Tag Archives: Bookshelf Speaker Reviews

World News

Focal Vestia No1 Bookshelf Speaker Review – Silky Smooth Sound

Posted on by Ryan Waniata


Focal Vestia No1 speakers in living room

If you’re after a fantastic pair of bookshelf audio system for round $1,000, you’re spoiled for alternative today. But in the case of coaxing readability, dynamics, expansive stereo imaging, and candy lyricism from all of your music and flicks, you’ll have a tough time beating Focal’s Vestia No1.

Positioned towards the low finish of Focal’s sprawling speaker catalog, the brand new Vestia line is an inexpensive however nonetheless wonderful entry level to the storied French audio model – a Vestivus for the remainder of us if you’ll (sorry, I couldn’t assist it). Offered in 5 mannequin sizes, with the No1 on the baseline, the Vestia leverage alternative parts from different widespread Focal audio system, packaged in a placing but understated design. The result’s a potent mixture of worth, fashion, and efficiency.

Highs

  • Clear and luxurious element
  • Expansive stereo imaging
  • Balanced but inviting tonality
  • Excellent transient response
  • Stylish design

Lows

  • Bass response could possibly be higher
  • Piano gloss model will get soiled simply

Getting going 

Focal Vestia No1 black front

The first pair of Vestia No1 audio system I acquired got here within the piano gloss cupboards, sandwiching polished black panels on the sides with textured vinyl wrapping alongside the entrance, again, and bases. It’s a very good look, however these gloss panels are fingerprint magnets, and I additionally seen the packing foam left some markings on the prime that required sprucing. 

Oddly, this pair additionally got here with a useless woofer in one of many audio system. The field was a bit beat up, and given Focal’s pedigree, I’ll name it a uncommon fluke. The upshot was I obtained an opportunity to check out one of many different two colours, this time the white, matte-paneled model (there’s additionally a walnut brown).

Focal Vestia No1 back

The second pair was in excellent order as anticipated and whereas I’m not usually one for white electronics, they appear rattling good on my black stands, whilst they conflict with my room’s heat decor. While I dig the black, I’d be inclined to go together with the Light or Dark Wood fashions in the event that they work along with your listening room.

To energy the audio system, I wired the banana plug terminals to my Naim Uniti Atom built-in streaming amplifier which, as luck would have it, occurs to be the one Focal recommends as a pairing (Focal and Naim are underneath the identical banner). With an 8 ohm nominal impedance, the audio system ought to be simple sufficient to energy with any variety of amplifiers or receivers, however the fluid readability of the Uniti Atom’s 40 watts per channel offered a very apt pairing.

Design and particulars

Focal calls the Vestia No1 compact in its press supplies, however they’re fairly giant for a bookshelf speaker on this value class, standing at 8 ⅝ x 10 ¼ x 15 ¼  inches (WxDxH). That’s due partly to the massive 6.5-inch woofer and front-facing bass port under it, designed to supply extra “frontal influence.” While they could look massive in smaller rooms, they’re not imposingly so, and the shortage of a bottom port means you’ve obtained free rein to set them again towards the wall if desired.

Focal Vestia No1 TAM Tweeter close up

The audio system ship with a pair of magnetic acoustic grilles, however why would you need to cowl these fairly faces? The 1-inch aluminum-magnesium TAM tweeter seems notably inviting, set in a dimpled urethane waveguide inside a slick oval on the speaker’s prime and encircled by a glowing silver ring. A Focal creation, the inverted tweeter is designed to supply vast frequency diffusion, notably helpful for automotive functions, however as I can attest, it really works brilliantly for residence theater as properly.

The Slatefiber woofer, additionally made in-house utilizing recycled materials, offsets the tweeter properly. Introduced in Focal’s widespread Chora audio system in 2019, the cone has made its approach into a number of Focal merchandise since, designed to supply impartial tonality. The crossover level between the 2 drivers is about at 2.8kHz, with a complete claimed frequency response of 56Hz to 30kHz.

Sweet, luxurious sound

Clear and expansive sound makes these Focal bookshelves hard to pass up. 97bdc08f img 4422

It’s exhausting to determine the place to start with the Vestia No1’s inviting sound signature. Should or not it’s their easy and candy midrange with a smooth contact of cream on prime? Their easy extension within the treble that pulls out the subtlest particulars in strings, brass, and any variety of digital devices and results? Or their immersive, close to three dimensional stereo imaging that pulls you into the motion?

