Audio T Verdict
The Sonus faber Sonetto II G2 is the larger of the two standmount speakers in the second-generation Sonetto range and, for many rooms, probably the sweet spot. Its 6.5-inch midwoofer gives it considerably greater bass extension and scale than Sonetto I G2 without moving to the physical footprint of a floorstander, while the front-facing reflex system and Intono cabinet technology help make it easier to accommodate in a real living space.
There is plenty of engineering hidden behind the elegant Italian cabinet. The midwoofer uses a paper-pulp sandwich structure, flower-patterned surround and asymmetric Organic Basket, while the latest D.A.D. Arrow Point tweeter extends the published response to 40kHz. Intono technology sits between the internal acoustic chamber and reflex duct to reduce unwanted energy finding its way out through the port, and the concrete base adds useful mass and stability beneath the lute-shaped cabinet.
With bass reaching to 42Hz, Sonetto II G2 can sound much larger than its standmount format suggests and will not automatically need a subwoofer for serious two-channel listening. Its 87dB sensitivity and 4-ohm nominal impedance mean we would still give it a capable amplifier with good current delivery. Properly supported on the dedicated Sonetto stands and carefully positioned, it can form the heart of a very accomplished vinyl, CD or streaming system.
Speakers Only - Stands Sold Separately
This listing is for the Sonus faber Sonetto II G2 loudspeakers. Sonus faber's dedicated Sonetto stands are designed for both Sonetto I G2 and Sonetto II G2 and are sold separately.
Sonus faber Sonetto II G2 Standmount Speakers
The Sonus faber Sonetto II G2 is a two-way passive bookshelf and standmount loudspeaker combining a 1.1-inch D.A.D. Arrow Point tweeter with a 6.5-inch midwoofer in a front-vented enclosure.
It is the larger of the two standmount models in the Sonetto G2 Collection and is designed for listeners who want substantially greater bass extension and room-filling ability than Sonetto I G2 while retaining the placement flexibility and compact proportions of a standmount speaker.
Sonetto G2 is built by Sonus faber's artisans in Vicenza, Italy and combines the company's characteristic lute-shaped cabinet with wood, leather and a new concrete base. Each driver is engineered specifically for the collection, while technologies such as Intono, the Organic Basket and D.A.D. Arrow Point tweeter bring ideas developed elsewhere in the Sonus faber range into a more accessible speaker family.
- Current second-generation Sonetto G2 model
- Larger Sonetto G2 standmount loudspeaker
- Two-way passive design
- Bookshelf and standmount application
- Built in Vicenza, Italy
- Front-vented enclosure
- Optimised front reflex duct
- Sonus faber Intono technology
- 1.1-inch D.A.D. Arrow Point tweeter
- Silk soft-dome tweeter
- Extended high-frequency response
- Copper shorting ring in tweeter motor
- 6.5-inch midwoofer
- Aluminium demodulation ring
- Paper-pulp sandwich cone
- Flower-patterned midwoofer surround
- Asymmetric Organic Basket
- Optimised airflow around the driver
- 3100Hz crossover frequency
- 42Hz–40kHz frequency response
- 87dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm nominal impedance
- 30–200W recommended amplifier power
- Redesigned lute-shaped cabinet
- Concrete structural base
- Wood and leather construction
- Walnut Wood, Leather and Concrete finish
- Wenge Wood, Leather and Concrete finish
- Black, Leather and Concrete finish
- Dedicated Sonetto stands available separately
- 414mm height
- 227mm width
- 355mm depth
- 10.4kg per speaker
The Larger Sonetto G2 Standmount
Sonetto II G2 sits directly above Sonetto I G2 and follows the same basic two-way philosophy, but everything is scaled up around a substantially larger 6.5-inch midwoofer.
The result is a speaker intended to retain the precision and flexibility of a standmount while moving significantly closer to floorstander territory in bass extension and overall scale.
Why Choose a Larger Standmount?
A larger standmount can offer an attractive compromise between a compact bookshelf design and a floorstanding speaker.
Potential advantages include:
- Greater bass extension than a small standmount
- Greater dynamic headroom
- More room-filling ability
- Flexible speaker positioning
- Adjustable stand height and toe-in
- Less visual impact than a floorstander
A Two-Way Design
Sonetto II G2 divides the frequency range between just two drive units:
- One 6.5-inch midwoofer
- One 1.1-inch D.A.D. Arrow Point tweeter
They meet at a single 3100Hz crossover point.
Why Two-Way?
A two-way loudspeaker has one principal transition between its drive units rather than several crossover regions.
This places particular importance on:
- Wide-bandwidth midwoofer behaviour
- Tweeter integration
- Crossover phase
- Dispersion
- Stereo image stability
The 6.5-Inch Midwoofer
The 6.5-inch midwoofer handles all bass and midrange information beneath the 3100Hz crossover point.
Compared with the 5-inch unit in Sonetto I G2, the larger diaphragm provides more radiating area and contributes to the Sonetto II's considerably deeper published bass response.
Why a Larger Driver Helps
A larger diaphragm can move more air for a given excursion.
That helps provide:
- Greater bass output
- Deeper extension
- More physical weight
- Greater dynamic ease
- More convincing performance at longer listening distances
Paper-Pulp Sandwich Cone
Sonetto G2 woofers and midwoofers use paper-pulp sandwich structures.
A sandwich diaphragm combines several layers rather than relying on one homogeneous cone material.
Why Use a Sandwich Structure?
The aim is to balance:
- Low moving mass
- Structural stiffness
- Internal damping
- Controlled breakup behaviour
A cone needs to remain sufficiently rigid while moving through substantial excursion, but simply adding material would also increase its mass.
Paper Pulp and Natural Materials
Sonus faber continues to favour natural materials within its driver philosophy.
Paper-pulp diaphragms provide useful inherent damping while keeping the moving assembly relatively light.
Flower-Patterned Surround
The rubber suspension surrounding the midwoofer uses Sonus faber's distinctive Camelia-inspired flower pattern.
Rather than creating a completely uniform circular suspension, the shape deliberately interrupts regular geometric symmetry.
Why Break the Circle?
Regular circular geometry can encourage repeating resonant modes around the driver.
Sonus faber uses the unusual surround shape to help:
- Reduce interference
- Control circular modes
- Improve dispersion
- Support more linear driver behaviour
Organic Basket
The midwoofer is mounted within Sonus faber's Organic Basket.
The basket is the structural frame that holds the moving assembly and magnetic motor in alignment.
An Asymmetric Driver Chassis
The Organic Basket deliberately avoids a recurring symmetrical pattern around the driver.
This nature-inspired geometry is intended to provide structural support while reducing repeated shapes that could influence airflow behind the cone.
Why Airflow Behind the Cone Matters
The rear of a moving loudspeaker diaphragm pushes air into the cabinet.
An excessively obstructive basket can interfere with that airflow and create reflections close to the back of the diaphragm.
The open Organic Basket gives the rear of the driver more space to breathe.
Technology Shared Across Sonus faber
Sonus faber also uses Organic Basket principles in its higher Reference and Homage ranges.
The version used in Sonetto G2 helps connect this collection with engineering ideas developed elsewhere in the company's loudspeaker portfolio.
Aluminium Demodulation Ring
The 6.5-inch midwoofer motor incorporates an aluminium demodulation ring.
This conductive element is used to help control changes in voice-coil inductance as the cone moves through its magnetic field.
Why Does Inductance Change?
The electrical properties of a moving voice coil can vary as its position changes within the motor assembly.
Demodulation techniques are used to make this behaviour more consistent and reduce distortion generated by the motor system.
D.A.D. Arrow Point Tweeter
High frequencies are handled by a 1.1-inch D.A.D. Arrow Point extended-frequency tweeter.
D.A.D. stands for Damped Apex Dome.
Silk Soft-Dome Diaphragm
The Sonetto G2 tweeter uses a silk soft dome.
Silk combines very low mass with inherent mechanical damping and has long been part of Sonus faber's high-frequency design philosophy.
What Does D.A.D. Do?
A soft dome does not remain perfectly pistonic at every frequency.
At very high frequencies, the apex can begin moving differently from the surrounding diaphragm.
Sonus faber's D.A.D. system controls this central region to reduce unwanted behaviour.
Arrow Point
The characteristic central Arrow Point element acts on the apex region of the soft dome.
This allows Sonus faber to retain the low mass and damping qualities of silk while controlling the part of the diaphragm most prone to high-frequency deformation.
Copper Shorting Ring
The tweeter motor incorporates a copper shorting ring.
As with the demodulation ring used in the midwoofer, this is intended to improve the consistency of the electromagnetic motor system and help reduce distortion.
Response Beyond 30kHz
Sonus faber specifically highlights the tweeter's response beyond 30kHz, with the complete Sonetto II G2 system specified to 40kHz.
Frequencies this high sit above normal human hearing, but the extended bandwidth reflects the tweeter's ability to remain controlled beyond the conventional audible treble region.
3100Hz Crossover
The 6.5-inch midwoofer hands over to the tweeter at 3100Hz.
This is significantly higher than the 2100Hz crossover used in the smaller Sonetto I G2.
Why Can Sonetto II Cross Higher?
Crossover frequency is determined by the complete acoustic behaviour of the drivers, their geometry, dispersion and the intended system response rather than simply driver diameter.
The Sonetto II midwoofer has therefore been engineered to work cleanly through a broad operating range before handing over to the tweeter.
Why Crossover Integration Matters
Both drivers overlap around the crossover point.
The network therefore affects:
- Frequency response
- Acoustic phase
- Dispersion
- Voice reproduction
- Image focus
- Soundstage depth
42Hz Bass Extension
Sonetto II G2 is specified from 42Hz to 40,000Hz.
This is unusually substantial low-frequency extension for a standmount loudspeaker and is one of the most important differences between Sonetto II G2 and the smaller Sonetto I G2.
What Does 42Hz Cover?
The speaker can reproduce useful fundamental energy from:
- Bass guitar
- Kick drum
- Double bass
- Piano
- Cello
- Rock and pop recordings
- Jazz
- Much electronic bass
- Large orchestral instruments
Does Sonetto II G2 Need a Subwoofer?
For many two-channel music systems, no.
A published 42Hz lower response gives it considerably more low-frequency authority than most small bookshelf speakers.
A subwoofer becomes useful if:
- You want strong output in the lowest octave
- Electronic sub-bass is important
- You listen extensively to pipe organ
- Your room is large
- You want more low-frequency headroom
- You use the speakers for home cinema
Don't Add a Subwoofer Too Quickly
Sonetto II G2 already reaches to 42Hz, so room placement has a major influence on how much bass you hear. Optimise the speakers and listening position first, then decide whether deeper extension is actually required.
Why 42Hz Is Significant
Moving from 52Hz on Sonetto I G2 to 42Hz on Sonetto II G2 may look like a modest numerical difference, but those ten hertz occur relatively deep in the bass region.
The larger model therefore covers substantially more of the lowest fundamentals found in music.
Front-Vented Reflex Enclosure
Sonetto II G2 uses a front-facing reflex duct.
This is particularly useful for a standmount loudspeaker because it provides more flexibility where the speakers cannot be positioned a long way into the room.
Why Front Porting Helps
A rear-facing port radiates directly towards the wall behind the speaker.
Moving the duct to the front removes that immediate port-to-wall interaction and makes the system less dependent on having a large amount of space behind the cabinet.
Can Sonetto II G2 Go Near a Wall?
Yes.
Sonus faber specifically describes the optimised reflex duct as allowing flexible placement against a wall, in a corner or in a freestanding arrangement.
That flexibility should not be confused with complete immunity from room acoustics.
Wall Distance Still Matters
The entire loudspeaker radiates bass energy into the room, not just the port.
Moving Sonetto II G2 closer to a wall will therefore normally increase bass reinforcement.
If Bass Sounds Too Heavy
Try:
- Moving the speakers further into the room
- Increasing distance from corners
- Checking that both speakers have similar boundary conditions
- Moving the listening seat slightly
If Bass Sounds Too Light
Experiment with modestly reducing rear-wall clearance.
Small movements can create surprisingly large changes below 100Hz.
Can It Go in a Corner?
Sonus faber designed the reflex system to remain workable in constrained positions, including corners.
From an Audio T setup point of view, however, we would still treat a tight corner as a compromise unless the room demands it.
Corner placement reinforces bass from two boundaries simultaneously and can easily make a speaker reaching to 42Hz sound overly heavy.
Intono Technology
Sonetto II G2 incorporates Sonus faber's Intono technology.
Intono sits between the main acoustic chamber and the reflex duct.
What Is Intono For?
A bass-reflex port is intended to contribute useful low-frequency output, but it can also provide a path for unwanted internal cabinet resonances to escape.
Intono is designed to reduce these spurious frequencies and distortions before they reach the outside through the reflex opening.
A Quieter Cabinet
Sonus faber describes the intended result as a quieter cabinet.
The aim is for the listener to hear more of the intended output from the drive units and less unwanted contribution from the enclosure and port system.
Why Intono Is Particularly Useful Here
Sonetto II G2 asks one 6.5-inch driver to reproduce bass down to 42Hz while also covering a large part of the midrange.
Controlling internal energy becomes especially valuable when so much bandwidth is being generated from one relatively compact enclosure.
Intono Is Specific to Sonetto I and II
Within the current G2 range, Sonus faber specifically identifies Sonetto I and Sonetto II as the models using Intono technology.
This reflects the particular acoustic requirements of the standmount designs and their front-facing reflex systems.
Redesigned Lute-Shaped Cabinet
Sonetto II G2 uses Sonus faber's signature lute-inspired enclosure shape, redesigned for the second-generation range.
The curved sides give the speaker its recognisable appearance while also reducing conventional parallel internal surfaces.
Why Reduce Parallel Surfaces?
Large directly opposing walls can encourage internal standing waves.
A curved enclosure gives the designer more control over these internal reflections and resonances.
More Than an Italian Styling Exercise
The lute shape has become a visual signature for Sonus faber, but it also has an acoustic purpose.
Its role is therefore both structural and aesthetic.
Concrete Base
Sonetto G2 adds concrete to the base structure.
This provides high mass and rigidity in a relatively compact volume.
Why Add Mass at the Bottom?
The concrete contributes to:
- Greater physical stability
- Reduced cabinet movement
- Improved vibration management
- A lower and more stable centre of mass
Wood, Leather and Concrete
The combination is an interesting summary of the Sonetto G2 philosophy.
Traditional Sonus faber materials such as wood and leather sit alongside a contemporary concrete structural element.
Built in Vicenza, Italy
Sonetto G2 speakers are built by Sonus faber's artisans at its factory in Vicenza, Italy.
The collection is deliberately positioned as an expression of Italian craftsmanship alongside modern acoustic development.
Current Finishes
Sonetto II G2 is available in:
- Walnut Wood, Leather and Concrete
- Wenge Wood, Leather and Concrete
- Black, Leather and Concrete
Walnut
Walnut gives Sonetto II G2 the warmest and most traditional appearance, making the natural wood grain a prominent part of the cabinet design.
Wenge
Wenge offers a darker natural-wood finish while retaining visible grain and the contrast between wood, leather and concrete.
Black
Black is the most visually understated option and integrates particularly easily with contemporary electronics, televisions and furniture.
Natural Wood Variation
Walnut and Wenge are natural materials.
Small variations in grain and tone should therefore be expected between individual cabinets and are part of the character of the finish.
Bookshelf or Standmount?
Sonus faber officially describes Sonetto II G2 as a bookshelf speaker.
For a dedicated two-channel system, Audio T would normally install it on suitable speaker stands.
Why Use Stands?
Speaker stands provide greater control over:
- Tweeter height
- Stereo spacing
- Toe-in
- Rear-wall distance
- Mechanical stability
- Room symmetry
Dedicated Sonetto Stands
Sonus faber makes one dedicated stand for both Sonetto I G2 and Sonetto II G2.
The stand combines aluminium construction with a concrete base and iron/steel components to complement the physical and visual design of the speakers.
Sonetto Stand Dimensions
- Height: 687mm
- Width: 355mm
- Depth: 406mm
- Weight: 6.5kg per stand
Speaker and Stand Sold Separately
The Sonetto II G2 loudspeakers and dedicated stands are separate products.
