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  1. Home
  2. Sonus faber Speakers
  3. Passive Bookshelf Speakers
  4. Sonus faber Sonetto II
Sonus faber Sonetto II Review
Sonus Sonetto II - Front View

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Main Features

  • 1.15" high definition DAD Dome Tweeter
  • 6.5" cellulose pulp and other natural fibers Woofer
  • 42-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: 40-200 watts
  • Weight: 14.90 lbs / 6.80 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 14.6"x10"x13" / 370.0 x 250.0 x 334.0mm
MSRP: $1,499 (list price)
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Sonus Sonetto II Review
Sonus Sonetto II Sonus Sonetto II
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Made by Sonus faber · Italy · since 1983 · sold through dealers

Sonus faber Sonetto II is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Sonus faber. It was released in August 2018. It features a 1.15" high definition DAD Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" cellulose pulp and other natural fibers Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 42-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. Sonus Sonetto II has an MSRP of 1499$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Sonus Sonetto II 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 later replaced Sonetto II with Sonetto III. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these speakers:
Compare Sonus Sonetto II vs Sonus Sonetto III

Sonus faber's Sonetto Series of Loudspeakers

Sonetto II is a member of Sonus faber's Sonetto series of Passive speakers. The Sonetto range is Sonus Faber's mid-tier line, hand-built in Italy with the brand's signature leather-and-wood styling. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 10 Sonus faber Sonetto models compared »

Sonus faber Sonetto Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Sonus Sonetto III
Compare
42-25k Hz 89 dB4Ω 2 x 6"
Sonus Sonetto II
42-25k Hz 87 dB4Ω 1 x 6.5"
Sonus Sonetto VIII
Compare
36-25k Hz 90 dB4Ω 3 x 7"
Sonus Sonetto V
Compare
38-25k Hz 90 dB4Ω 2 x 7"
Sonus Sonetto I
Compare
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 III G2
Compare
38-40k Hz 88 dB4Ω 2 x 6.5"
Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2
Compare
45-40k Hz 88 dB4Ω 2 x 6-1/2"
Sonus faber Sonetto VIII G2
Compare
33-40k Hz 90 dB4Ω 2 x 8"
Sonus faber Sonetto Series Speakers
Sonus faber Sonetto Series Speakers

Frequency Response of the Sonus Sonetto II Speaker

Sonus Sonetto II has a Frequency response range of 42-25k Hz and Power Range of 40-200 watts. With a minimum frequency of 42 Hz, Sonetto II delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

Here we have a comparison of how Sonetto II's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Sonus Sonetto II
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Sonus Sonetto II?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 42 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $1,500 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Crossover frequency of the Sonus Sonetto II?

The crossover frequency of the Sonetto II is set to 2650 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.

Sonus Sonetto II driver frequency bands42-2.7kWoofer 6.5"2.7k-25kTweeter 1.15"20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

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

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Sonus Sonetto II
Min
Average
Median

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the Sonus faber Sonetto II 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 II with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, Sonus faber Sonetto II 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. Work out how loud the Sonus Sonetto II plays in your room →

Running more than one pair from a single amplifier? Check the load it would present →

What amplifier does the Sonus Sonetto II need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 30–200 W per channel into 4 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $1,500, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Sonetto II 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.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Sonus Sonetto II External Dimensions and Weight

Sonus Sonetto II has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 15 x 10 x 13inch (370.0 x 250.0 x 334.0mm ).

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 II is approximately 835.0cm2 / 129.4inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The Sonus Sonetto II weighs 6.80kg / 15lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Sonetto II's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Sonus Sonetto II
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $1500
Sonus Sonetto II
Min
Average
Max
Sonus Sonetto II  on a Stand
Sonus Sonetto II on a Stand

Sonus Sonetto II  - Top View
Sonus Sonetto II - Top View

Cabinet type and Materials

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

Wall Mounting

Sonetto II 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 II?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Sonetto II:
  • 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 II.

  • 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 are our favorite isolators but you may find 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 II, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Sonus Sonetto II

Official Product Page

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

Related Videos

Sonus faber Sonetto II Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Sonus Sonetto I
Compare
2-way 87 dB 4 ohms 45-25k Hz
Sonus Lumina II
Compare
2-way 86 dB 4 ohms 55-24k 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 Lumina V
Compare
3-way 90 dB 4 ohms 38-24k Hz
Buchardt S400 MKII
Compare
2-way 88 dB 4 ohms 33-40k Hz
Wharfedale LINTON
Compare
3-way 90 dB 6 ohms 40-20k Hz
Sonus Lumina III
Compare
3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 40-24k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Sonus faber Sonetto II

What amplifier do you need for the Sonus Sonetto II?

Sonus faber rates the Sonus Sonetto II for 40-200 watts of amplifier power. It is a 4-ohm speaker, a demanding load that wants an amplifier rated to drive 4 ohms - many budget receivers are not.

Is the Sonus Sonetto II easy to drive?

The Sonus Sonetto II has a sensitivity of 87 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the Sonus Sonetto II need a subwoofer?

The Sonus Sonetto II reaches down to 42Hz (full range 42-25k Hz). That is deep enough that many listeners will not feel the need for a subwoofer with music.

What drivers does the Sonus Sonetto II use?

The Sonus Sonetto II is a 2-way design using a 1.15" high definition DAD Dome tweeter and a 6.5" cellulose pulp and other natural fibers woofer.

Is the Sonus Sonetto II sealed or ported?

The Sonus Sonetto II uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Can the Sonus Sonetto II be bi-wired or bi-amped?

Yes. The Sonus Sonetto II has two sets of terminals, so it can be bi-wired or bi-amped: bi-wiring runs separate cable to the treble and bass sections, bi-amping gives each its own amplifier channel. It uses Binding post terminals.

How big and heavy is the Sonus Sonetto II?

The Sonus Sonetto II weighs 6.80kg / 15lbs each and measures 15 x 10 x 13inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Sonus Sonetto II cost?

The Sonus Sonetto II has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $1,499 per pair.


Sonus Sonetto II Detailed Specifications

General
BrandSonus faber
Full Model NameSonus faber Sonetto II
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Power Range40-200 watts
Sensitivity87 dB
Impedance4 ohms
Frequency Response42-25k Hz
Release DateAugust 2018
DRIVERS
Woofer Size6.5-inch
Woofer Compositioncellulose pulp and other natural fibers
Tweeter Size1.15-inch
Tweeter Typehigh definition DAD Dome
Crossover freq2650 Hz
Port Positionfront

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
Biamp InputsYes
Port Positionfront
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height370.0mm ( 14.6-inch)
Width250.0mm ( 10-inch)
Depth334.0mm ( 13-inch)
Height370.0mm ( 14.6-inch)
Weight6.8 kg (14.9 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
Available ColorsWood, White, Black, Wenge
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty
Labor Warranty
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