Honestly, it’s all my favourite, working collectively to raise all the things from 30-year-old episodes of Seinfeld (yeah, Seinfeld is over 30) to the natural, near-live hand drums in Snarky Puppy’s Jefe.

While you might consider Focal as a music-first audio model, I began my listening whereas catching up with Better Call Saul’s ultimate season. I swapped within the Vestia for the wonderful Polk Legend L100 bookshelf audio system I’d pulled out as a reference pair in anticipation of their arrival. And whereas I like what Polk has achieved with the L100, it was frankly an immediate improve within the particulars division after I plugged within the Vestia.

Everything got here by with astonishing readability and viscerality; shuffled papers had a scrumptious crunch, whispered dialogue tickled at my ears, and even the baritone of a barbershop quartet in one of many transition scenes enthralled, as if laying down his dulcet melodies only for me.

Moving on to a few of my go-to cinematic check topics, the audio system continued to impress. The rainbow of results in Marvel’s Ant-Man have been all dealt with with textural definition, from the thick, thwapping wings of the helicopter ants to gunshots, surging electronics, and armies of ant legs rolling throughout micro landscapes. But what actually jumped out at me is how properly the audio system engulfed me within the enjoyable, bowing and spreading out the stereo picture each vertically and horizontally to ship me hurtling by the motion.

Vestia No1 White Grilles

The Vestia’s imaging isn’t fairly as diamond-hard as Polk’s L100, however it’s extremely expansive, whereas nonetheless constructing a transparent and virtually palpable middle picture. The latter impact was particularly notable with music playback. 

Rolling by loads of high-resolution audio tracks in Apple Music, in addition to compressed tracks on Spotify, the audio system confirmed a beautiful run throughout registers, spinning devices by the bass, midrange, and the very ideas of the treble frequencies with spectacular fluidity. They additionally showcased nice pace, knocking out zippy sixty fourth notes with ease, whereas providing loads of dynamic expression to develop and contract with the subject material.

As famous earlier than, although the audio system sound strikingly correct, in addition they paint a layer of easy velvet into the midrange that’s particularly attractive, whereas their extension into the treble for devices like french horn, strings, and synthesizers is glowing candy. 

Every so usually, I heard a tiny little bit of, not harshness, however I’ll name it tautness on the prime of the midrange the place sibilance can rear its head. But such moments have been extraordinarily uncommon, and the sound by no means turned sharp, even when the music tended that approach. The Vestia do have a tendency to reveal little errors, artifacts, and even poor mixes – the worth for precision. For instance, the brand new Fruit Bats album is my favourite of 2023 to date, however the vocal combine is surprisingly low, and the Vestia gave the problem nowhere to cover. It nonetheless sounded nice, however immediately my good friend’s grievance concerning the combine was all of the extra apparent.

If I’ve one actual critique to lift concerning the No1’s sound, although, it’s the bass response. While it’s wealthy and musical, it’s not precisely thunderous. The lowest grooves in songs like The Weeknd’s Starboy or Biggie’s Hypnotize simply don’t hit with as a lot gravitas as you would possibly anticipate from 6.5-inch woofers.

That stated, anybody on the lookout for massive, foundational bass ought to be pairing their bookshelves with a good subwoofer anyway, and the audio system pulsed with sufficient increase to satisfyingly carry bass grooves, explosions, and different action-packed cinematic moments to life.

Competition and comparisons

As talked about, there are a variety of nice choices on this value class, beginning with the Polk Legend L100 I referenced above. I feel the Vestia supply extra luxurious element within the midrange, and the Polk pair could be a contact brilliant within the treble, however they appear and sound nice, with the spotlight being their particularly clear and well-defined stereo imaging.

One of my favourite selections on this class, or any class actually, are KEF’s LS50 audio system, which supply crystalline readability and loads of dynamics for something you play. I haven’t heard the newest iteration, the LS50 Meta, however it’s secure to imagine they sound unbelievable as ordinary. That stated, they’ll value you one other $400 over the Vestia.

Another good possibility value contemplating is the SVS Ultra audio system, which pack in vividly clear and dynamic sound and stable bass response in a package deal that appears nearly as good because it sounds.

There’s additionally Focal’s new Theva line, which is changing the model’s extra inexpensive Chora lineup, beginning just below $1,000 per pair.

Conclusion

The Vestia No1 bookshelf audio system supply a luscious style of Focal luxurious at an approachable value level. Their candy, clear, and expansive sound is hard to match for the cash, even on this very aggressive class. If you’re seeking to spend money on a unbelievable pair of mid-level audiophile bookshelf audio system, the Vestia No1 ought to be excessive in your record.

The put up Focal Vestia No1 Bookshelf Speaker Review – Silky Smooth Sound first appeared on DwellingTheaterReview and is written by Ryan Waniata

World News

Focal Vestia No1 Bookshelf Speaker Review – Silky Smooth Sound

Posted on by Ryan Waniata


Focal Vestia No1 speakers in living room

If you’re after an awesome pair of bookshelf audio system for round $1,000, you’re spoiled for selection nowadays. But on the subject of coaxing readability, dynamics, expansive stereo imaging, and candy lyricism from all of your music and films, you’ll have a tough time beating Focal’s Vestia No1.

Positioned towards the low finish of Focal’s sprawling speaker catalog, the brand new Vestia line is an reasonably priced however nonetheless glorious entry level to the storied French audio model – a Vestivus for the remainder of us if you’ll (sorry, I couldn’t assist it). Offered in 5 mannequin sizes, with the No1 on the baseline, the Vestia leverage selection elements from different well-liked Focal audio system, packaged in a placing but understated design. The result’s a potent mixture of worth, fashion, and efficiency.

Highs

  • Clear and luxurious element
  • Expansive stereo imaging
  • Balanced but inviting tonality
  • Excellent transient response
  • Stylish design

Lows

  • Bass response may very well be higher
  • Piano gloss model will get soiled simply

Getting going 

Focal Vestia No1 black front

The first pair of Vestia No1 audio system I acquired got here within the piano gloss cupboards, sandwiching polished black panels on the sides with textured vinyl wrapping alongside the entrance, again, and bases. It’s look, however these gloss panels are fingerprint magnets, and I additionally seen the packing foam left some markings on the prime that required sharpening. 

Oddly, this pair additionally got here with a useless woofer in one of many audio system. The field was a bit beat up, and given Focal’s pedigree, I’ll name it a uncommon fluke. The upshot was I received an opportunity to check out one of many different two colours, this time the white, matte-paneled model (there’s additionally a walnut brown).

Focal Vestia No1 back

The second pair was in excellent order as anticipated and whereas I’m not usually one for white electronics, they give the impression of being rattling good on my black stands, whilst they conflict with my room’s heat decor. While I dig the black, I’d be inclined to go together with the Light or Dark Wood fashions in the event that they work along with your listening room.

To energy the audio system, I wired the banana plug terminals to my Naim Uniti Atom built-in streaming amplifier which, as luck would have it, occurs to be the one Focal recommends as a pairing (Focal and Naim are beneath the identical banner). With an 8 ohm nominal impedance, the audio system needs to be simple sufficient to energy with any variety of amplifiers or receivers, however the fluid readability of the Uniti Atom’s 40 watts per channel offered a very apt pairing.

Design and particulars

Focal calls the Vestia No1 compact in its press supplies, however they’re fairly massive for a bookshelf speaker on this value class, standing at 8 ⅝ x 10 ¼ x 15 ¼  inches (WxDxH). That’s due partially to the massive 6.5-inch woofer and front-facing bass port beneath it, designed to supply extra “frontal impression.” While they could look large in smaller rooms, they’re not imposingly so, and the shortage of a bottom port means you’ve received free rein to set them again in opposition to the wall if desired.

Focal Vestia No1 TAM Tweeter close up

The audio system ship with a pair of magnetic acoustic grilles, however why would you wish to cowl these fairly faces? The 1-inch aluminum-magnesium TAM tweeter seems to be notably inviting, set in a dimpled urethane waveguide inside a slick oval on the speaker’s prime and encircled by a glowing silver ring. A Focal creation, the inverted tweeter is designed to supply huge frequency diffusion, notably useful for automotive purposes, however as I can attest, it really works brilliantly for residence theater as properly.

The Slatefiber woofer, additionally made in-house utilizing recycled materials, offsets the tweeter properly. Introduced in Focal’s well-liked Chora audio system in 2019, the cone has made its manner into a number of Focal merchandise since, designed to supply impartial tonality. The crossover level between the 2 drivers is about at 2.8kHz, with a complete claimed frequency response of 56Hz to 30kHz.

