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  1. Home
  2. Sonus faber Speakers
  3. Passive Floor-standing Speakers
  4. Sonus faber Sonetto III
Sonus faber Sonetto III Review
Sonus Sonetto III - Front View

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Main Features

  • 1.15" high definition DAD Dome Tweeter
  • 6" cellulose pulp and other natural fibers Midrange
  • 2 x 6" aluminum cone Woofer
  • 42-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 89 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: 50-250 watts
  • Weight: 35.20 lbs / 16.00 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 40"x9"x12" / 1018.0 x 219.0 x 305.0mm
MSRP: $2,999 (list price)
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Sonus Sonetto III Review
Sonus Sonetto III Sonus Sonetto III
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Sonus faber · Italy · since 1983 · sold through dealers

Sonus faber Sonetto III is a 3-way Passive Bass Reflex Floor-standing speaker by Sonus faber. It was released in August 2018. It features a 1.15" high definition DAD Dome Tweeter, 1 x 6" Midrange and 2 x 6" aluminum cone Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 42-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 89 dB. Sonus Sonetto III has an MSRP of 2999$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Sonus Sonetto III 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-fieldBad
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomAverage

(* 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 replaced the older Sonetto II with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare Sonus Sonetto III vs Sonus Sonetto II
Sonus Sonetto III  Lifestyle
Sonus Sonetto III Lifestyle

Sonus faber's Sonetto Series of Loudspeakers

Sonetto III 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
42-25k Hz 89 dB4Ω 2 x 6"
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 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 III Speaker

Sonus Sonetto III has a Frequency response range of 42-25k Hz and Power Range of 50-250 watts. With a minimum frequency of 42 Hz, Sonetto III 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 III's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Sonus Sonetto III
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Sonus Sonetto III?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 42 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $3,000 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 3000$ (Pair), these are the 5 Passive Floor-standing speakers that have the deeper bass levels than the Sonus Sonetto III's 42Hz:

  • KLH Kendall with Low Frequency of 25 Hz (Compare w/ Sonetto III)
  • GoldenEar Triton Five with Low Frequency of 26 Hz (Compare w/ Sonetto III)
  • KLH Concord with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ Sonetto III)
  • SVS Ultra Tower with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ Sonetto III)
  • GoldenEar Triton Seven with Low Frequency of 29 Hz (Compare w/ Sonetto III)

Crossover frequency of the Sonus Sonetto III?

Sonetto III is a 3-way speaker and its crossover frequency between the woofer and the midrange is set to 220 Hz and the crossover frequency between the midrange and the tweeter is set to 3250 Hz.

Sonus Sonetto III driver frequency bands42-220Woofer 6"220-3.3kMidrange 6"3.3k-25kTweeter 1.15"20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

Sonus Sonetto III's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms and has a sensitivity of 89 dB.

Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Sonus Sonetto III
Min
Average
Median

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

Sensitivity

89dB of the Sonus faber Sonetto III is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the Sonus Sonetto III 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 III need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 19–250 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 $3,000, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Sonetto III 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 III Back View
Sonus Sonetto III Back View

Sonus Sonetto III External Dimensions and Weight

Sonus Sonetto III has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 40 x 9 x 12inch (1018.0 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 III is approximately 668.0cm2 / 103.5inch2.

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

Weight

The Sonus Sonetto III weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Sonetto III's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
Sonus Sonetto III
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $3000
Sonus Sonetto III
Min
Average
Max

How does the Sonus Sonetto III compare to the Sonus Faber Sonetto V?

One of the natural alternative to the Sonus Sonetto III is the Sonetto V which is located one step higher in Sonus faber's Passive Floor-standing selection.

Check the Detailed Comparison of Sonus Sonetto III vs Sonetto V for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

Sonus Sonetto III 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.

Speaker Feet

Sonus Sonetto III comes with the parts below which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on:

  • 8 Spikes
  • 8 Under spikes
  • 8 Spikes locks

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Sonus Sonetto III  Feet
Sonus Sonetto III Feet

Port Position

Sonus Sonetto III is a bottom-firing port speaker.

Available colors

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

What's in the Box of Sonus Sonetto III?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Sonetto III:
  • 8 Spikes
  • 8 Under Spikes
  • 8 Spike locks
  • 2 Masks
  • 2 Fabric dust guards
  • 2 Basis
  • 16 Locking screws
  • 2 Jumpers
  • 1 Allen Wrench
  • 1 Manual

Recommended Accessories

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

  • 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.

User's Manual

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

Official Product Page

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

Related Videos

Sonus faber Sonetto III Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Sonus Sonetto V
Compare
3-way 90 dB 4 ohms 38-25k Hz
Sonus Sonetto II
Compare
2-way 87 dB 4 ohms 42-25k Hz
Sonus Lumina III
Compare
3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 40-24k Hz
Sonus Lumina V
Compare
3-way 90 dB 4 ohms 38-24k Hz
Wharfedale EVO4.4
Compare
3-way 89 dB 8 ohms 44-22k Hz
B&W 702 S3
Compare
3-way 90 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
B&W 603
Compare
3-way 88.5 dB 8 ohms 48-28k Hz
Sonus Sonetto VIII
Compare
3-way 90 dB 4 ohms 36-25k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Sonus faber Sonetto III

What amplifier do you need for the Sonus Sonetto III?

Sonus faber rates the Sonus Sonetto III for 50-250 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 III easy to drive?

The Sonus Sonetto III has a sensitivity of 89 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the Sonus Sonetto III need a subwoofer?

The Sonus Sonetto III 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 III use?

The Sonus Sonetto III is a 3-way design using a 1.15" high definition DAD Dome tweeter, a 6" midrange and 2 x 6" aluminum cone woofers.

Is the Sonus Sonetto III sealed or ported?

The Sonus Sonetto III 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 III be bi-wired or bi-amped?

Yes. The Sonus Sonetto III 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 III?

The Sonus Sonetto III weighs 16.00kg / 35.2lbs each and measures 40 x 9 x 12inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Sonus Sonetto III cost?

The Sonus Sonetto III has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $2,999 per pair.


Sonus Sonetto III Detailed Specifications

General
BrandSonus faber
Full Model NameSonus faber Sonetto III
Speaker Type3-way Floor-standing
Power Range50-250 watts
Sensitivity89 dB
Impedance4 ohms
Frequency Response42-25k Hz
Release DateAugust 2018
DRIVERS
Woofer Size6-inch
Woofer Compositionaluminum cone
Tweeter Size1.15-inch
Tweeter Typehigh definition DAD Dome
Midrange Size6-inch
Crossover freq220 and 3.250 Hz
Port Positionbottom

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
Biamp InputsYes
Port Positionbottom
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height1018.0mm ( 40-inch)
Width219.0mm ( 9-inch)
Depth305.0mm ( 12-inch)
Height1018.0mm ( 40-inch)
Weight16 kg (35.2 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
Available ColorsWood, White, Black, Wenge
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty
Labor Warranty
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