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Sonus Faber Sonetto viii
POWER AND ELEGANCE
Inspired by Italian poetry, brought to life by Sonus faber’s core technologies. Sonetto VIII stands as the flagship model of the new Sonetto G2 collection, representing a meticulously crafted tribute to audio excellence
A REPRESENTATION OF OUR ROOTS
Sonetto VIII represents the organic legacy of the Suprema system into a 3-way floorstanding speaker. The iconic elements of Sonus faber converge in this exemplary piece. A design philosophy based on Natural Sound and natural materials as well as a visionary pursuit of sonic excellence are imbued in this high-end luxury speaker, hand-crafted in Italy.
An elevation of sound
Sonetto VIII is the most powerful 3-way speaker of the Sonetto collection. The unique pairing of tweeter and midrange in Sonetto VIII is encased in a bespoke cork chamber, meticulously designed to optimize internal volume and enhance driver performance. Borrowed from the flagship Suprema speaker, the acoustic properties of cork play a pivotal role in enhancing midrange clarity and delivering a natural, organic sound output.
the voice of Sonus faber
The use of organic materials and designs inspired by nature defines the Natural Sound philosophy that embodies "The Voice of Sonus faber."
VISUAL AND AUDIO ELEGANCE
Sonetto brings together Sonus faber’s core design principles in an elegant silhouette.
CORK
The special combination of tweeter and midrange drivers is housed within a distinctive cork chamber specifically tailored for internal volume, aiming to elevate the drivers' performance. Inherited from the flagship Suprema speaker, the acoustic characteristics of this material significantly contribute to the clarity and organic sound of the midrange output.
CAMELIA MIDRANGE SPEAKER
Initially developed for Suprema, the Camelia midrange speaker features the organic basket with a membrane inspired by the shape of the camelia flower. Its shape, with its five cuts, avoids the resonances found in typical circular shapes and enhances the Natural Sound signature to Sonus faber. The membrane is left unpainted to ensure total sound purity.
CONCRETE BASE
With the introduction of a new concrete base, the Sonetto G2 series not only enhances the stability of its speakers but also reinforces their structural integrity. This innovative addition provides a solid foundation that minimizes vibrations and ensures optimal performance, particularly in demanding listening environments
phase coherent
The Phase Coherent Crossover design philosophy implemented in the Sonetto G2 Collection ensures precise synchronization of the drivers' phase rotations, striving for maximum parallelism. This meticulous alignment results in an immersive soundstage that is incredibly defined and palpable, allowing audiophiles to experience music with a heightened sense of realism.
WATT RECOMMENDS
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Professional Reviews 94/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
94/100
Build Quality
95/100
Value for Money
92/100
The Sonetto VIII marries deep, controlled bass with a transparent midrange, painting music and cinema with expansive scale, natural vocals and fatigue-free treble. Craig Chase found it authoritative across movies and music, while The Ear praised its depth, composure and visceral low-end power. Italian furniture-grade craftsmanship completes a genuinely full-range floorstander.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Deep, tight and powerful bass reaches convincingly into the 30Hz region without boominess.
Natural, highly resolved midrange and smooth, extended treble deliver detail without harshness or fatigue.
Wide, deep imaging and strong dynamic control suit both serious two-channel listening and home cinema.
Exceptional cabinet execution, with an inert lute-shaped enclosure, premium finishes and a substantial concrete plinth.
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Cons
Needs a capable, high-current amplifier to realise its strongest dynamics; an AVR can sound comparatively restrained.
Its substantial bass output and physical scale can overwhelm smaller rooms, and careful placement helps optimise imaging.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
Reviewers consistently describe a balanced, transparent and warmly natural presentation that remains revealing without becoming clinical. It combines genuinely full-range scale and high-volume composure with refined detail, convincing spatial presentation, and an unfatiguing character across music and film.
Bass
95/100
The dual 8-inch G2 model is repeatedly praised for deep, controlled and muscular low frequencies, reaching around 30Hz in real rooms. HomeTheaterHifi found impressive depth and power even in a very large open space, while other reviewers report tight, defined bass that removes the need for a subwoofer in their systems; a small room may need careful consideration because of its output.
Mid
94/100
Vocals and acoustic instruments are widely described as natural, clear and highly resolved. Reviews praise the neutral-but-not-harsh Camelia midrange, its seamless integration with the surrounding drivers, and its ability to stay uncoloured even when bass-heavy material is played loudly.
Treble
93/100
The treble is consistently characterised as extended, clean and detailed without edge or glare. Reviewers particularly value how the tweeter avoids calling attention to itself, although one listener notes that those seeking an overtly forward metal-dome-style top end may find it slightly smooth.
Soundstage Imaging
94/100
Reviews report a broad, deep and stable soundstage with strong centre focus, clear layering, and persuasive ambience. Instrumental placement and screen-to-speaker continuity are praised, while The Ear found direct toe-in especially rewarding, suggesting that placement can help realise the speaker's full spatial potential.
Dynamics
94/100
With suitably capable amplification, the Sonetto VIII is said to produce startling dynamic swings, substantial slam and convincing scale without losing clarity in dense passages. It remains controlled at high levels, though one reviewer found that an AVR reduced the speed and excitement compared with dedicated power amplification.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
95/100
The cabinet work earns unusually strong praise, from the furniture-grade wood veneer and leather details to the elegant lute-shaped form and substantial concrete plinth. Reviewers also describe the enclosure as notably inert, commend the fit and finish, and find the engineering and hardware appropriate to a premium long-term purchase.
Value for Money
92/100
At roughly $8,000-$9,000 per pair for the current G2, reviewers regard the Sonetto VIII as a compelling high-end offering rather than merely an expensive luxury product. It is described as challenging speakers up to $10,000 per pair, delivering a level of finish and full-range performance that feels more costly than its asking price.
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- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- A Tube High Fidelity — online and in-store — Almere, Flevoland, Netherlands (website)
- ABSOLUTE ADOBE — in-store — Port Erin, Port Erin, United Kingdom (website)
- Absolute Sound (SG) — online and in-store — Singapore, Singapore (website)
- Acoustic Designs Inc. — in-store — Scottsdale, Arizona, United States (website)
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- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Anquan — online and in-store — Glika Nera, Greece (website)
- Arctic Audio — in-store — Fargo, North Dakota, United States (website)
- Area 51 Audio Visual Engineering — in-store — Tucson, Arizona, United States (website)
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