Sweet, luxurious sound

Clear and expansive sound makes these Focal bookshelves hard to pass up. 97bdc08f img 4422

It’s onerous to resolve the place to start with the Vestia No1’s inviting sound signature. Should it’s their clean and candy midrange with a tender contact of cream on prime? Their easy extension within the treble that pulls out the subtlest particulars in strings, brass, and any variety of digital devices and results? Or their immersive, close to three dimensional stereo imaging that pulls you into the motion?

Honestly, it’s all my favourite, working collectively to raise every little thing from 30-year-old episodes of Seinfeld (yeah, Seinfeld is over 30) to the natural, near-live hand drums in Snarky Puppy’s Jefe.

While chances are you’ll consider Focal as a music-first audio model, I began my listening whereas catching up with Better Call Saul’s closing season. I swapped within the Vestia for the wonderful Polk Legend L100 bookshelf audio system I’d pulled out as a reference pair in anticipation of their arrival. And whereas I like what Polk has completed with the L100, it was frankly an instantaneous improve within the particulars division once I plugged within the Vestia.

Everything got here by with astonishing readability and viscerality; shuffled papers had a scrumptious crunch, whispered dialogue tickled at my ears, and even the baritone of a barbershop quartet in one of many transition scenes enthralled, as if laying down his dulcet melodies only for me.

Moving on to a few of my go-to cinematic check topics, the audio system continued to impress. The rainbow of results in Marvel’s Ant-Man have been all dealt with with textural definition, from the thick, thwapping wings of the helicopter ants to gunshots, surging electronics, and armies of ant legs rolling throughout micro landscapes. But what actually jumped out at me is how properly the audio system engulfed me within the enjoyable, bowing and spreading out the stereo picture each vertically and horizontally to ship me hurtling by the motion.

Vestia No1 White Grilles

The Vestia’s imaging isn’t fairly as diamond-hard as Polk’s L100, nevertheless it’s extremely expansive, whereas nonetheless constructing a transparent and nearly palpable middle picture. The latter impact was particularly notable with music playback. 

Rolling by loads of high-resolution audio tracks in Apple Music, in addition to compressed tracks on Spotify, the audio system confirmed a beautiful run throughout registers, spinning devices by the bass, midrange, and the very ideas of the treble frequencies with spectacular fluidity. They additionally showcased nice velocity, knocking out zippy sixty fourth notes with ease, whereas providing loads of dynamic expression to develop and contract with the subject material.

As famous earlier than, although the audio system sound strikingly correct, in addition they paint a layer of clean velvet into the midrange that’s particularly engaging, whereas their extension into the treble for devices like french horn, strings, and synthesizers is glowing candy. 

Every so typically, I heard a tiny little bit of, not harshness, however I’ll name it tautness on the prime of the midrange the place sibilance can rear its head. But such moments have been extraordinarily uncommon, and the sound by no means turned sharp, even when the music tended that manner. The Vestia do have a tendency to reveal little errors, artifacts, and even poor mixes – the worth for precision. For instance, the brand new Fruit Bats album is my favourite of 2023 up to now, however the vocal combine is surprisingly low, and the Vestia gave the problem nowhere to cover. It nonetheless sounded nice, however instantly my pal’s grievance concerning the combine was all of the extra apparent.

If I’ve one actual critique to lift concerning the No1’s sound, although, it’s the bass response. While it’s wealthy and musical, it’s not precisely thunderous. The lowest grooves in songs like The Weeknd’s Starboy or Biggie’s Hypnotize simply don’t hit with as a lot gravitas as you may anticipate from 6.5-inch woofers.

That stated, anybody searching for large, foundational bass needs to be pairing their bookshelves with a good subwoofer anyway, and the audio system pulsed with sufficient increase to satisfyingly deliver bass grooves, explosions, and different action-packed cinematic moments to life.

Competition and comparisons

As talked about, there are lots of nice choices on this value class, beginning with the Polk Legend L100 I referenced above. I believe the Vestia supply extra luxurious element within the midrange, and the Polk pair could be a contact shiny within the treble, however they give the impression of being and sound nice, with the spotlight being their particularly clear and well-defined stereo imaging.

One of my favourite selections on this class, or any class actually, are KEF’s LS50 audio system, which supply crystalline readability and loads of dynamics for something you play. I haven’t heard the newest iteration, the LS50 Meta, nevertheless it’s protected to imagine they sound incredible as standard. That stated, they’ll price you one other $400 over the Vestia.

