In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by Sonus faber. Sonus faber Sonetto II is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the Sonetto Center G2 is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Sonus Sonetto II and Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Sonus Sonetto II | Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 |
|---|
| Brand | Sonus faber
Italy · founded 1983 | Sonus faber
Italy · founded 1983 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 3-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1.15" high definition DAD Dome | 1.1" Soft-Dome |
|---|
| Midrange | — | 4" |
|---|
| Woofer | 6.5" cellulose pulp and other natural fibers | 2 x 6-1/2" |
|---|
| Frequency response | 42-25k Hz | 45-40k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 87 dB | 88 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 40-200 watts | — |
|---|
| Weight | 6.80kg / 15lbs | 17.63kg / 38.8lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 14.6" x 10" x 13"
370.0 x 250.0 x 334.0mm | 9-1/2" x 25-9/16" x 14-9/16"
241.3 x 649.3 x 369.9mm |
|---|
Sonetto II and Sonetto Center G2 are members of Sonus faber's Sonetto series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Sonus faber Sonetto Series
History
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Sonetto II is a 2-way design whereas the Sonetto Center G2 is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
Sonus Sonetto IISonus Faber Sonetto Center G2
TweeterMidrangeWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Sonus Sonetto II |
Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.15-inch
|
1.1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 6-1/2-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 Sonetto Center G2 features a 1.1" Soft-Dome Tweeter, a 4" Midrange and 2 x 6-1/2" Woofer.
Frequency Response
Sonetto II has a frequency range of 42-25k Hz whereas Sonetto Center G2 has a frequency range of 45-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the Sonetto II can go slightly deeper then the Sonetto Center G2's min frequency of 45Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Sonetto II and Sonetto Center G2 have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Sonetto II sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the Sonetto Center G2's is at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 a more sensitive speaker compared to Sonus Sonetto II, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Sonetto II and the Sonetto II can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Sonetto II features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Sonetto Center G2 has a Binding Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2's external dimensions. Sonus Sonetto II has external dimensions of 370.0 x 250.0 x 334.0mm (15 x 10 x 13inch) whereas Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 has external dimensions of 241.3 x 649.3 x 369.9mm ().
Sonus Sonetto II is 399.3mm narrower and 35.9mm less deeper than Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 but it is also 128.7mm taller.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 needs about 188% more floor or shelf area. Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 is 36mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. Sonus Sonetto II is 129mm 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 II is approximately 835.0cm2 / 129.4inch2 and base area of the Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 is approximately 2401.8cm2 / 372.3inch2. The Sonetto II requires 65% less surface area than the Sonetto Center G2 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Sonus Sonetto II?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Sonetto II:
- 2 Masks
- 2 Fabric dust guards
- 2 Jumpers
- 1 Manual