In this review, we will be comparing Chorus 706 and BW 607, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Focal and Bowers Wilkins. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Focal Chorus 706 and B&W 607 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Focal Chorus 706 and B&W 607 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 Chorus 706 and B&W 607 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Chorus 706 and BW 607 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Focal Chorus 706 |
B&W 607 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5-inch
|
Chorus 706 features a 1" TNV2 AI/Mg inverted dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Polyglass Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3000Hz. On the other hand, the BW 607 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Continuum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Chorus 706 has a frequency range of 55-28k Hz whereas BW 607 has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the BW 607 can go slightly deeper then the Chorus 706'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
Chorus 706 and BW 607 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Chorus 706 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the BW 607's is at 84 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Focal Chorus 706 a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 607, 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.
Chorus 706 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas BW 607 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the Chorus 706.
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
BW 607 features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Chorus 706 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Chorus 706 has a front firing port whereas BW 607 has a rear firing ports. Focal Chorus 706's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to B&W 607 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 Chorus 706's and B&W 607's external dimensions. Focal Chorus 706 has external dimensions of 390.0 x 220.0 x 263.0mm ( 15.4 x 8.7 x 10.4inch) whereas B&W 607 has external dimensions of 300.0 x 165.0 x 207.0mm ( 11.8 x 6.4 x 8.1inch) .
Focal Chorus 706 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 55mm wider, 90mm taller and 56mm deeper than B&W 607.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Focal Chorus 706 and B&W 607 in scale.
Comparison image of Focal Chorus 706 and B&W 607 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 Chorus 706 is approximately 578.6cm2 / 89.7inch2 and base area of the B&W 607 is approximately 341.6cm2 / 52.9inch2. The Chorus 706 requires 69% more surface area than the BW 607 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Chorus 706 and B&W 607 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 Chorus 706 weighs 8.20kg / 18lbs and the B&W 607 weighs 4.70kg / 10.3lbs. This makes the Chorus 706 74% heavier than the BW 607.
Here is a comparison of how Chorus 706 and BW 607's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Focal Chorus 706?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Chorus 706:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Cloth grilles (attached) User manual
What's in the Box of B&W 607?
Here are the items that come with the BW 607:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Two-piece foam port plugs8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps Manual Bowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
84 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Minimum Impedance |
3.6 ohms
vs
3.0 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
| Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Height |
300mm
vs
390mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
341cm2 (165x207mm)
vs
578cm2 (220x263mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Focal Chorus 706 |
Bowers & Wilkins 607 |
| Brand |
Focal |
Bowers Wilkins |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25 - 120 watts |
30-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
84 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.6 ohms |
3.0 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-28k Hz |
52-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polyglass |
Continuum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
inverted dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
3000Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
390.0mm (15.4") |
300.0mm (11.8") |
| Width |
220.0mm (8.7") |
165.0mm (6.5") |
| Depth |
263.0mm (10.4") |
207.0mm (8.1") |
| Weight |
8.20kg (18lbs) |
4.70kg (10.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Lacquer/Leatherette |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Rosewood, Walnut, Black |
Black, White, Oak |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
24-26" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 |
5 Years |