3 C208 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Sonetto CII can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Sonetto CII sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the Revel Performa3 C208's is rated at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Sonus Sonetto Center II a more sensitive speaker compared to Revel Performa3 C208, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Sonetto CII can handle a max power of 350 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Sonetto CII has a max power handling value of 300 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the Revel Performa3 C208.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Sonetto CII features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Revel Performa3 C208 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Sonus Sonetto Center II's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Revel Performa3 C208's Binding post terminals
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become 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 Sonetto Center II's and Revel Performa3 C208's external dimensions. Sonus Sonetto Center II has external dimensions of 289.0 x 743.0 x 409.0mm ( 12 x 30 x 16inch) whereas Revel Performa3 C208 has external dimensions of 307.0 x 737.0 x 348.0mm ( 12-1/16 x 29 x 13-11/16inch) .
Revel Performa3 C208 is 6mm narrower and 61mm less deeper than Sonus Sonetto Center II but it is also 18mm 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 Sonetto Center II is approximately 3038.9cm2 / 471.0inch2 and base area of the Revel Performa3 C208 is approximately 2564.8cm2 / 397.5inch2. The Sonetto CII requires 18% more surface area than the Revel Performa3 C208 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Sonus Sonetto Center II weighs 16.20kg / 35.6lbs and the Revel Performa3 C208 weighs 23.41kg / 51.5lbs. This makes the Revel Performa3 C208 45% heavier than the Sonetto CII.
Here is a comparison of how Sonetto CII and Revel Performa3 C208's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of Sonus Sonetto Center II?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Sonetto CII:
1 Masks1 Fabric dust guards1 Basis2 Jumpers1 Manual
What's in the Box of Revel Performa3 C208?
Here are the items that come with the Revel Performa3 C208:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Short feet2 Long feet2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)Owners Manual
 Sensitivity |
91 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
42 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
289mm
vs
307mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
2199USD
vs
2200USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
350 watts
vs
300 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
6 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Base Surface Area |
2564cm2 (737x348mm)
vs
3038cm2 (743x409mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Sonus Faber Sonetto Center II |
Revel Performa3 C208 |
| Brand |
Sonus Faber |
Revel |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
50-300 watts |
50-350 watts |
| Sensitivity |
91 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
42-25k Hz |
50Hz- 20kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
aluminum cone |
anodized aluminum cone with cast frames |
| Tweeter Size |
1.15" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
high definition DAD Dome |
dome with proprietary acoustic lens and waveguide |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
6" |
4" |
| Crossover Frequency |
1.650 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
289.0mm (11.4") |
307.0mm (12.1") |
| Width |
743.0mm (29.3") |
737.0mm (29") |
| Depth |
409.0mm (16.1") |
348.0mm (13.7") |
| Weight |
16.20kg (35.6lbs) |
23.41kg (51.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Available Colors |
Wood, White, Black, Wenge |
Gloss Black |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |