Details

The Sonus faber Sonetto VIII is the most powerful 3-way speaker of the Sonetto collection with three 180mm woofers for the best reproduction of lower frequencies and high-end tones. Sonus faber have designed a speaker that completely represents their roots. The entire collection features all the iconic elements of the brand: natural sound, natural materials, the Lute shape, the excellent finishes typical of Italian craftsmanship, and manufacturing done completely in the Vicenza factory.  

Sonus faber has always found its inspiration in the highest Italian culture. This time we looked to the history of our literature to represent the new Sonetto Collection.

The Sonetto (Sonnet) is the most ancient Italian poetic structure. Originally it meant 'Sound, or melody' and was traditionally used to accompany musical performances. The first step into the Sonus faber world bears the name of the foundations of literature in Italy and in the rest of the world.

Specifications

SYSTEM: 3-way shelf loudspeaker system. Vented box design.

LOUDSPEAKERS
Tw: High Definition DAD™ driver. DKM dome diaphragm, Ø 29mm
Md: Custom diaphragm made with cellulose pulp and other natural fibers, Ø 150mm
W: Ultra-free compression basket, aluminum cone for maximum speed. Ø 3x180mm cone drivers.

CROSSOVER: 270Hz - 3.000Hz

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 36 Hz – 25000 Hz

SENSITIVITY: 90 dB SPL (2.83 V/1m)

NOMINAL IMPENDANCE: 4 Ohm

SUGGESTED AMPLIFIER POWER OUTPUT: 50W – 300W, without clipping

LONG-TERM MAX INPUT VOLTAGE: 22V rms

DIMENSIONS: (HxWxD) 1188 x 283 x 427 mm

WEIGHT: 26.3 kg

Reviews

The Sonetto VIII seems to have been voiced to work well at sensible volume levels, they will play loud if you have a suitable amplifier but this isn’t necessary to get engaging results. Some speakers only work well at high levels but these are equally at home at a less neighbour infuriating volume, which can’t be a bad thing. It likes amplifiers with a bit of grip but the higher than average sensitivity means it should play nicely with lower powered amps as well.

This design makes a huge first impression. The sound is powerful, almost explosive, imbued with character, and with a bass line that can thoroughly shake the room. Stereo images have decent height and width, good focus, combined with quite good depth.