Revel M106 vs Sonus Faber Sonetto ii
The Revel M106 vs Sonus Faber Sonetto ii pits two premium bass-reflex, dynamic passive stand-mount speakers against each other, each built around a 6.5-inch woofer in a compact two-way cabinet. The Revel M106 uses a rear-firing port, an aluminum tweeter with an Acoustic Lens Waveguide and aluminum cone woofer, and reviewers (SoundStage Solo, HomeTheaterHifi) single out its open, neutral midrange, precise imaging and uncompressed dynamics, though its 4.5-6.5kHz presence rise can read bright. The Sonetto ii is front-vented with a DAD Arrow Point tweeter inside a lute-shaped wood-and-leather cabinet; reviewers describe a warmer voicing, spacious soundstage, animated rhythm and luxurious build. Key considerations include tonal balance (neutral versus warm), the M106's 8-ohm/87dB load versus the Sonetto's 4-ohm/87dB amplifier demands, bass extension, and placement sensitivity, since both benefit from a subwoofer in larger rooms.
Quick Take
Best for Small Rooms
Sonus Faber Sonetto ii
Reviewers found the Sonetto ii particularly well suited to small to medium rooms, delivering surprising bass body, warmth and engaging rhythm from its compact cabinet.
Best for Imaging
Sonus Faber Sonetto ii
HomeTheaterHifi and StereoNET praised spacious, sharply organized imaging that can make the speakers disappear, scoring imaging at 93 versus the M106's 90.
Easiest to Place
Sonus Faber Sonetto ii
Its front-vented (midwoofer front vented box) design eases rear-wall proximity, whereas the M106 uses a rear-firing port that benefits from more careful placement.
Best with a Subwoofer
Revel M106
HomeTheaterHifi reported no dynamic compression with the M106 integrated to a subwoofer at an 80Hz crossover, and its tight, disciplined bass pairs cleanly with one.
Watt'n Potatoes Analysis
Revel M106
89/100
Nicely Roasted
Reviewer Summary
With an open, neutral midrange and exceptionally clean resolution, the Revel M106 makes voices and d
Read MoreScore Breakdown
Sound Quality
89
Build Quality
87
Value for Money
92
Pros & Cons
Pros
Open, natural midrange delivers tangible vocals, strong detail, and musical transparency.
Precise, coherent imaging and controlled dispersion maintain convincing spatial focus.
Remains composed at high levels, with uncompressed dynamics and low perceived distortion.
Cons
Bass is tight and tuneful rather than weighty; listeners seeking deep, high-output low end may prefer a subwoofer or floorstander.
A measured 4.5-6.5kHz response rise can sound bright or fatiguing in some rooms and systems.
Sonus Faber Sonetto ii
92/100
Deliciously Crispy
Reviewer Summary
The Sonetto II brings clear, naturally voiced midrange, silky treble and an unusually spacious sound
Read MoreScore Breakdown
Sound Quality
91
Build Quality
94
Value for Money
93
Pros & Cons
Pros
Expressive, clear midrange with smooth, non-fatiguing treble and natural vocal tone.
Spacious, precisely organized imaging that can make the speakers disappear in the room.
Animated rhythm and strong dynamic articulation for a compact standmount, with surprising bass body.
Luxurious lute-shaped cabinet with genuine leather and fine wood detailing.
Cons
Deep bass and ultimate loudness are limited by the compact cabinet; large rooms and bass-heavy playback benefit from a subwoofer or larger speakers.
Treble can lean bright, so careful toe-in, tweeter-height listening and room setup are important.
Its 87dB sensitivity and 4-ohm load reward a capable amplifier.
Final Verdict
Choose Revel M106 if you want:
You want a highly neutral, transparent presentation with an open, natural midrange and tangible vocal realism.
You value precise, coherent imaging and controlled dispersion from the waveguided aluminum tweeter.
You listen at high levels and need uncompressed dynamics and low perceived distortion.
You plan to add a properly integrated subwoofer, which reviewers found pairs cleanly with its tight bass.
You prefer an easier 8-ohm load at 87dB sensitivity for amplifier matching.
Choose Sonus Faber Sonetto ii if you want:
You prefer a warm, musically involving voicing with smooth, non-fatiguing treble and natural vocal tone.
You want spacious, precisely organized imaging that can make the speakers disappear in the room.
You value animated rhythm, strong dynamic articulation and surprising bass body for a compact standmount.
You appreciate a luxurious lute-shaped cabinet with genuine leather and fine wood detailing.
You can provide a capable amplifier to drive its 4-ohm load at 87dB sensitivity.