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Yongki Go, Ph.D.
As with other Sonus faber speakers, the Sonetto III possesses the elegant and classy look that even non-audiophiles would appreciate. The cabinet of the speakers has a distinctive lute (tear-drop-like) cross-section shape with a real-wood finish outer layer and a hand-stitched black leather top. The review sample comes in a gorgeous wengé finish, but other finishes are also available (glossy white, glossy black, or walnut). The grilles of the speakers attach magnetically. The Sonetto III employs a 3-way design with a vented port on the bottom. Therefore, the use of the feet is crucial to get a proper bass response from the speakers. Many of the technologies employed on the Sonetto III are trickled down from the company’s higher-end collections, including the 29-mm DADTM (Damped Apex Dome) tweeter, 150-mm custom midrange driver, 150-mm aluminum woofers (two each on each speaker), ParacrossTM crossover technology, and curved-panel cabinets, which are to avoid internal standing waves and reflections.
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Sonus Faber Sonetto III speakers and Gravis II subwoofer
Sonus Faber Gravis II subwoofer in wenge finish
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Sonus Faber Sonetta III pair in wenge finish
The subwoofer that Sonus faber sent to accompany the Sonetto III speakers is the Gravis II (MSRP $1,499 each), which has the same wengé wood cabinet finish with a black leather top. It is a sealed box design employing a 10-inch down-firing driver with a 10-inch front-firing passive radiator. Both woofer cones are made of treated paper and are held with wide rubber surrounds. The internal amplifier is of class AB and can deliver 350 W nominal (700 W peak) power output. The -6 dB extension of the subwoofer is stated at 25 Hz. Just like the Sonetto speakers, the Gravis II subwoofer also comes in glossy black, glossy white, and walnut finishes.
The quality of construction of these speakers and the subwoofer is exquisite. How does this combination sound? My initial impression listening to it suggests that their beauty is not just skin deep. I will elaborate more about their performance in my upcoming review.