Sonus faber Sonetto III G2

REVIEW
Simon Lucas
Oct 28, 2025

‘Sonus’ is Latin for sound. ‘Sonus faber’ translates to ‘handcrafted sound’ or ‘artisan of sound’ in Latin. Additionally, ‘sonetto’ is Italian for ‘little sound’ or ‘little song’; the English word ‘sonnet’, meaning ‘lyric poem’, is derived from ‘sonetto’. Meanwhile, ‘G2’ is universally understood marketing terminology for ‘second generation’.

The second generation of Sonetto loudspeakers from Sonus faber consists of a seven-model range, including a pair of stand-mounters, three floorstanders, a centre channel, and an on-wall design. Among them, the Sonetto III G2 stands out as the smallest and most affordable floorstander—though at £4,000 per pair, the term ‘affordable’ warrants careful consideration. Presumably, Sonus faber has its £100,000 Aida floorstanders in mind when it uses the word to describe the Sonetto III G2.

Flower Power

This speaker features a 2.5-way design, with a 28mm silk-damped apex dome tweeter positioned above a 165mm mid/bass driver and an identical-sized bass driver. Each of the larger drivers showcases the distinctive ‘flower’ pattern first introduced in the extraordinarily high-end Suprema loudspeaker system (yours for £695,000 – which we can all agree stretches the definition of ‘affordable’ beyond sensible limits). Each driver includes an aluminium demodulation ring, shares a 2700Hz crossover (hence 2.5-way), and is housed in a specially designed, die-cast basket.

The tweeter and mid/bass driver are housed in a discreet enclosure that features a rear-facing bass reflex port. The tweeter employs a closed motor system designed to prevent the mid/bass driver’s activity from affecting it. The enclosure itself boasts an organic, irregular shape and is made from recycled cork; Sonus faber is confident in the acoustic properties of this material, particularly regarding midrange fidelity. The bass driver, conversely, is situated in a separate enclosure and incorporates a bass reflex port that vents downwards onto the fixed boundary provided by the concrete plinth to which each speaker is attached.

According to Sonus faber, this arrangement results in a loudspeaker boasting a frequency response of 38Hz to 40kHz, 88dB sensitivity, and a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. The company is confident that any amplifier with over 50 genuine watts of power should have no difficulty driving the Sonetto III G2.

Unusual Concrete

Concrete is undoubtedly an unusual choice for a plinth, but elsewhere, it’s the usual high-quality cabinet work from Sonus faber. As these are relatively affordable speakers, the cabinets (in the brand’s preferred ‘lute’ shape) are made from MDF. However, the wood veneer finish—available in walnut, wenge, or high-gloss black—is applied beautifully, giving it an undeniably luxurious appearance.

Measuring 1068 x 287 x 350mm (HxWxD), the cabinet is well-proportioned, achieving a pleasing balance between ‘purposeful’ and ‘elegant,’ with a touch of luxurious decadence evident in Sonus faber’s signature leather driver surrounds. The quality of construction and finish is, as is typically the case with Sonus faber, beyond reproach.

It’s fair to say that the Sonetto III G2’s sound is as recognisably ‘Sonus faber’ as its aesthetic. In the least prejudicial way, these speakers remain utterly faithful to the sonic philosophy that the company has devoted the last four decades to defining and refining.

Untroubled

The Sonetto III G2 is unequivocal. It is driven by a Cambridge Audio Edge W stereo power amplifier, with a Naim Uniti Star functioning as both preamplifier and network streamer. A Clearaudio Concept turntable (with a Chord Electronics Huei) and a Rega Apollo CD player offer alternative sources. The type of music you choose to listen to, the format in which it is stored, and its resolution do not seem to concern them. In every circumstance, they deliver a thoroughly musical account of themselves.

A vinyl copy of Everybody by Ezra Collective [Partisan Records] enables the Sonus faber to exhibit a notably deep, richly textured, and impressively detailed low-frequency response. The bass presence is substantial, and the Sonetto III G2 addresses the low end with genuine determination, yet there is control accompanying all the drive. The onset and decay of individual bass notes are keenly observed, resulting in speakers that present rhythms effortlessly. The balance they achieve between momentum and sheer impact is both assured and convincing.

Circumspect

The opposite end of the frequency range is somewhat more circumspect, though this does not imply it is in any way tentative or lacking in presence. It attacks just slightly less forcefully than the low end, and when the music demands it—such as when listening to a TIDAL-derived 24-bit/96kHz FLAC file of Al Green’s I’m Still in Love with You [Hi Records], for instance—the Sonus faber can invoke genuine bite and top-end crunch. However, even if you opt to turn the wick right up, the tweeter remains composed and controlled; there is no indication that the shine is ever likely to become edgy or harsh.

It’s in midrange reproduction, however, where the Sonetto III G2 reveals itself to be genuine contenders for the fiercely contested ‘Best £4K-ish floorstanding loudspeakers’ crown. From the exquisite tone and technique of Al Green to the deliberately assertive amateurism of Mark E. Smith in The Fall’s I’m Going to Spain [Permanent Records], through to the forthright, close-mic’d imprecations of Roots Manuva’s Clockwork [Big Dada Recordings], the Sonus faber communicates eloquently and in an utterly naturalistic, unforced manner. Each of these vocalists possesses character and attitude in their own right, and despite their very different approaches, each aims to make a point. When provided with the Sonetto III G2 as a platform, their intentions are always clear.

Silky Conviction

The resolution and integration of the entire frequency range are achieved with silky conviction, likely aided by the shared crossover points of the two larger drivers. Nothing is exaggerated in the name of excitement, nor is anything diminished in the name of good taste; rather, the entire frequency range coalesces in a balanced and persuasive manner. Tonality, too, is strikingly believable; if any coloration is present, it is exceedingly mild. The Sonus faber are adept at identifying the fundamental tonality of an instrument or voice and presenting it without embellishment or omission.

These speakers are equally adept at extracting and contextualising the subtle harmonic variations expressed by a voice or instrument in real time. The dynamic fluctuations evident in an unaccompanied piano, even from keystroke to keystroke, are given due weighting, which enhances the impression of true musicality that Sonus faber conveys.

Investing around £4,000 will significantly enhance the dynamic range regarding the broader ‘small/BIG’ or ‘quiet/LOUD’ variations that nearly every ensemble recording includes to varying extents. However, the Sonetto III G2 is certainly not lacking in power or straightforward ‘push’. That said, if you desire an element of shock and awe when a symphony orchestra ramps up into full ‘attack’ mode, you may find these Sonus faber somewhat more reserved and less vibrant than some similarly priced alternatives.

Compact

You might find their presentation somewhat ‘compact’ as well. The soundstage created by the Sonetto III G2 is solid, well-defined, and entirely credible. The spaces between elements in recordings are considered just as significant as the elements themselves. Control is undeniable, and even large-scale recordings provide the necessary breathing space to avoid sounding cramped. Yet, somehow, the Sonus faber do not quite transcend the limitations of their cabinets as readily as some competitors—there’s a subtle but unmistakable ‘in the box’ sensation that prevents them from sounding as expansive or open as the very best of their similarly priced counterparts.

However, if you’re prepared to accept that nothing is perfect, regardless of how much you might be spending, then the Sonus faber Sonetto III G2 has a great deal to recommend it. Beyond their balanced, insightful, and thoroughly musical presentation, they rival any alternatives in terms of build quality and finish for your investment. Moreover, they make a strong case for being more decorative as furniture than any other £4K floorstander I can think of. The Sonetto III G2 is admirable in many respects, and they undoubtedly warrant your attention if you’re in the market for floorstanding speakers at this price point. This holds true in any language you wish to mention.

Technical specifications

Type: 2.5-way; dual bass reflex port
Driver complement: 1 x 28mm silk damped apex dome tweeter; 165mm ‘flower’ mid/bass driver; 165mm ‘flower’ bass driver
Frequency response: 38Hz – 40kHz
Crossover frequency: 2.7kHz
Impedance: 4 Ohms nominal
Sensitivity: 88dB/W/m
Dimensions (HxWxD): 31068 x 287 x 350mm
Weight: 25.8kg/each
Finishes: High gloss black; wenge; walnut
Price: £4,000, $4,499, €4,499 per pair