In this review, we will be comparing Sonetto II and R-51M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Sonus Faber and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Sonus Sonetto II and Klipsch R-51M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Sonus Sonetto II and Klipsch R-51M 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 II and Klipsch R-51M 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 II and R-51M are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Sonus Sonetto II |
Klipsch R-51M |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1.15-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Sonetto II features a 1.15" high definition DAD Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" cellulose pulp and other natural fibers Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2650 Hz. On the other hand, the R-51M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1660Hz.
Frequency Response
Sonetto II has a frequency range of 42-25k Hz whereas R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the Sonetto II can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-51M's min frequency of 62Hz.
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 II is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the R-51M 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 II can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Sonetto II sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the R-51M's is rated at 93 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-51M a more sensitive speaker compared to Sonus Sonetto II, 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 II can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-51M has a max power handling value of 85 watts RMS, 115 watts less than the Sonetto II.
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 II features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. R-51M has a Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Sonetto II has a front firing port whereas R-51M has a rear firing ports. Sonus Sonetto II's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Klipsch R-51M 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 II's and Klipsch R-51M's external dimensions. Sonus Sonetto II has external dimensions of 370.0 x 250.0 x 334.0mm ( 15 x 10 x 13inch) whereas Klipsch R-51M has external dimensions of 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm ( 13.3 x 7.0 x 8.4inch) .
Sonus Sonetto II is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 72mm wider, 32mm taller and 119mm deeper than Klipsch R-51M.
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 II is approximately 835.0cm2 / 129.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2. The Sonetto II requires 118% more surface area than the R-51M 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 II weighs 6.80kg / 15lbs and the Klipsch R-51M weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the Sonetto II 36% heavier than the R-51M.
Here is a comparison of how Sonetto II and R-51M'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 II?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Sonetto II:
2 Masks2 Fabric dust guards2 Jumpers1 Manual
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-51M?
Here are the items that come with the R-51M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Quick Setup Guide Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
85 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
42 Hz
vs
62 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Height |
338mm
vs
370mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
382cm2 (178x215mm)
vs
835cm2 (250x334mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Sonus Faber Sonetto II |
Klipsch Reference R-51M |
Brand |
Sonus Faber |
Klipsch |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
40-200 watts |
Up to 85 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
93 dB |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
42-25k Hz |
62-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
cellulose pulp and other natural fibers |
Copper-spun IMG |
Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1.15" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
high definition DAD Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2650 Hz |
1660Hz |
Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
370.0mm (14.6") |
338.0mm (13.3") |
Width |
250.0mm (9.8") |
178.0mm (7") |
Depth |
334.0mm (13.1") |
215.0mm (8.5") |
Weight |
6.80kg (15lbs) |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Wood, White, Black, Wenge |
Black |
Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24-28" |
Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
|
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |