The Sonus Faber Sonetto I G2 bookshelf speakers bring the craftsmanship, natural materials and expressive sound of the Sonetto G2 Collection to a compact two-way design. Made in Vicenza, Italy, the Sonetto I G2 is designed for listeners who want a refined stereo system without filling the room with large floorstanding speakers.
Sold as a pair, the Sonetto I G2 combines a 1.1-inch DAD™ Arrow Point tweeter, a 5-inch midwoofer and an acoustically optimized lute-shaped cabinet. The result is a compact speaker capable of producing an open soundstage, articulate vocals and surprisingly substantial bass for its size.
- Sold as a pair
- Compact two-way passive bookshelf speaker
- Handcrafted in Vicenza, Italy
- 1.1-inch DAD™ Arrow Point extended-frequency tweeter
- 5-inch midwoofer with flower-patterned surround
- Intono cabinet resonance-control technology
- Optimized reflex duct for more flexible placement
- Lute-shaped wood, leather and concrete cabinet
- Available in Black, Walnut and Wenge
- Optional Sonetto speaker stands sold separately
Compact Italian Speakers with a Larger Sense of Scale
The Sonetto I G2 is the smallest bookshelf speaker in the second-generation Sonetto Collection, but it is designed to deliver far more than background music. Its careful driver integration and solid cabinet construction allow voices and instruments to emerge with convincing presence, dimensionality and tonal character.
Its relatively compact proportions make it an excellent choice for smaller listening rooms, home offices, apartments and elegant living-room systems. It can also serve as the front or surround speaker in a complete Sonetto G2 home theater.
DAD Tweeter for Clear, Extended High Frequencies
High frequencies are reproduced by Sonus Faber's 1.1-inch DAD™ Arrow Point tweeter. DAD, or Damped Apex Dome, controls the movement of the silk dome at its apex, helping the tweeter remain composed and detailed as frequencies rise.
A copper shorting ring further improves the driver's performance, contributing to a frequency response extending to 40 kHz. The goal is not exaggerated brightness, but a spacious and finely resolved presentation that preserves the texture and atmosphere of a recording.
Five-Inch Midwoofer with Flower-Patterned Surround
The Sonetto I G2 uses a newly developed 5-inch midwoofer with an aluminum demodulation ring and Sonus Faber's distinctive flower-patterned rubber surround. The asymmetrical shape helps interrupt the circular resonances that can develop in a conventional driver surround.
This design improves linearity and dispersion while allowing the midwoofer to reproduce vocals, acoustic instruments and bass with greater control. Its 52 Hz lower-frequency specification gives the Sonetto I G2 useful bass extension on its own, particularly in a small or moderately sized room.
Intono Technology and Flexible Placement
Inside the cabinet, Sonus Faber's Intono technology is positioned between the reflex duct and the internal acoustic chamber. It is designed to reduce unwanted frequencies, air noise and internal distortion before they can color the sound.
The optimized reflex system works in conjunction with the speaker's concrete base to manage airflow and resonance. This makes the Sonetto I G2 less demanding about placement than many traditional rear-ported bookshelf speakers. It can work near a wall or in a freestanding position, although proper speaker stands and some breathing room will produce the best stereo imaging.
Lute-Shaped Cabinet and Concrete Base
The curved, lute-inspired cabinet is one of Sonus Faber's most recognizable design elements. Beyond its appearance, the absence of conventional parallel side walls helps discourage internal standing waves.
Natural wood, leather, aluminum and concrete give the Sonetto I G2 the appearance of finely made Italian furniture. The concrete base adds mass and stability while helping isolate the cabinet from unwanted vibration. Walnut and Wenge highlight the natural wood grain, while Black offers a more contemporary presentation.
What Does the Sonetto I G2 Sound Like?
The Sonetto I G2 delivers a lively and engaging interpretation of the Sonus Faber sound. Vocals are presented with clarity and natural tone, while instruments retain their individual texture and body. Its imaging is precise without making music feel overly analytical.
Despite the compact enclosure, the Sonetto I G2 can sound energetic and surprisingly authoritative. It is particularly well suited to vocal music, jazz, acoustic recordings, rock and other music that benefits from strong timing, tonal richness and a coherent stereo image.
Amplifier Matching
Sonus Faber recommends amplifiers rated between 30 and 150 watts per channel. With an 86 dB sensitivity and 4-ohm nominal impedance, the Sonetto I G2 benefits from a well-designed amplifier that remains stable into lower-impedance speaker loads.
A quality integrated amplifier in the 50-to-100-watt range will be a sensible match for most rooms. More important than the headline wattage is clean power delivery, good current capability and a refined high-frequency presentation.
Sonetto I G2 or Sonetto II G2?
Choose the Sonetto I G2 when compact dimensions, precise imaging and performance in a smaller room are the priorities. Its 5-inch midwoofer and 52 Hz bass extension make it the more space-conscious option.
The larger Sonetto II G2 uses a 6.5-inch midwoofer and extends down to 42 Hz. It is the stronger choice for larger rooms, higher listening levels or listeners who want greater bass weight without immediately adding a subwoofer.
Technical Specifications
| System | 2-way, midwoofer front-vented enclosure |
|---|---|
| Tweeter | 1.1-inch DAD™ Arrow Point extended-frequency tweeter with copper shorting ring |
| Midwoofer | One 5-inch midwoofer with aluminum demodulation ring |
| Crossover Frequency | 2,100 Hz |
| Frequency Response | 52 Hz–40,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 86 dB SPL (2.83 V/1 m) |
| Nominal Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 30–150 watts per channel |
| Dimensions | 14.8 × 7.87 × 11.97 inches each |
| Weight | 18.52 pounds each |
| Cabinet Materials | Wood, leather and concrete |
| Included Quantity | One pair of speakers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Sonus Faber Sonetto I G2 speakers sold individually or as a pair?
The listed price includes one matched pair of Sonetto I G2 bookshelf speakers. The optional dedicated Sonetto stands are sold separately.
Is the Sonetto I G2 the same model as the Sonetto 1 G2?
Yes. Sonus Faber officially writes the model name with the Roman numeral “I,” although it is sometimes written or searched for as the Sonetto 1 G2.
Does the Sonetto I G2 require a subwoofer?
A subwoofer is not essential for most music in a smaller room. Listeners who want deep electronic bass, pipe-organ fundamentals or the full impact of movie soundtracks may benefit from adding a properly integrated subwoofer.
Need greater bass extension and output? Check out the Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 Bookshelf Speakers.
Can the Sonetto I G2 be placed close to a wall?
Its optimized reflex duct and Intono resonance-control system make it more placement-friendly than many conventional bookshelf speakers. Some distance from the wall is still recommended when possible, especially when optimizing soundstage depth and bass definition.
What stands work with the Sonetto I G2?
Sonus Faber offers a dedicated aluminum and concrete Sonetto stand designed for both the Sonetto I G2 and Sonetto II G2. Other stable stands may also be used, provided they place the tweeter close to seated ear height. Stands are sold separately.
Hear Sonus Faber at Audio Exchange
Audio Exchange is an authorized Sonus Faber dealer serving Richmond, Virginia and customers throughout the United States. Contact us for help matching the Sonetto I G2 with an amplifier, selecting stands, planning a complete system or arranging an in-store listening appointment.
