In this review, we will be comparing Sonetto I and RP-500M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Sonus Faber and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Sonus Sonetto I and Klipsch RP-500M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Sonus Sonetto I Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1.15" high definition DAD Dome Tweeter
- 6" cellulose pulp and other natural fibers Woofer
- 45-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:30-150watts
- Weight:5.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 359.0" x 9" x 12"( 359.0 x 219.0 x 305.0mm )
Klipsch RP-500M Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer
- 48-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 93 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 75watts
- Weight:5.40kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 343.0" x 6.8" x 9.4"( 343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm )
What size room are the Sonus Sonetto I and Klipsch RP-500M 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Sonus Sonetto I |
Klipsch RP-500M |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Good |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
No way |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Sonus Sonetto I and Klipsch RP-500M 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 RP-500M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Sonus Sonetto I |
Klipsch RP-500M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.15-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6-inch
|
1 x 5.25-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 RP-500M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
Sonetto I has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz whereas RP-500M has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the Sonetto I can go slightly deeper then the RP-500M's min frequency of 48Hz.
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 RP-500M 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 RP-500M's is rated at 93 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500M 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 RP-500M has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 75 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
Sonetto I features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-500M has a Single binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-500M's Single binding posts terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Sonetto I has a front firing port whereas RP-500M 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 Klipsch RP-500M 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 Klipsch RP-500M's external dimensions. Sonus Sonetto I has external dimensions of 359.0 x 219.0 x 305.0mm ( 14 x 9 x 12inch) whereas Klipsch RP-500M has external dimensions of 343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm ( 13.5 x 6.8 x 9.4inch) .
Sonus Sonetto I is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 46mm wider, 16mm taller and 64mm deeper than Klipsch RP-500M.
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 Klipsch RP-500M is approximately 416.9cm2 / 64.6inch2. The Sonetto I requires 60% more surface area than the RP-500M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.