Short answer: the KEF R3. It ranks #15 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $1,544.56; the Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 ranks #183, rated 3.1/5, and costs $3,500, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The KEF R3 is the more accurate pick. A three way bookshelf speaker with KEF’s coaxial driver for stable imaging across seats and very low distortion, easy to run with a modest amp. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.20 against 4.25 for the Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2. The tradeoff: The low-frequency alignment rolls gradually rather than delivering high-output sub-bass; KEF specifies 58Hz +/-3dB and Erin’s high-level data supports using an 80Hz subwoofer crossover.
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. The catch: Sounds notably bright pointed directly on-axis; toeing the speaker out about 30° reduces treble energy and sibilance meaningfully.
Buy the KEF R3. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A three way bookshelf speaker with KEF’s coaxial driver for stable imaging across seats and very low distortion, easy to run with a modest amp.
An Italian bookshelf speaker with a silk dome tweeter, a stylish concrete and metal base and evenly behaved dispersion.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R3 | Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,544.56 per pair | $3500 per pair |
| Ranked | #15 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #183 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off) | 62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier | 4 ohms nominal (4.2 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer | 1x 6.5” mid-woofer (paper cone), 1x 1.1” (28mm) DAD soft dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D | 16.3”H x 8.9”W x 14”D (414.3 x 227.0 x 355.6 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear Flexible Port | ported, front |
| Weight | 29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each | 38.4 lbs (17.4 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.2 (spinorama.org) | 4.25 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.97 (spinorama.org) | 6.54 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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