In this review, we will be comparing 607 S3 and Theva No1, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Focal. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 607 S3 and Focal Theva No1 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the B&W 607 S3 and Focal Theva No1 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the B&W 607 S3 and Focal Theva No1 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both 607 S3 and Theva No1 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
B&W 607 S3 |
Focal Theva No1 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
607 S3 features a 1" Titanium Decoupled Double Dome Titanium Tweeter and 1 x 5" Continuum Woofer . On the other hand, the Theva No1 features a 1" TNF Al/Mg inverted dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Slatefiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3000 Hz.
Frequency Response
607 S3 has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz whereas Theva No1 has a frequency range of 58-28kHz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the 607 S3 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Theva No1's min frequency of 58Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
607 S3 and Theva No1 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. 607 S3 sensitivity is rated at 84 dB and the Theva No1's is at 89 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Focal Theva No1 a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 607 S3, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
607 S3 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 607 S3 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the Theva No1.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Both 607 S3 and Theva No1 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
B&W 607 S3's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Focal Theva No1's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 607 S3 and Theva No1 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare B&W 607 S3's and Focal Theva No1's external dimensions. B&W 607 S3 has external dimensions of 300.0 x 166.0 x 235.0mm ( 11.8 x 6.5 x 9.3inch) whereas Focal Theva No1 has external dimensions of 391.0 x 213.0 x 261.0mm ( 153/8 x 83/8 x 101/4) .
Focal Theva No1 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 47mm wider, 91mm taller and 26mm deeper than B&W 607 S3.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the B&W 607 S3 is approximately 390.1cm2 / 60.5inch2 and base area of the Focal Theva No1 is approximately 555.9cm2 / 86.2inch2. The 607 S3 requires 30% less surface area than the Theva No1 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The B&W 607 S3 weighs 4.65kg / 10.2lbs and the Focal Theva No1 weighs 6.82kg / 15lbs. This makes the Theva No1 47% heavier than the 607 S3.
Here is a comparison of how 607 S3 and Theva No1's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of B&W 607 S3?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 607 S3:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 2 Two-piece foam port plugs 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet 4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed) Manual Bowers & Wilkins brochure Warranty Information
 Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
58 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
300mm
vs
391mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
390cm2 (166x235mm)
vs
555cm2 (213x261mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
900USD
vs
998USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
84 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Minimum Impedance |
4.6 ohms
vs
3.0 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
| Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| General |
Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3 |
Focal Theva No1 |
| Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Focal |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-100 watts |
25-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
84 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.0 ohms |
4.6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
52-28k Hz |
58-28kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Continuum |
Slatefiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Decoupled Double Dome Titanium |
inverted dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
3000 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
300.0mm (11.8") |
391.0mm (15.4") |
| Width |
166.0mm (6.5") |
213.0mm (8.4") |
| Depth |
235.0mm (9.3") |
261.0mm (10.3") |
| Weight |
4.65kg (10.2lbs) |
6.82kg (15lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Matte Black, Matte White, Oak, Red Cherry |
Black High Gloss,Dark Wood,Light Wood |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |