In this review, we will be comparing Sonetto I and 706 S2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Sonus Faber and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Sonus Sonetto I and B&W 706 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Sonus Sonetto I and B&W 706 S2 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 I and B&W 706 S2 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 I and 706 S2 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Sonus Sonetto I |
B&W 706 S2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.15-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Sonetto I features a 1.15" high definition DAD Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6" cellulose pulp and other natural fibers Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500 Hz. On the other hand, the 706 S2 features a 1" Decoupled Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Sonetto I has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz whereas 706 S2 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the Sonetto I can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the 706 S2'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 Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf 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 I is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the 706 S2 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 I can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Sonetto I sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the 706 S2's is rated at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the B&W 706 S2 a more sensitive speaker compared to Sonus Sonetto I, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf 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 I can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 706 S2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the Sonetto I.
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
Both Sonetto I and 706 S2 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Sonetto I has a front firing port whereas 706 S2 has a rear firing ports. Sonus Sonetto I's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to B&W 706 S2 with its rear-firing port.
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 I's and B&W 706 S2's external dimensions. Sonus Sonetto I has external dimensions of 359.0 x 219.0 x 305.0mm ( 14 x 9 x 12inch) whereas B&W 706 S2 has external dimensions of 340.0 x 200.0 x 301.0mm ( 13.5-inch x 7.8-inch x 11.-inch) .
Sonus Sonetto I is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 19mm wider, 19mm taller and 4mm deeper than B&W 706 S2.
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 I is approximately 668.0cm2 / 103.5inch2 and base area of the B&W 706 S2 is approximately 602.0cm2 / 93.3inch2. The Sonetto I requires 11% more surface area than the 706 S2 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 I weighs 5.50kg / 12.1lbs and the B&W 706 S2 weighs 8.05kg / 17.7lbs. This makes the 706 S2 46% heavier than the Sonetto I.
Here is a comparison of how Sonetto I and 706 S2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Sonus Sonetto I?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Sonetto I:
2 Masks2 Fabric dust guards2 Jumpers1 Manual
What's in the Box of B&W 706 S2?
Here are the items that come with the 706 S2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Two-piece foam port plugs8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps Manual Bowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
6 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
340mm
vs
359mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
602cm2 (200x301mm)
vs
668cm2 (219x305mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Sonus Faber Sonetto I |
Bowers & Wilkins 706 S2 |
| Brand |
Sonus Faber |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-150 watts |
30-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.7 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
45-25k Hz |
50-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
cellulose pulp and other natural fibers |
Continuum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.15" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
high definition DAD Dome |
Decoupled Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2500 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
359.0mm (14.1") |
340.0mm (13.4") |
| Width |
219.0mm (8.6") |
200.0mm (7.9") |
| Depth |
305.0mm (12") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
| Weight |
5.50kg (12.1lbs) |
8.05kg (17.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
| Available Colors |
Wood, White, Black, Wenge |
Rosewood, Gloss Black, Satin White |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24-26" |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |