Short answer: the Audio First Cadentia 3. It ranks #7 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.7/5, at $7,199. The Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 ranks #183, rated 3.1/5, at $3,500, $3,699 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Audio First Cadentia 3 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. A large three way bookshelf speaker with near textbook accuracy, a big enveloping soundstage, and deep, punchy bass that stays clean when loud. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 7.55 against 4.25 for the Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2. Its bass reaches about 43Hz before falling 3dB, against 62Hz for the Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2. The tradeoff: A mild scoop through the upper midrange/lower treble slightly softens the attack of snares, hand claps, and sibilants: fixable with a single-band EQ (2.5kHz, +1dB, Q~1).
Why pick the Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2: An Italian bookshelf speaker with a silk dome tweeter, a stylish concrete and metal base and evenly behaved dispersion. Watch for: Sounds notably bright pointed directly on-axis; toeing the speaker out about 30° reduces treble energy and sibilance meaningfully.
Buy the Audio First Cadentia 3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $3,699 saving on the Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A large three way bookshelf speaker with near textbook accuracy, a big enveloping soundstage, and deep, punchy bass that stays clean when loud.
An Italian bookshelf speaker with a silk dome tweeter, a stylish concrete and metal base and evenly behaved dispersion.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audio First Cadentia 3 | Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7199 per pair | $3500 per pair |
| Ranked | #7 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #183 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 26Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 23.2” x 11.8” x 17” (590 x 300 x 433 mm) | 16.3”H x 8.9”W x 14”D (414.3 x 227.0 x 355.6 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.1 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal (4.2 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86.4dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1.1” tweeter, 4.5” midrange, 9” woofer | 1x 6.5” mid-woofer (paper cone), 1x 1.1” (28mm) DAD soft dome tweeter |
| Weight | 45.9 lbs (20.8 kg) each | 38.4 lbs (17.4 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | 3-way, bass reflex | ported, front |
| Country | United Kingdom (Cambridge) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.55 | 4.25 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.91 | 6.54 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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