Sonus faber Gravis II - Black - Wenge - White - Walnut

Description

A Subwoofer Designed for the Sonetto Collection

The Gravis II is the mid-tier active subwoofer of Sonus faber's Gravis collection, designed to provide a low-frequency foundation commensurate with the Sonetto loudspeaker range. The Italian manufacturer in Vicenza doesn't offer a utilitarian black box here: it reuses the real wood veneers and hand-stitched leather top that define its main loudspeakers, so that the subwoofer integrates visually into the living room rather than hiding within it.

10-Inch Active Driver and 10-Inch Front-Firing Passive Radiator

The architecture combines a 260 mm (10") long-throw treated paper active driver, down-firing, acoustically coupled to a 260 mm front-firing passive radiator (drone cone) also in treated paper. This passive-radiator loading eliminates the bass-reflex port and the airflow noise associated with it. It allows the subwoofer to move a volume of air comparable to that of a much larger cabinet while keeping a compact footprint.

Linear Class AB Amplification: 350 W RMS / 700 W Peak

Where most modern subwoofers use digital (Class D) amplification modules, Sonus faber deliberately retained a linear analog Class AB amplification stage. Its 350 W RMS continuous power rating can double to 700 W on dynamic peaks. This choice prioritizes timbral fidelity: bass is reproduced with rapid transient attack and natural damping, essential for tracking the complex bass lines of a musical recording without overhang.

LFE and High-Level Inputs with Independent Controls

The rear panel provides the flexibility required for a hybrid music + home theater system. It includes a low-level LFE input dedicated to a multi-channel processor (the .1 channel of a home theater) and a high-level input via a Neutrik Speakon® connector, designed to plug directly in parallel with the output of your stereo amplifier. Both inputs have independent volume controls, allowing you to calibrate a distinct gain for music and another for cinema, without having to readjust every time you switch sources.

30–120 Hz Crossover and Phase Inversion

Successful subwoofer integration depends on precise setup. The Gravis II offers a continuously adjustable low-pass filter from 30 to 120 Hz, enabling a seamless blend with the mid-bass register of your main loudspeakers. A phase inversion switch (0°/180°) helps align the subwoofer's acoustic output with the front channels to avoid cancellations in the crossover zone. Useful frequency response: 25 to 120 Hz ±3 dB.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does it compare to the Gravis I?

The Gravis II is larger and moves significantly more air than the entry-level Gravis I. The Gravis I uses a single 200 mm (8") active driver in a sealed enclosure, whereas the Gravis II combines a 260 mm (10") active driver with a front-firing passive radiator of the same size. This architecture doubles the radiating surface area and extends the response deeper into the sub-bass, making it more capable of pressurizing medium-to-large rooms.

Can I connect it to both my home theater receiver and stereo amplifier simultaneously?

Yes, this is one of the primary benefits of its control layout. The rear panel features a dedicated LFE input for the low-frequency effects channel of a home theater, alongside a Neutrik Speakon® high-level input for music. With independent volume potentiometers for each input, the subwoofer automatically transitions between your music source and your cinema source without requiring manual recalibration.

Does it need to be placed far from the rear wall?

Placement is relatively flexible thanks to the absence of a bass-reflex port, which eliminates the difficult airflow interactions typical of vented subwoofers. The active driver directs its energy toward the floor while the front-firing passive radiator points into the listening area. However, it is recommended to leave at least 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches) of clearance from the rear wall to prevent excessive low-frequency coupling with the room architecture.

Can I use it with loudspeakers other than the Sonetto range?

Absolutely. While the Gravis II was voiced to complement the Sonetto range, its complete adjustments (30–120 Hz low-pass filter, phase inversion, independent LFE and music volume controls) make it easy to integrate with any loudspeaker of a similar quality level. The Neutrik Speakon® high-level input taps directly into your stereo amplifier's output signal, preserving the sonic signature of the upstream amplification.

What's in the Box

Sonus faber Gravis II subwoofer

Power cable

High-level connection cable

Protective grille

User manual