In this review, we will be comparing Sonetto II and TSi100, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Sonus Faber and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Sonus Sonetto II and Polk TSi100 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Sonus Sonetto II and Polk TSi100 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 Polk TSi100 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 TSi100 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Sonus Sonetto II |
Polk TSi100 |
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 TSi100 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Organic Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Sonetto II has a frequency range of 42-25k Hz whereas TSi100 has a frequency range of 61-24k 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 TSi100's min frequency of 61Hz.
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 TSi100 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 TSi100's is rated at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Polk TSi100 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 TSi100 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 100 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. TSi100 has a Pair of 5-way Binding Posts - Gold-Plated which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Sonetto II has a front firing port whereas TSi100 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 Polk TSi100 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 Polk TSi100's external dimensions. Sonus Sonetto II has external dimensions of 370.0 x 250.0 x 334.0mm ( 15 x 10 x 13inch) whereas Polk TSi100 has external dimensions of 279.4 x 177.8 x 259.0mm ( 11.0 x 7.0 x 10.1inch) .
Sonus Sonetto II is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 72.2mm wider, 90.6mm taller and 75mm deeper than Polk TSi100.
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 Polk TSi100 is approximately 460.5cm2 / 71.4inch2. The Sonetto II requires 81% more surface area than the TSi100 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 Polk TSi100 weighs 4.53kg / 10lbs. This makes the Sonetto II 50% heavier than the TSi100.
Here is a comparison of how Sonetto II and TSi100'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 Polk TSi100?
Here are the items that come with the TSi100:
2 Black bookshelf speakers Detachable cloth grille (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owner's Manual Wall-Mount template Online registration sheet Polk Audio product brochure
Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
42 Hz
vs
61 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
24k 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 |
89 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Height |
279mm
vs
370mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
460cm2 (177x259mm)
vs
835cm2 (250x334mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Sonus Faber Sonetto II |
Polk Audio TSi100 |
Brand |
Sonus Faber |
Polk Audio |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
40-200 watts |
20-100 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
89 dB |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
42-25k Hz |
61-24k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
cellulose pulp and other natural fibers |
Organic Fiber |
Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Butyl Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1.15" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
high definition DAD Dome |
Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2650 Hz |
2500Hz |
Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
370.0mm (14.6") |
279.4mm (11") |
Width |
250.0mm (9.8") |
177.8mm (7") |
Depth |
334.0mm (13.1") |
259.0mm (10.2") |
Weight |
6.80kg (15lbs) |
4.53kg (10lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
n/a |
Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Wood, White, Black, Wenge |
Black, Cherry |
Mounting Bracket |
|
Keyhole |
Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
16-30" |
Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
|
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |