Short answer: the KEF Reference 1 Meta. It ranks #3 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.8/5, at $9,999.98. The Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 ranks #183, rated 3.1/5, at $3,500, $6,499.98 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Reference 1 Meta is one of the most accurate passive bookshelf speakers. A three-way with KEF’s coaxial Uni-Q driver measures within 1.5dB from 80Hz to 16kHz, pairs are matched to about 0.5dB, and its preference score is 6.48. Distortion stays very low even at 96dB, and swappable ports tune the bass for wall or open placement. Its sensitivity is low, around 83 to 84dB, so it needs a strong amplifier.
The Sonetto II G2 is a handsome Italian two-way with a bright tilt. It is more neutral than the Lumina II, its horizontal directivity narrows smoothly, and its bass reaches a genuine 50Hz in-room. It sounds bright straight on, so toe it out about 30 degrees, and a resonance near 700Hz makes vocals slightly nasal. It needs 1.5 to 2 feet from the rear wall.
Buy the KEF Reference 1 Meta. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $6,499.98 you would save on the Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
An Italian bookshelf speaker with a silk dome tweeter, a stylish concrete and metal base and evenly behaved dispersion.
Extremely accurate bookshelf speakers, with a superb three dimensional soundstage, no harshness, and tightly matched pairs.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 | KEF Reference 1 Meta | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3500 per pair | $9999.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #183 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #3 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (4.2 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal, 2.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 82.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1x 6.5” mid-woofer (paper cone), 1x 1.1” (28mm) DAD soft dome tweeter | 165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminium cone woofer, 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 25 mm (1 in.) aluminium dome with MAT tweeter |
| Weight | 38.4 lbs (17.4 kg) | 40.1 lbs (18.2 kg) each |
| Dimensions | 16.3”H x 8.9”W x 14”D (414.3 x 227.0 x 355.6 mm) | 17.3”H x 8.1”W x 16.6”D (439.4 x 205.7 x 421.6 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.25 | 6.48 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.54 | 8.29 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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