This gives you the choice of the matching Sonus faber stands or another suitable support where required.
Using Alternative Speaker Stands
An alternative stand should provide:
- A top plate suitable for the 227mm-wide cabinet
- Safe support for at least 10.4kg per speaker
- Good lateral stability
- An appropriate overall listening height
- A suitable interface with the floor
Browse speaker stands and brackets at Audio T.
Can Sonetto II G2 Sit on Furniture?
Yes, provided the furniture is sufficiently strong and stable.
The front-facing reflex port makes this more practical than with many rear-ported speakers.
Furniture Needs to Be Deep Enough
The cabinet itself is 355mm deep.
Allow additional space behind for:
- Speaker terminals
- Banana plugs or spades
- Speaker cable bend radius
- Fine positioning adjustment
Avoid Recessing It Deeply
If Sonetto II G2 sits on furniture, keep the front baffle reasonably close to the front edge.
Large horizontal surfaces directly in front of the drivers can produce early reflections and affect imaging.
Can It Go on a Bookshelf?
Potentially, but Sonetto II G2 is a substantial bookshelf speaker.
At 414mm high, 227mm wide and 355mm deep, many conventional bookshelves will simply not be large enough.
Speaker Dimensions
- Height: 414mm
- Width: 227mm
- Depth: 355mm
- Weight: 10.4kg per speaker
Measure Before Ordering
Sonetto II G2 is larger than photographs can suggest.
A pair on dedicated 687mm stands also occupies a meaningful amount of floor space, so check the complete installation rather than simply the cabinet dimensions.
87dB Sensitivity
Sonetto II G2 is rated at 87dB SPL for 2.83V measured at one metre.
This is slightly more sensitive than Sonetto I G2 and gives the larger model a little more acoustic output for a given input voltage.
4-Ohm Nominal Impedance
The nominal impedance is 4 ohms.
This means amplifier current delivery remains important.
Sensitivity Is Not the Whole Story
A moderately sensitive speaker can still present a relatively demanding electrical load.
For Sonetto II G2, we would look for an amplifier with stable 4-ohm operation rather than concentrating only on its headline wattage.
30–200W Recommended Amplification
Sonus faber recommends amplifiers between 30 and 200 watts per channel.
This gives Sonetto II G2 considerable flexibility with integrated amplifiers, streaming amplifiers and separate pre/power systems.
Will a 30W Amplifier Work?
Yes.
A quality 30W amplifier sits at the bottom of the official range and can work well at moderate levels in a suitable room, provided it is genuinely comfortable with 4-ohm loudspeakers.
What About 50W?
Fifty watts can be entirely suitable for normal domestic use.
Amplifier quality and current delivery are more important than simply whether the number begins with a five or a ten.
70–100W Amplifiers
This is a very useful region for Sonetto II G2.
It provides additional headroom for:
- Medium-sized rooms
- Longer listening distances
- Dynamic recordings
- Higher playback levels
Can I Use 150W?
Yes.
A well-controlled 150W amplifier remains comfortably inside Sonus faber's recommendation.
Can I Use 200W?
Yes. This is the upper end of the manufacturer's published amplifier range.
Additional power should be viewed as useful headroom rather than an instruction to run the speakers continuously at extreme volume.
Prioritise 4-Ohm Capability
A well-designed 60W or 80W amplifier with a strong power supply can be a considerably better match for Sonetto II G2 than a budget amplifier claiming a much larger wattage but struggling into lower impedances.
Solid-State Amplification
A capable solid-state integrated amplifier is an obvious partner.
Sonetto II G2 has enough bass extension and resolution to benefit as amplifier quality improves.
Class A Amplification
A suitably powerful Class A amplifier can also work extremely well where its 4-ohm capability and available output are appropriate.
Class D Amplification
Modern Class D amplification is entirely suitable.
Its ability to provide substantial power from relatively compact electronics can make it particularly attractive in contemporary streaming systems.
Valve Amplification
Valve amplification is possible, but the combination of 87dB sensitivity and 4-ohm impedance makes very low-powered valve designs a more specialised match.
Where several output-transformer taps are available, follow the amplifier manufacturer's advice.
Streaming Amplifiers
A good streaming amplifier can create an extremely neat Sonetto II G2 system.
Network playback, DAC and amplification can all sit within one chassis while the Sonetto speakers provide the conventional passive loudspeaker stage.
Pre/Power Amplification
Sonetto II G2 can also justify separate pre and power amplification where the rest of the system is suitably ambitious.
The additional power-supply capability can be useful in larger rooms or where high dynamic headroom is a priority.
Good for Vinyl?
Yes.
Its combination of two-way coherence, useful bass extension and high-quality driver technology makes Sonetto II G2 an excellent candidate for a turntable-based system.
Good for Streaming?
Absolutely.
A quality streamer, DAC and amplifier can exploit the speaker's resolution while keeping the system simple.
Good for CD?
Yes.
A high-quality CD player or transport and DAC can make an excellent source.
Good for Vocals?
Yes.
The 6.5-inch midwoofer covers the vast majority of the voice region before handing over to the tweeter at 3100Hz.
Good for Acoustic Music?
Yes.
Acoustic guitars, piano, strings and voices all benefit from the broad-bandwidth midwoofer and simple two-way architecture.
Good for Jazz?
Very much so.
The 42Hz lower response gives double bass genuine weight while the compact enclosure remains well suited to stable stereo imaging.
Good for Rock?
Yes.
The larger 6.5-inch driver gives drums and bass guitar considerably more physical presence than the smaller Sonetto I G2.
Good for Classical Music?
Yes.
Sonetto II G2 has enough bass and dynamic scale to handle both smaller ensembles and substantial orchestral recordings in appropriately sized rooms.
Good for Electronic Music?
Yes.
Its 42Hz response reaches into a large proportion of electronic bass, although a subwoofer remains useful where true sub-bass is important.
Small and Medium Rooms
Sonetto II G2 can work comfortably in small rooms where careful placement is possible, but its larger driver and deep bass make it particularly well suited to medium-sized listening spaces.
Can It Work in a Large Room?
Yes, depending on listening distance and desired playback level.
Where the room is very large, a Sonetto floorstander may provide greater low-frequency headroom and more effortless scale.
Speaker Spacing
The best spacing depends on listening distance and room width.
Too little separation can make the presentation feel narrow, while excessive spacing can weaken the central image.
Use Vocals to Set the Width
A centrally recorded voice should appear solidly between the speakers rather than sounding stretched or divided between the two cabinets.
Toe-In
Begin with modest inward toe-in.
Then adjust in small increments while listening for:
- Centre-image focus
- Soundstage width
- Image depth
- Treble balance
- Overall tonal consistency
More Toe-In
Increasing toe-in can sharpen centre-image focus and direct more high-frequency energy towards the main listening position.
Less Toe-In
Reducing the inward angle can broaden the presentation in some rooms.
The best setting depends on the room rather than a prescribed fixed angle.
Sonetto II G2 vs Sonetto I G2
Sonus faber Sonetto I G2 is the smaller and more compact standmount model.
Sonetto I G2
- Two-way standmount
- 1.1-inch D.A.D. Arrow Point tweeter
- 5-inch midwoofer
- 2100Hz crossover
- 52Hz–40kHz response
- 86dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm impedance
- 30–150W amplification
- 377 x 200 x 304mm
- 8.4kg each
Sonetto II G2
- Two-way standmount
- 1.1-inch D.A.D. Arrow Point tweeter
- 6.5-inch midwoofer
- 3100Hz crossover
- 42Hz–40kHz response
- 87dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm impedance
- 30–200W amplification
- 414 x 227 x 355mm
- 10.4kg each
Choose Sonetto I G2 If...
- Your room is smaller
- Available cabinet width or depth is limited
- You sit relatively close to the speakers
- You are likely to use a subwoofer
- You value the most compact Sonetto G2 installation
Choose Sonetto II G2 If...
- You want substantially deeper bass
- Your room is medium sized
- You listen from a greater distance
- You want greater sensitivity
- You want more amplifier headroom
- You want floorstander-like bass without a floorstanding cabinet
Same Dedicated Stand
Both Sonetto I G2 and Sonetto II G2 use the same current dedicated Sonetto stand.
This makes comparison particularly straightforward because the support philosophy does not change as you move between the two speakers.
Sonetto II G2 vs Sonetto III G2
Sonus faber Sonetto III G2 is the smallest floorstander in the current range.
Sonetto II G2
- Two-way standmount
- 6.5-inch midwoofer
- 42Hz lower response
- 87dB sensitivity
- 30–200W amplification
- 10.4kg each
- Dedicated stands sold separately
Sonetto III G2
- 2.5-way floorstander
- 6.5-inch midwoofer
- Separate 6.5-inch woofer
- 38Hz lower response
- 88dB sensitivity
- 50–280W amplification
- 25.8kg each
- No separate stands required
Choose Sonetto II G2 If...
- You prefer standmount speakers
- Placement flexibility matters
- You want a smaller visual footprint
- 42Hz bass is sufficient
- Your room is small or medium sized
Choose Sonetto III G2 If...
- You want deeper bass
- You want greater overall scale
- Your room is larger
- You want higher sensitivity
- You do not want separate stands
Standmount or Floorstander?
It is worth considering the complete footprint rather than comparing cabinet prices alone.
A standmount on dedicated stands can occupy similar floor space to a slim floorstander, but gives more flexibility over cabinet position and support choice.
Sonetto II G2 vs Lumina II
Sonus faber Lumina II offers a more accessible two-way standmount alternative.
Sonetto II G2 moves to the more sophisticated current G2 platform with:
- D.A.D. Arrow Point tweeter
- 6.5-inch G2 midwoofer
- Organic Basket
- Flower-patterned woofer surround
- Intono technology
- Concrete cabinet base
- Redesigned lute enclosure
- 42Hz bass extension
- 40kHz upper bandwidth
Why Choose Lumina II?
Lumina II remains attractive if:
- Overall system budget matters more
- You prefer the simpler squared cabinet
- You want to invest more in amplification or sources
- You do not require the latest Sonetto G2 cabinet technology
Why Choose Sonetto II G2?
Sonetto II G2 offers deeper bass, a more sophisticated enclosure, latest-generation driver technology and a greater recommended amplifier range.
It is the more ambitious choice where the rest of the system can justify the step up.
Home Cinema Use
Sonetto II G2 can also play several roles within a Sonetto G2 home cinema system.
It can be used as:
- Front left and right speakers
- High-quality side surrounds
- Rear surrounds
- Ear-level channels within a Dolby Atmos system
- Stereo speakers in a combined music and cinema room
Matching Sonetto Centre G2
Sonus faber Sonetto Centre G2 is the dedicated centre-channel speaker for the current collection.
Using speakers from the same range across the front stage helps maintain related:
- Tweeter technology
- Driver materials
- Cabinet philosophy
- Crossover voicing
- Overall tonal character
Can Sonetto II G2 Be Used as Front Speakers?
Yes.
With 42Hz bass extension, Sonetto II G2 is capable of forming a substantial front left and right pair even before a subwoofer is added.
Can It Be Used as Surrounds?
Yes.
In an ambitious multichannel system, using Sonetto II G2 for surround duties can maintain a very consistent family character around the listening position.
Sonetto Wall G2 Alternative
Sonus faber Sonetto Wall G2 may be more practical where speaker stands are difficult to accommodate.
Should Sonetto II G2 Be Set to Small?
When used with a capable AV subwoofer, yes, that can be a sensible starting point.
"Small" in AV terminology simply redirects frequencies beneath the selected crossover to the subwoofer.
Can It Be Run Full Range?
Yes.
Its 42Hz response gives it considerably greater full-range ability than many compact surround speakers.
That does not automatically mean full-range operation is the optimum AV configuration when a high-quality subwoofer is available.
Subwoofer Integration
A subwoofer can extend Sonetto II G2 below its natural 42Hz limit and provide additional low-frequency headroom.
For music, the aim should be extension rather than simply more bass.
Subwoofer Crossover
The ideal crossover depends on:
- Subwoofer design
- Speaker placement
- Room acoustics
- Listening position
- Whether high-pass filtering is available
- Whether the system is stereo or multichannel
Using a Subwoofer for Stereo
Set the subwoofer conservatively at first.
If you can clearly hear the subwoofer operating as a separate source, its crossover frequency or level may be too high.
Using a Subwoofer for Home Cinema
An AV receiver can redirect bass electronically and use automatic calibration to establish an initial crossover and level.
Final listening checks are still worthwhile.
Recommended Sonetto II G2 Setup Routine
- Unpack both speakers carefully and retain all original packaging.
- Remember that each cabinet weighs 10.4kg.
- Install them on the dedicated Sonetto stands or another stable support.
- Position the tweeters close to seated ear height.
- Begin with broadly symmetrical left and right positions.
- Avoid placing one speaker tightly in a corner while the other remains in open space.
- Start with some useful rear-wall clearance where practical.
- Choose speaker spacing appropriate to your listening distance.
- Begin with modest toe-in.
- Switch the amplifier off before connecting speaker cable.
- Check positive and negative polarity on both channels.
- Begin playback at moderate level.
- Use a centrally mixed vocal to check image focus.
- Adjust spacing in small increments.
- Fine-tune toe-in.
- Use familiar bass-rich music to assess wall distance.
- If bass sounds too heavy, increase boundary clearance.
- If bass sounds too light, experiment with modest additional wall reinforcement.
- Listen to several genres before finalising the position.
- Only integrate a subwoofer after the Sonetto II G2 pair is correctly positioned.
Caring for Sonetto II G2
The cabinet combines wood, leather and other finished materials and should be treated accordingly.
Avoid:
- Abrasive cleaning cloths
- Strong household detergents
- Solvents
- Alcohol-based cleaners
- Spraying cleaning liquid directly onto the cabinet
- Strong prolonged sunlight
- Positioning immediately beside strong heat sources
Keep the Packaging
The Sonetto II G2 pair ships in one fitted carton.
Keeping the original packaging gives you the safest way to transport the speakers if you move house, rearrange the system or ever require service support.
Product Registration
Sonus faber currently invites owners to register qualifying products within 30 days of purchase for its applicable extended manufacturer warranty, subject to current terms.
Who Is Sonetto II G2 For?
- Small and medium listening rooms
- Some larger rooms at appropriate listening distances
- Customers wanting a substantial standmount speaker
- Listeners wanting deep bass without immediately adding a subwoofer
- Customers who prefer standmount flexibility to a floorstander
- Vinyl systems
- Streaming systems
- CD systems
- Quality integrated amplifier systems
- Streaming amplifier systems
- Pre/power systems
- Jazz and acoustic music
- Rock and pop
- Classical music
- Electronic music
- Premium compact home cinema systems
- High-quality surround-channel applications
Who Might Prefer Sonetto I G2?
Sonetto I G2 may be better if:
- Your room is smaller
- Cabinet dimensions need to be kept to a minimum
- You listen at relatively short distances
- You already plan to use a subwoofer
- You want the lowest-cost route into Sonetto G2 standmounts
Who Might Prefer Sonetto III G2?
Sonetto III G2 may make more sense if:
- Your room is larger
- You want greater bass scale
- You want more dynamic headroom
- You do not want separate stands
- You prefer a floorstanding installation
Key Features
- Sonus faber Sonetto II G2
- Second-generation Sonetto
- Sonetto G2 Collection
- Built in Vicenza, Italy
- Two-way passive speaker
- Bookshelf speaker
- Standmount speaker
- Front-vented enclosure
- Front-facing reflex duct
- Optimised reflex system
- Intono technology
- Intono cabinet filtering
- 1.1-inch tweeter
- D.A.D. Arrow Point tweeter
- Damped Apex Dome
- Silk soft-dome tweeter
- Copper tweeter shorting ring
- 6.5-inch midwoofer
- Aluminium demodulation ring
- Paper-pulp sandwich cone
- Flower-patterned surround
- Camelia-inspired surround geometry
- Organic Basket
- Asymmetric basket design
- Optimised rear airflow
- 3100Hz crossover
- 42Hz–40kHz frequency response
- 87dB sensitivity
- 4-ohm nominal impedance
- 30–200W recommended amplification
- Redesigned lute-shaped cabinet
- Wood cabinet
- Leather detailing
- Concrete base
- Walnut finish
- Wenge finish
- Black finish
- 414mm height
- 227mm width
- 355mm depth
- 10.4kg per speaker
- Dedicated Sonetto stands available
- 687mm dedicated stand height
- 6.5kg stand weight
- Suitable for small rooms
- Suitable for medium rooms
- Suitable for vinyl
- Suitable for streaming
- Suitable for CD
- Suitable for home cinema
- Suitable for surround use
- Suitable for subwoofer integration
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sonus faber Sonetto II G2 still current?
Yes. It remains a current model in Sonus faber's second-generation Sonetto Collection.
Is Sonetto II G2 a bookshelf speaker?
Yes. Sonus faber officially classifies it as a bookshelf loudspeaker.
Is Sonetto II G2 also a standmount speaker?
Yes. For dedicated stereo listening, using it on suitable speaker stands is normally the preferred installation.
Are stands included?
No. The dedicated Sonetto stands are sold separately.
Does Sonus faber make a dedicated stand?
Yes. The current Sonetto stand fits both Sonetto I G2 and Sonetto II G2.
How tall is the dedicated stand?
687mm.
How much does each stand weigh?
6.5kg.
What is the stand made from?
Sonus faber specifies aluminium, concrete and iron/steel construction.
Can I use another stand?
Yes, provided it safely supports the 10.4kg cabinet and places the tweeter at a suitable listening height.
Is Sonetto II G2 two-way?
Yes.
How many drivers does each speaker have?
Two: one 6.5-inch midwoofer and one 1.1-inch tweeter.
What tweeter does it use?
A 1.1-inch D.A.D. Arrow Point extended-frequency silk-dome tweeter.
What does D.A.D. mean?
Damped Apex Dome.
What is Arrow Point?
It is Sonus faber's central damping arrangement designed to control the apex region of the soft-dome tweeter.
Does the tweeter use a copper shorting ring?
Yes.
How large is the midwoofer?
6.5 inches.
Does the midwoofer use a demodulation ring?
Yes. Sonus faber specifies an aluminium demodulation ring.
What is the cone made from?
Sonus faber describes Sonetto G2 woofers and midwoofers as using paper-pulp sandwich structures.
What is the flower-patterned surround?
It is an asymmetric Camelia-inspired suspension geometry designed to reduce interference and improve sound dispersion.
What is the Organic Basket?
It is Sonus faber's asymmetrically shaped driver chassis, designed to provide structural support without creating regular repeated patterns around the driver.
What is the crossover frequency?
3100Hz.
What is the frequency response?
42Hz to 40kHz.
How low does Sonetto II G2 play?
Sonus faber's current published lower frequency-response figure is 42Hz.
Does Sonetto II G2 need a subwoofer?
Not necessarily for stereo music. Its 42Hz response already provides substantial bass for a standmount speaker.
Can I add a subwoofer?
Yes.
What is Intono technology?
Intono is Sonus faber's construction solution positioned between the internal acoustic chamber and reflex duct to reduce unwanted frequencies and distortion escaping through the port.
Does Sonetto II G2 have Intono?
Yes.
Which Sonetto speakers use Intono?
Sonus faber specifically identifies Sonetto I G2 and Sonetto II G2 as using Intono technology.
Where is the reflex port?
The midwoofer enclosure is front vented.
Can Sonetto II G2 go close to a wall?
Yes. Its front reflex arrangement offers useful placement flexibility, although wall proximity still increases bass reinforcement.
Can Sonetto II G2 work in a corner?
It can, but corner loading can substantially increase bass and should be judged carefully.
Does front porting mean placement does not matter?
No. Room boundaries still affect low-frequency performance.
What if the bass sounds too heavy?
Move the speakers further from nearby walls or corners.
What if the bass sounds too light?
Experiment with slightly greater rear-wall reinforcement.
What is the sensitivity?
87dB SPL at 2.83V measured at one metre.
What is the nominal impedance?
4 ohms.
What amplifier power does Sonus faber recommend?
30 to 200 watts per channel.
Will a 30W amplifier work?
Yes, provided it is a capable amplifier suitable for a nominal 4-ohm load and your room and listening levels are appropriate.
Can I use a 50W amplifier?
Yes.
Can I use a 75W amplifier?
Yes.
Can I use a 100W amplifier?
Yes.
Can I use a 150W amplifier?
Yes.
Can I use a 200W amplifier?
Yes. That is the upper end of Sonus faber's published recommendation.
Is Sonetto II G2 difficult to drive?
It is not an extreme load, but its 4-ohm nominal impedance means good amplifier current delivery is worthwhile.
Can I use a valve amplifier?
Potentially, provided it delivers suitable power and is comfortable with a 4-ohm load.
Can I use Class A amplification?
Yes, subject to sufficient output power and 4-ohm capability.
Can I use Class D amplification?
Yes.
Can I use a streaming amplifier?
Yes.
Can I use separate pre and power amplifiers?
Yes.
How tall is Sonetto II G2?
414mm.
How wide is it?
227mm.
How deep is it?
355mm.
How much does each speaker weigh?
10.4kg.
How large is the shipping carton?
525 x 605 x 455mm.
How much does the packaged pair weigh?
23.4kg.
Are both speakers packed in one carton?
Yes. Sonus faber specifies one carton containing two Sonetto II G2 speakers.
Does Sonetto II G2 have a concrete base?
Yes.
Why does Sonus faber use concrete?
The additional mass and rigidity are used to improve cabinet stability and vibration management.
Does it use a lute-shaped cabinet?
Yes. The classic Sonus faber lute shape has been redesigned for Sonetto G2.
Where is Sonetto II G2 made?
The Sonetto G2 Collection is built by Sonus faber's artisans at its factory in Vicenza, Italy.
What finishes are available?
The standard current finishes are Walnut Wood with Leather and Concrete, Wenge Wood with Leather and Concrete, and Black with Leather and Concrete.
Is there a White Sonetto G2?
Sonus faber also promotes a separate Sonetto White Limited Edition. Availability should be checked independently from the standard finishes on this Audio T listing.
Can Sonetto II G2 sit on furniture?
Yes, provided the support is strong, stable and large enough for the 414 x 227 x 355mm cabinet.
Can it genuinely go on a bookshelf?
Potentially, although its 355mm depth and 10.4kg weight mean it needs a much larger and stronger shelf than many compact bookshelf speakers.
What size room suits Sonetto II G2?
Small to medium rooms are particularly suitable, with larger rooms possible depending on listening distance and required volume.
Is Sonetto II G2 good for vinyl?
Yes.
Is it good for streaming?
Yes.
Is it good for CD?
Yes.
Is it good for vocals?
Yes. The 6.5-inch midwoofer handles most of the vocal region before handing over to the tweeter at 3100Hz.
Is it good for jazz?
Yes. Its 42Hz bass response gives instruments such as double bass useful scale.
Is it good for acoustic music?
Yes.
Is it good for rock?
Yes. The larger midwoofer provides greater physical bass and impact than Sonetto I G2.
Is it good for classical music?
Yes. It has sufficient bass and dynamic capability for a broad range of classical recordings.
Is it good for electronic music?
Yes, with a subwoofer available where the deepest sub-bass is a priority.
What is the difference between Sonetto I G2 and Sonetto II G2?
Sonetto II G2 uses a larger 6.5-inch midwoofer, reaches 42Hz rather than 52Hz, has 87dB rather than 86dB sensitivity and accepts up to 200W instead of 150W.
Do Sonetto I G2 and Sonetto II G2 use the same stands?
Yes.
What is the difference between Sonetto II G2 and Sonetto III G2?
Sonetto III G2 is a 2.5-way floorstander with an additional 6.5-inch woofer, 38Hz bass response, 88dB sensitivity and a 50–280W amplifier recommendation.
Should I buy Sonetto II G2 or Sonetto III G2?
Choose Sonetto II G2 when standmount flexibility and a smaller cabinet are priorities. Choose Sonetto III G2 when greater bass scale, room-filling ability and floorstanding installation are more important.
How does Sonetto II G2 compare with Lumina II?
Sonetto II G2 uses the newer G2 platform with Intono technology, Organic Basket, flower-patterned driver surround, D.A.D. Arrow Point tweeter, concrete base and deeper 42Hz published response.
Can Sonetto II G2 be used for home cinema?
Yes.
What centre speaker matches it?
Sonus faber Sonetto Centre G2 is the dedicated centre-channel loudspeaker in the range.
Can Sonetto II G2 be used as surrounds?
Yes.
Can it be used in Dolby Atmos?
Yes, as an ear-level channel within a compatible Atmos system.
Does Sonetto II G2 decode Dolby Atmos?
No. It is a passive loudspeaker. Decoding is performed by the AV receiver or processor.
Should Sonetto II G2 be set to Small in an AV receiver?
When a capable subwoofer is available, this can be a sensible starting point for bass management.
Can it be run full range?
Yes. Its 42Hz published response gives it substantial low-frequency capability in its own right.
Should I keep the packaging?
Yes. The original fitted carton is the safest way to transport the speaker pair.
Should I audition Sonetto II G2?
Yes. Stand choice, room position and amplifier matching all have enough influence on the final result that a proper demonstration is worthwhile.
Related Sonus faber Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy Sonus faber Sonetto II G2 From Audio T?
Sonetto II G2 offers unusually deep bass for a standmount speaker, but that makes room position, stand choice and amplifier matching particularly important. Its front-facing reflex system provides useful flexibility, while the 4-ohm impedance means the amplifier should still have good current capability.
Audio T can demonstrate Sonetto II G2 with suitable electronics, compare it directly with Sonetto I G2 and Sonetto III G2, and help decide whether a large standmount or compact floorstander makes more sense in your room. We can also advise on the dedicated Sonetto stands, subwoofer integration and complete Sonetto G2 home cinema systems.
- Sonus faber demonstrations
- Sonetto II G2 demonstrations
- Sonetto I G2 versus Sonetto II G2 comparisons
- Sonetto II G2 versus Sonetto III G2 comparisons
- Sonetto G2 versus Lumina comparisons
- Standmount versus floorstander comparisons
- Amplifier matching for 4-ohm speakers
- Solid-state amplifier matching
- Class A amplifier guidance
- Class D amplifier matching
- Valve amplifier guidance
- Streaming amplifier matching
- Pre/power amplifier matching
- Turntable and phono-stage matching
- CD and streaming system planning
- Dedicated Sonetto stand advice
- Alternative speaker stand advice
- Room-size matching
- Speaker-positioning guidance
- Toe-in optimisation
- Front-port placement guidance
- Bass optimisation
- Subwoofer matching
- Subwoofer crossover setup
- Home cinema system planning
- Sonetto Centre G2 matching
- Surround-speaker planning
- Speaker cable matching
- Part-exchange options
- Home demonstration options where available
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration of the Sonus faber Sonetto II G2 or compare it with other models in the Sonetto range.