Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII G2 Floorstanding Speakers – Pair

The Flagship Floorstanding Speaker of the Sonetto G2 Collection

The Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII G2 floorstanding speakers combine the scale and low-frequency authority of a large three-way loudspeaker with the natural tonal character, elegant cabinetry, and expressive presentation associated with Sonus Faber.

Positioned at the top of the Sonetto G2 collection, the Sonetto VIII uses a 1.1-inch D.A.D. Arrow Point tweeter, a dedicated 6.5-inch Camelia midrange, and two substantial 8-inch woofers. Its sealed cork midrange chamber and Camelia driver technology were developed from ideas first introduced in Sonus Faber’s flagship Suprema system.

The result is a full-range speaker capable of filling a large listening room with deep, controlled bass, clear and natural vocals, expansive imaging, and effortless dynamic scale. It is equally at home reproducing intimate acoustic recordings, large orchestral works, energetic rock, electronic music, or a demanding home theater soundtrack.

• Flagship three-way model in the Sonetto G2 collection
• 1.1-inch D.A.D. Arrow Point extended-frequency tweeter
• 6.5-inch Suprema-derived Camelia midrange
• Sealed organic cork midrange enclosure
• Two dedicated 8-inch woofers
• Down-firing bass-reflex enclosure
• Rated bass extension to 33Hz
• Phase Coherent crossover design
• Lute-shaped wood cabinet with leather detailing
• Heavy concrete base for stability and port loading
• Made in Vicenza, Italy
• Priced and packaged as one stereo pair

Power, Scale, and the Natural Sonus Faber Sound

The Sonetto VIII G2 is designed to reproduce music with both physical scale and tonal refinement. Its large cabinet and dual 8-inch woofers allow it to energize a room with considerably more authority than the smaller Sonetto models, but the speaker does not rely on exaggerated bass or an artificially forward treble to create excitement.

Vocals and lead instruments are reproduced with convincing body and presence. The dedicated Camelia midrange separates voices, guitars, strings, piano, and brass from the heavy acoustic workload created by the bass drivers, helping complex recordings remain clear and organized.

The D.A.D. tweeter contributes detail, openness, and recording ambience without drawing excessive attention to itself. Properly matched and positioned, the Sonetto VIII G2 can sound highly resolving without becoming sharp, brittle, or tiring during longer listening sessions.

Its soundstage is broad and deep, with enough image stability to place performers and instruments precisely throughout the listening space. The speaker is capable of producing a convincing sense of scale while maintaining the tonal richness that attracts many listeners to Sonus Faber.

Suprema-Derived Camelia Midrange

At the heart of the Sonetto VIII G2 is a dedicated 6.5-inch Camelia midrange driver derived from technology originally developed for Sonus Faber’s flagship Suprema system.

The driver’s diaphragm and suspension use an irregular five-petal form inspired by the camellia flower. A conventional circular surround tends to develop symmetrical resonant behavior. The Camelia shape interrupts that symmetry, helping distribute resonances and improve the driver’s linear operating range.

The diaphragm is intentionally left unpainted. Avoiding an additional cosmetic coating reduces unnecessary mass and helps preserve the natural behavior of the paper-based material.

An aluminum phase plug controls airflow and heat at the center of the driver, while a copper shorting ring helps stabilize the magnetic system and reduce distortion.

The Camelia midrange is responsible for much of the frequency range occupied by voices and musical instruments. Giving this critical region its own purpose-designed driver is a major reason the Sonetto VIII can combine large-scale bass with clear, natural midrange reproduction.

Sealed Organic Cork Midrange Chamber

The Camelia midrange and tweeter are housed within a dedicated chamber made from organic cork. This chamber isolates them from the substantial internal pressure generated by the two 8-inch woofers.

Cork has a complex natural cellular structure that absorbs and disperses sound energy instead of reflecting it directly back through the driver diaphragm. Its damping properties help reduce internal standing waves and coloration within the midrange enclosure.

The chamber is shaped and sized specifically for the drivers rather than functioning as a simple rectangular compartment. This contributes to cleaner vocal reproduction, greater spatial separation, and a more natural sense of instrumental texture.

Dual 8-Inch Woofers and 33Hz Bass Extension

Two dedicated 8-inch woofers give the Sonetto VIII G2 substantially greater low-frequency output and dynamic headroom than the Sonetto V G2. The increased cone area allows the speaker to move more air with less excursion from each individual driver.

The woofers use paper-pulp sandwich diaphragms designed to combine rigidity, low moving mass, and natural internal damping. Aluminum demodulation rings help stabilize the motors as the cones move, reducing distortion and preserving bass definition at higher playback levels.

Sonus Faber rates the Sonetto VIII G2 down to 33Hz. In a suitable room, that gives bass guitar, drums, synthesizers, piano, and orchestral percussion substantial weight and physical presence.

The bass is intended to remain controlled and pitch-defined rather than becoming a generalized low-frequency rumble. Individual notes and changes in rhythm remain discernible even when the speaker is producing significant output.

Most two-channel music systems will not require a subwoofer. One may still be desirable for dedicated home theater effects, pipe organ, electronic sub-bass, or listeners seeking substantial output below the Sonetto VIII’s natural range.

D.A.D. Arrow Point Tweeter

High frequencies are reproduced by a 1.1-inch D.A.D., or Damped Apex Dome, Arrow Point tweeter. The soft-silk dome is locally restrained at its apex to control unwanted motion and extend its usable frequency range.

A copper shorting ring in the tweeter motor helps reduce inductance-related distortion and stabilize performance. Its closed motor assembly also helps protect the tweeter from pressure generated by the other drivers.

The Sonetto VIII G2 is rated to 40,000Hz. Although frequencies at the upper end of that range are beyond direct human hearing, smooth extended behavior can support cleaner performance through the audible treble.

Phase Coherent Three-Way Crossover

The Sonetto VIII G2 uses crossover points at 350Hz and 2,500Hz. The dual woofers reproduce the lowest frequencies, the Camelia driver covers the midrange, and the D.A.D. tweeter handles the upper frequencies.

Sonus Faber’s Phase Coherent crossover approach is designed to align the phase rotation of the drivers through their transition regions. The objective is for all three driver sections to combine as one unified acoustic source.

Proper phase and amplitude integration supports stable imaging, more believable spatial placement, and smoother movement from bass through midrange and treble.

Down-Firing Reflex System

The two woofers operate in a down-vented bass-reflex enclosure. The port fires toward the integrated concrete base rather than directly toward the wall behind the speaker.

The fixed space between the port and base creates a consistent loading surface on carpet, hardwood, tile, and other floors. It also gives the Sonetto VIII more placement flexibility than a similarly sized speaker using a conventional rear-facing bass port.

The down-firing design does not make room placement irrelevant. The speaker still produces substantial low-frequency energy and should be given appropriate space from room boundaries.

Heavy Concrete Base

Each Sonetto VIII G2 weighs approximately 99 pounds, much of that mass concentrated in its cabinet structure and concrete base.

The base lowers the center of gravity, stabilizes the tall enclosure, and helps resist movement generated by the large woofers. It also forms the acoustic boundary beneath the down-firing reflex port.

Rubber feet and optional spikes allow the speaker to be adapted to different floor surfaces. Use suitable protective discs beneath the spikes when installing the speakers on hardwood, tile, or another delicate surface.

Lute-Shaped Italian Cabinet

The Sonetto VIII G2 uses Sonus Faber’s recognizable lute-shaped enclosure. Its curved sides and tapered rear reduce broad parallel interior surfaces, helping limit standing waves and increasing cabinet rigidity.

The shape also makes the speaker appear more graceful and less visually imposing than a conventional rectangular cabinet of comparable internal volume.

Wood veneer, leather detailing, metal accents, and the concrete base give the Sonetto VIII the appearance of finely made furniture. The wood is applied with a 45-degree grain orientation that creates a visually distinctive pattern around the upper portion of the enclosure.

Best Suited to Medium and Large Rooms

The Sonetto VIII G2 is a physically large and acoustically capable speaker. It is best suited to medium and large rooms where its dual woofers have enough space to integrate properly.

Begin with approximately 30 to 40 inches between the rear of the cabinet and the wall. Moving the speakers farther into the room will usually improve bass definition and soundstage depth. Moving them closer to the wall will increase perceived low-frequency output.

Avoid placing the speakers tightly into room corners unless additional bass reinforcement is specifically desired. Corner placement may make the lower frequencies sound excessive or less clearly defined.

The Sonetto VIII can still work surprisingly well in a moderately sized room when carefully positioned, but listeners with limited space should also consider the Sonetto V G2.

Speaker Positioning and Toe-In

Begin with the speakers and main listening seat forming a roughly equal-sided triangle. Because of the Sonetto VIII’s substantial cabinet width and output, the pair will normally benefit from adequate spacing between them.

A modest degree of inward toe-in helps focus the center image and stabilize vocal placement. Begin with the speaker axes crossing slightly behind the main listening position.

Increase toe-in if the center image lacks focus. Reduce toe-in if the soundstage becomes too narrow or the upper frequencies sound overly direct.

Small changes in wall distance, speaker spacing, and toe-in can have a significant effect. A showroom audition and professional setup are valuable when selecting a speaker with this level of bass capability.

Amplifier Requirements and Matching

The Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII G2 has a rated sensitivity of 90dB and a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Sonus Faber recommends between 50 and 400 watts per channel of clean, undistorted amplifier power.

Its high sensitivity means the speaker can reach useful listening levels without extreme wattage. However, the dual 8-inch woofers and 4-ohm load reward an amplifier with strong current delivery and stable low-impedance performance.

For most systems, a quality amplifier producing approximately 120 to 250 watts per channel into 4 ohms is a sensible starting range. Less power can work in a smaller room at moderate volume, while larger rooms and sustained high-level playback may benefit from more.

The Sonetto VIII G2 can pair successfully with high-quality solid-state, hybrid, and suitably capable tube amplification. Amplifier control and current delivery are more important than choosing equipment solely by the advertised maximum wattage.

Two pairs of binding posts support conventional single-wire connection, bi-wiring, or bi-amplification. Leave the supplied terminal jumpers installed when using one normal pair of speaker cables.

Sonetto V G2 or Sonetto VIII G2?

The Sonetto V G2 and Sonetto VIII G2 share the D.A.D. tweeter, Camelia midrange, cork enclosure, concrete base, and overall Sonetto G2 design philosophy.

The Sonetto V G2 uses two 6.5-inch woofers and extends to 35Hz. It is easier to position and is generally the more practical choice for a medium-sized room.

The Sonetto VIII G2 steps up to two 8-inch woofers, 33Hz extension, 90dB sensitivity, greater cabinet volume, and substantially greater dynamic capability. It produces a larger presentation with more effortless bass and greater headroom.

Choose the Sonetto V G2 when room compatibility and a smaller footprint are priorities. Choose the Sonetto VIII G2 when you want the fullest bass, greatest scale, and most powerful performance available from the Sonetto collection.

Stereo and Home Theater Applications

In a dedicated two-channel system, the Sonetto VIII G2 provides sufficient bandwidth and output to serve as a genuinely full-range primary speaker. It is well suited to vinyl playback, high-resolution streaming, digital sources, and substantial integrated or separates-based systems.

The Sonetto VIII can also anchor a high-performance home theater as the front left and right channels. Pairing it with the Sonetto Center G2 helps maintain consistent tonal character and seamless movement across the front soundstage.

A subwoofer is optional for most music listening but remains useful in home theater systems where dedicated low-frequency effects below 30Hz are important.

A Richmond Showroom Favorite

The Sonetto VIII is one of Audio Exchange’s best-selling floorstanding speakers. Its popularity comes from a combination of qualities that are difficult to communicate through specifications alone: full and controlled bass, natural vocals, smooth high frequencies, excellent finish quality, and the ability to sound impressive without becoming fatiguing.

The Sonetto VIII G2 is available to audition at our Richmond, Virginia showroom. A demonstration allows you to hear its scale, compare it with other Sonus Faber models, and evaluate suitable amplifier combinations before making a decision.

Premium Italian Finishes

The Sonetto VIII G2 is built in Italy and combines real wood, leather, aluminum accents, and concrete. Available standard finishes include:

• Walnut wood with leather and concrete base
• Wenge wood with leather and concrete base
• Black finish with leather and concrete base

Natural veneer grain and color will vary slightly between individual cabinets. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, excessive heat, and high humidity to help preserve the wood and leather surfaces.

Who Should Choose the Sonetto VIII G2?

The Sonetto VIII G2 is especially well suited for listeners who want:

• The most powerful and full-range speaker in the Sonetto collection
• Deep, controlled bass without automatically adding a subwoofer
• A dedicated Camelia midrange for natural vocals and instruments
• Suprema-derived cork-chamber and driver technology
• A large, deep, and precisely organized stereo soundstage
• High output without harsh or fatiguing treble
• A primary speaker for both serious stereo and home theater
• Premium Italian wood, leather, and concrete construction
• A speaker that can be auditioned locally before purchase

Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII G2 Specifications

Purchase from an Authorized Sonus Faber Dealer

Audio Exchange is an authorized Sonus Faber dealer serving Richmond, Virginia, and customers throughout the United States. Contact us to schedule a Sonetto VIII G2 audition, compare it with the Sonetto V G2, evaluate amplifier options, or plan a complete stereo or home theater system.

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