In this review, we will be comparing Aria Evo X No1 and 706 S3, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Focal and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Focal Aria Evo X No1 and B&W 706 S3 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Focal Aria Evo X No1 and B&W 706 S3 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 Focal Aria Evo X No1 and B&W 706 S3 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 Aria Evo X No1 and 706 S3 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Focal Aria Evo X No1 |
B&W 706 S3 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Aria Evo X No1 features a 1" Al/Mg inverted dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Flax Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2800 Hz. On the other hand, the 706 S3 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Aria Evo X No1 has a frequency range of 55-30kHz whereas 706 S3 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the 706 S3 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Aria Evo X No1's min frequency of 55Hz.
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
Aria Evo X No1 and 706 S3 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Aria Evo X No1 sensitivity is rated at 89.5 dB and the 706 S3's is at 88 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Focal Aria Evo X No1 a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 706 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.
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 Aria Evo X No1 and 706 S3 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
B&W 706 S3's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Aria Evo X No1 has a front firing port whereas 706 S3 has a rear firing ports. Focal Aria Evo X No1's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to B&W 706 S3 with its rear-firing port.
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 Focal Aria Evo X No1's and B&W 706 S3's external dimensions. Focal Aria Evo X No1 has external dimensions of 39 x 22.5 x 28 cm ( 15-3/8 x 8-⅞ x 11) whereas B&W 706 S3 has external dimensions of 345.0 x 192.0 x 334.0mm ( 13.6-inch x 7.6-inch x 13.1-inch) .
B&W 706 S3 is 33mm narrower and 46mm shorter than Focal Aria Evo X No1 but it is also 54mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Focal Aria Evo X No1 and B&W 706 S3 in scale.
Comparison image of Focal Aria Evo X No1 and B&W 706 S3 Size and External Dimensions
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 Focal Aria Evo X No1 is approximately 630.0cm2 / 97.7inch2 and base area of the B&W 706 S3 is approximately 641.3cm2 / 99.4inch2. The Aria Evo X No1 requires 2% less surface area than the 706 S3 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of Focal Aria Evo X No1 and B&W 706 S3 on a Media Console
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 Focal Aria Evo X No1 weighs 8.50kg / 18.7lbs and the B&W 706 S3 weighs 8.42kg / 18.5lbs. This makes the Aria Evo X No1 1% heavier than the 706 S3.
Here is a comparison of how Aria Evo X No1 and 706 S3'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 706 S3?
Here are the items that come with the 706 S3:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Two-piece foam port plugs8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps Manual Bowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Minimum Impedance |
4.6 ohms
vs
3.7 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Base Surface Area |
630cm2 (225x280mm)
vs
641cm2 (192x334mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
345mm
vs
391mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
2199USD
vs
2398USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Focal Aria Evo X No1 |
Bowers & Wilkins 706 S3 |
| Brand |
Focal |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-120 watts |
30-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89.5 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4.6 ohms |
3.7 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-30kHz |
50-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Flax |
Continuum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
TMD |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
inverted dome |
Decoupled Carbon Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2800 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
391.0mm (15.4") |
345.0mm (13.6") |
| Width |
225.0mm (8.9") |
192.0mm (7.6") |
| Depth |
280.0mm (11") |
334.0mm (13.1") |
| Weight |
8.50kg (18.7lbs) |
8.42kg (18.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black High Gloss, Prime Walnut, Moss Green High Gloss |
Gloss Black,Satin White,Mocha,Rosenut |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24-26" |
| 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 |