In the realm of high-end audio, few names evoke as much reverence as Sonus faber. The Italian manufacturer has long been celebrated for its ability to merge the worlds of visual artistry and sonic excellence, creating speakers that are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the ears. With the relaunch of their Sonetto series into its second generation (G2), Sonus faber aims to push this philosophy even further, refining the delicate balance between aesthetic appeal and audio performance.
The Sonetto V G2, a floorstanding speaker that sits at the heart of this new lineup, embodies the culmination of Sonus faber's decades of expertise and innovation. It represents a bold step forward, incorporating technologies derived from the company's flagship models while maintaining the approachable elegance that has become a hallmark of the Sonetto line.
In this review, we'll dive deep into what makes the Sonetto V G2 a standout offering in the crowded landscape of high-end speakers. From its striking design cues to its innovative use of materials, from its technical specifications to its real-world performance, we'll explore every facet of these remarkable speakers. Whether you're a longtime audiophile or a newcomer to the world of premium audio, join us as we unravel the symphony of design and sound that is the Sonus faber Sonetto V G2.
The Sonus faber Sonetto V G2 floorstanding speakers represent a harmonious blend of aesthetic elegance and acoustic excellence. Priced at $6,500, these speakers showcase Italian craftsmanship with luxurious finishes and innovative design elements like a cork-enclosed inner chamber. Sonically, they excel in delivering a refined, balanced sound profile, with a standout midrange performance thanks to the new Camelia driver. While the slightly laid-back treble and controlled bass may not suit all listeners, the overall presentation offers exceptional clarity, precise imaging, and a fatigue-free listening experience. The Sonetto V G2's ability to handle various musical genres, coupled with its stunning visual appeal, makes it a compelling choice for audiophiles who value both sound quality and design. However, prospective buyers should note that optimal performance requires careful setup and room placement. Ultimately, the Sonetto V G2 isn't just a speaker; it's a gateway to a multi-sensory musical experience that celebrates Sonus faber's heritage while pushing the boundaries of speaker design.
Sonus faber has long been celebrated for creating speakers that double as works of art, and the Sonetto V G2 is no exception. The speaker's design is a testament to Italian craftsmanship, featuring:
- Luxurious Finishes: Available in walnut, wenge, and piano black, with an open-pore wood treatment that highlights the natural grain.
- Leather Accents: The midrange and tweeter unity flange is wrapped in leather, a nod to Sonus faber's premium Stradivari and OlympicaNova lines.
- Streamlined Aesthetics: The new design incorporates magnetic grilles and a recessed tweeter, offering a sleeker appearance compared to previous models.
- Innovative Materials: The use of natural cork in the inner chamber for the midrange and tweeter, derived from their flagship Suprema speakers, showcases Sonus faber's commitment to both form and function.
The overall build quality is exceptional, with attention to detail evident in every aspect of the speaker's construction.
The Sonetto V G2 incorporates several technological advancements:
1. Camelia Midrange Driver: Borrowed from the high-end Suprema line, this new driver significantly enhances midrange clarity and richness.
2. Paper Pulp Sandwich Cones: Used for woofers and mid-woofers, providing natural tonality and precise bass response.
3. Damped Apex Dome (DAD) Tweeters: Silk domes with a DAD design that extends frequency response up to 40 kHz, improving overall sound perception.
4. Cork-Enclosed Inner Chamber: This unique feature reduces resonances and improves driver clarity, setting the Sonetto V G2 apart from competitors.
Sound Quality
The Sonetto V G2 delivers a sonic performance that is as nuanced and refined as its physical appearance suggests. Let's break down the various aspects of its sound profile:
The midrange is where the Sonetto V G2 truly shines, thanks in large part to the new Camelia midrange driver. This component, borrowed from Sonus faber's premium Suprema line, brings a level of clarity and richness to the midrange that is truly exceptional.
- Vocals: Both male and female vocals are reproduced with stunning realism. There's a palpable sense of presence, as if the singer is in the room with you. The natural warmth in the midrange lends itself particularly well to intimate acoustic performances.
-Instrumental Separation: The Sonetto V G2 excels at presenting complex arrangements with clarity. Each instrument occupies its own space in the soundstage, allowing you to easily pick out individual elements even in dense musical passages.
- Tonal Accuracy: The midrange exhibits a high degree of neutrality, neither overly warm nor clinical. This accuracy allows instruments to sound true to life, from the body of an acoustic guitar to the brassy bite of a trumpet.
The treble performance of the Sonetto V G2 is characterized by its refinement and lack of fatigue:
- Extension: Thanks to the Damped Apex Dome (DAD) tweeter design, the speakers maintain linearity up to 40 kHz. While beyond human hearing, this extended range contributes to the overall airiness and spaciousness of the sound.
- Detail Without Harshness: The highs are detailed and articulate without ever becoming sharp or fatiguing. Cymbals shimmer with a natural decay, and high-pitched instruments like violins retain their character without inducing listener fatigue.
- Slightly Laid-Back Presentation: Some listeners might find the highs a touch reserved compared to more forward-sounding speakers. However, this characteristic contributes to the Sonetto V G2's long-term listenability.
The low-end performance of the Sonetto V G2 might surprise those expecting thunderous bass from a floorstanding speaker:
- Tight and Articulate: The bass is remarkably controlled and articulate. Bass lines are easy to follow, and there's no muddiness or overhang.
- Natural Rather Than Exaggerated: The bass response is more about accuracy than impact. It integrates seamlessly with the midrange rather than calling attention to itself.
- Room-Dependent: As with all speakers, but particularly relevant here, the perceived bass response can vary significantly based on room placement and acoustics. Proper setup is crucial to get the most out of the low end.
The Sonetto V G2 creates a expansive and well-defined soundstage:
- Width and Depth: When properly set up, these speakers disappear into a wide and deep soundstage that extends well beyond the physical boundaries of the speakers.
- Precise Imaging: Instruments and vocals are placed with pinpoint accuracy within the soundstage, contributing to a highly immersive listening experience.
- Scale: The speakers handle both intimate recordings and large orchestral works with equal aplomb, scaling the soundstage appropriately to match the recording.
The Sonetto V G2 presents a balanced and cohesive sound profile. The integration between the various drivers is seamless, resulting in a unified presentation that doesn't draw attention to any particular frequency range. This balance lends itself well to long listening sessions and a wide variety of musical genres.
While some listeners might crave more low-end impact or treble sparkle, the Sonetto V G2's sound signature is one of refinement and accuracy. It's a speaker that aims to reproduce music as faithfully as possible, rather than adding its own colorations or exaggerations.
The Sonetto V G2 excels in reproducing a wide range of musical genres. Its balanced and natural sound signature lends itself particularly well to acoustic performances, jazz, and classical music. The speakers' ability to handle complex arrangements without congestion is impressive, maintaining clarity even during dense musical passages.
The slightly reserved treble and bass might not satisfy listeners seeking a more "exciting" or forward sound. However, for those who value long-term listening comfort and a more true-to-life representation of music, the Sonetto V G2 offers a compelling solution.
While the speakers are relatively manageable for their size, professional setup is recommended due to their weight and the importance of proper positioning. The Sonetto V G2 benefits from careful room placement to optimize its performance, particularly in terms of bass response and soundstage depth.
At $6,500, the Sonetto V G2 sits firmly in the high-end speaker market. However, when considering the combination of:
- Exceptional build quality and aesthetics
- Advanced technological features
- Refined sound performance
- The prestige of the Sonus faber brand
The price becomes more justifiable for serious audiophiles and those who value both sonic and visual artistry in their audio equipment.
Pros:
- Stunning, artful design
- Exceptional midrange performance
- Easy-to-use magnetic grilles
- Innovative use of materials (cork chamber, leather accents)
- Balanced and natural sound signature
Cons:
- Highs and bass may be too laid back for some listeners
- Premium pricing
- Requires careful setup and placement for optimal performance
The Sonus faber Sonetto V G2 stands as a testament to the Italian manufacturer's unwavering commitment to both aesthetic beauty and acoustic excellence. It's a speaker that doesn't merely reproduce music; it creates a holistic sensory experience that engages both the ears and the eyes in equal measure.
From a design perspective, the Sonetto V G2 is nothing short of a work of art. The meticulous attention to detail, from the open-pore wood finishes to the leather-wrapped driver flanges, speaks to Sonus faber's heritage of fine craftsmanship. These speakers are not just audio components; they're statement pieces that can elevate the visual appeal of any living space.
Sonically, the Sonetto V G2 offers a refined and immersive listening experience that will satisfy even the most discerning audiophiles. The introduction of the Camelia midrange driver marks a significant leap forward, bringing a level of clarity and naturalness to the critical midrange frequencies that is truly exceptional at this price point. While the slightly laid-back treble and controlled bass might not cater to all tastes, particularly those seeking a more aggressive or "exciting" sound, they contribute to a balanced and fatigue-free listening experience that invites extended auditory exploration.
The innovative use of materials, such as the cork-enclosed inner chamber, demonstrates Sonus faber's commitment to pushing the boundaries of speaker design. These aren't just cosmetic flourishes; they translate directly into improved acoustic performance, setting the Sonetto V G2 apart from its competitors.
At $6,500, the Sonetto V G2 represents a significant investment. However, when considering the combination of premium build quality, advanced technological features, refined sound performance, and the prestige associated with the Sonus faber brand, the value proposition becomes clearer. These speakers offer a taste of ultra-high-end audio without the stratospheric prices of flagship models.
The Sonetto V G2 is not for everyone. It requires careful setup and room placement to truly shine, and its sound signature may not appeal to those seeking maximum impact or forwardness. However, for listeners who value a natural, balanced presentation and appreciate the marriage of visual and auditory art, the Sonetto V G2 offers a compelling solution.
In conclusion, the Sonus faber Sonetto V G2 is more than just a speaker; it's a gateway to a world where music becomes a multi-sensory experience. It proves that Sonus faber can innovate while staying true to its heritage, crafting audio equipment that's as much a joy to behold as it is to hear. For those who can accommodate its price point and appreciate its philosophy, the Sonetto V G2 doesn't just play music – it celebrates it.