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Sonus Faber Sonetto I Review
Sonus Faber Sonetto I

Main Features

  • 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:12.10 lbs / 5.50 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 14"x9"x12" / 359.0 x 219.0 x 305.0mm
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Sonus Sonetto I Review
Sonus Sonetto I Sonus Sonetto I
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Sonus Faber Sonetto I is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Sonus Faber. It features a 1.15" high definition DAD Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6" cellulose pulp and other natural fibers Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Sonus Sonetto I is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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.)

Sonus Faber's Sonetto Series of Loudspeakers

Sonetto I is a member of Sonus Faber's Sonetto series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Sonus Faber Sonetto Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Sonus Sonetto III
Compare
42-25k Hz 89 dB4Ω 2 x 6"
Sonus Sonetto V
Compare
38-25k Hz 90 dB4Ω 2 x 7"
Sonus Sonetto II
Compare
42-25k Hz 87 dB4Ω 1 x 6.5"
Sonus Sonetto VIII
Compare
36-25k Hz 90 dB4Ω 3 x 7"
Sonus Sonetto I
45-25k Hz 87 dB4Ω 1 x 6"
Sonus Sonetto Center II
Compare
42-25k Hz 91 dB4Ω 2 x 6"
Sonus Sonetto Center I
Compare
60-25k Hz 90 dB4Ω 2 x 6"
Sonus Faber Sonetto Series Speakers
Sonus Faber Sonetto Series Speakers


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the Sonus Sonetto I Speaker

Sonus Sonetto I has a Frequency response range of 45-25k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 30-150 watts. With a minimum frequency of 45 Hz, Sonetto I delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available subwoofer options.
Here we have a comparison of how Sonetto I's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Sonus Sonetto I
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Sonus Sonetto I
Min
Average
Max

Sonus Sonetto I Tweeter
Sonus Sonetto I's high definition DAD Dome Tweeter

Crossover frequency of the Sonus Sonetto I?

The Crossover frequency of the Sonetto I is set to 2500 Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

Impedance and Sensitivity

Sonus Sonetto I's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Sonus Sonetto I
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the Sonus Faber Sonetto I is a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective, make sure that you choose an amplifier than can provide 4 Ohms for this speaker.
Many AVRs (audio/video receiver) in the market may have difficulty when the speakers dip below the 4 Ohms levels (this may cause clipping or even physical damage), so we recommend to not pair the Sonus Faber Sonetto I with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, Sonus Faber Sonetto I is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Sonus Sonetto I:

  • Integrated Amps under USD
  • Integrated Amps under USD
  • Integrated Amps under 500 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

Sonetto I has Binding post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can enhance the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by using separate speaker wires for the low and high-frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping, on the other hand, involves using separate amplifiers for the high and low-frequency drivers, potentially resulting in a greater dynamic range and reduced distortion.

Sonus Sonetto I External Dimensions and Weight

Sonus Sonetto I has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 14 x 9 x 12inch (359.0 x 219.0 x 305.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Sonus Sonetto I is approximately 668.0cm2 / 103.5inch2.

Weight

The Sonus Sonetto I weighs 5.50kg / 12.1lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Sonetto I's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Sonus Sonetto I
Min
Average
Max
Sonus Sonetto I  on a Stand
Sonus Sonetto I on a Stand

Sonus Sonetto I  - Top View
Sonus Sonetto I - Top View

How does the Sonus Sonetto I compare to the Sonus Faber Sonetto II?

One of the natural alternative to the Sonus Sonetto I is the Sonetto II which is located one step higher in Sonus Faber's Passive Bookshelf selection.

Check the Detailed Comparison of Sonus Sonetto I vs Sonetto II for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

Sonus Sonetto I has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Port Position

Sonus Sonetto I is a front-firing port speaker , which gives you more flexibility compared to rear firing speakers when you need to place it close against a wall or other surfaces.

Available colors

Sonus Sonetto I is available in Wood, White, Black and Wenge.

Wall Mounting

Sonetto I doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

What's in the Box of Sonus Sonetto I?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Sonetto I:
  • 2 Masks
  • 2 Fabric dust guards
  • 2 Jumpers
  • 1 Manual
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Sonus Faber Sonetto I.

    • Speaker Cable and Connectors
      • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
      • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
      • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
    • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
    • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
    • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

    User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Sonus Faber Sonetto I, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for Sonus Sonetto I

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Sonus Faber Sonetto I speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for Sonus Sonetto I

    Related Videos

    Sonus Faber Sonetto I Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Sonus Sonetto II
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 4 ohms 42-25k Hz
    Sonus Lumina II
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 4 ohms 55-24k Hz
    Focal Aria 906
    Compare
    2-way 89.5 dB 8 ohms 55-28k Hz
    Sonus Sonetto V
    Compare
    3-way 90 dB 4 ohms 38-25k Hz
    Buchardt S400 MKII
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 4 ohms 33-40k HZ
    Sonus Sonetto III
    Compare
    3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 42-25k Hz
    B&W 706 S2
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
    Sonus Sonetto Center II
    Compare
    3-way 91 dB 4 ohms 42-25k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Sonus Faber Sonetto I
    What is the External Dimensions of Sonus Faber Sonetto I
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Sonus Faber Sonetto I
    is the Sonus Faber Sonetto I an easy to drive speaker?

    Sonus Sonetto I Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandSonus Faber
    Full Model NameSonus Faber Sonetto I
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power Range30-150 watts
    Sensitivity87 dB
    Impedance4 ohms
    Frequency Response45-25k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size6-inch
    Woofer Compositioncellulose pulp and other natural fibers
    Tweeter Size1.15-inch
    Tweeter Typehigh definition DAD Dome
    Crossover freq2500 Hz
    Port Positionfront

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding post
    Biamp InputsYes
    Port Positionfront
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height359.0mm ( 14-inch)
    Width219.0mm ( 9-inch)
    Depth305.0mm ( 12-inch)
    Height359.0mm ( 14-inch)
    Weight5.50kg ( 12.10 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    Available ColorsWood, White, Black, Wenge
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty
    Labor Warranty
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