Another good possibility price contemplating is the SVS Ultra audio system, which pack in vividly clear and dynamic sound and stable bass response in a bundle that appears nearly as good because it sounds.

There’s additionally Focal’s new Theva line, which is changing the model’s extra reasonably priced Chora lineup, beginning slightly below $1,000 per pair.

Conclusion

The Vestia No1 bookshelf audio system supply a luscious style of Focal luxurious at an approachable value level. Their candy, clear, and expansive sound is hard to match for the cash, even on this very aggressive class. If you’re trying to spend money on a incredible pair of mid-level audiophile bookshelf audio system, the Vestia No1 needs to be excessive in your checklist.

The publish Focal Vestia No1 Bookshelf Speaker Review – Silky Smooth Sound first appeared on DwellingTheaterReview and is written by Ryan Waniata

World News

Focal Vestia No1 Bookshelf Speaker Review – Silky Smooth Sound

Posted on by Ryan Waniata


Focal Vestia No1 speakers in living room

If you’re after an important pair of bookshelf audio system for round $1,000, you’re spoiled for selection lately. But in the case of coaxing readability, dynamics, expansive stereo imaging, and candy lyricism from all of your music and flicks, you’ll have a tough time beating Focal’s Vestia No1.

Positioned towards the low finish of Focal’s sprawling speaker catalog, the brand new Vestia line is an reasonably priced however nonetheless glorious entry level to the storied French audio model – a Vestivus for the remainder of us if you’ll (sorry, I couldn’t assist it). Offered in 5 mannequin sizes, with the No1 on the baseline, the Vestia leverage selection elements from different well-liked Focal audio system, packaged in a placing but understated design. The result’s a potent mixture of worth, type, and efficiency.

Highs

  • Clear and luxurious element
  • Expansive stereo imaging
  • Balanced but inviting tonality
  • Excellent transient response
  • Stylish design

Lows

  • Bass response could possibly be higher
  • Piano gloss model will get soiled simply

Getting going 

Focal Vestia No1 black front

The first pair of Vestia No1 audio system I obtained got here within the piano gloss cupboards, sandwiching polished black panels on the sides with textured vinyl wrapping alongside the entrance, again, and bases. It’s look, however these gloss panels are fingerprint magnets, and I additionally observed the packing foam left some markings on the high that required sprucing. 

Oddly, this pair additionally got here with a lifeless woofer in one of many audio system. The field was a bit beat up, and given Focal’s pedigree, I’ll name it a uncommon fluke. The upshot was I bought an opportunity to check out one of many different two colours, this time the white, matte-paneled model (there’s additionally a walnut brown).

Focal Vestia No1 back

The second pair was in good order as anticipated and whereas I’m not typically one for white electronics, they appear rattling good on my black stands, at the same time as they conflict with my room’s heat decor. While I dig the black, I’d be inclined to go along with the Light or Dark Wood fashions in the event that they work together with your listening room.

To energy the audio system, I wired the banana plug terminals to my Naim Uniti Atom built-in streaming amplifier which, as luck would have it, occurs to be the one Focal recommends as a pairing (Focal and Naim are underneath the identical banner). With an 8 ohm nominal impedance, the audio system must be simple sufficient to energy with any variety of amplifiers or receivers, however the fluid readability of the Uniti Atom’s 40 watts per channel offered a very apt pairing.

Design and particulars

Focal calls the Vestia No1 compact in its press supplies, however they’re fairly giant for a bookshelf speaker on this value class, standing at 8 ⅝ x 10 ¼ x 15 ¼  inches (WxDxH). That’s due partially to the big 6.5-inch woofer and front-facing bass port beneath it, designed to supply extra “frontal impression.” While they could look massive in smaller rooms, they’re not imposingly so, and the shortage of a bottom port means you’ve bought free rein to set them again in opposition to the wall if desired.

Focal Vestia No1 TAM Tweeter close up

The audio system ship with a pair of magnetic acoustic grilles, however why would you wish to cowl these fairly faces? The 1-inch aluminum-magnesium TAM tweeter seems notably inviting, set in a dimpled urethane waveguide inside a slick oval on the speaker’s high and encircled by a glowing silver ring. A Focal creation, the inverted tweeter is designed to supply vast frequency diffusion, notably helpful for automotive functions, however as I can attest, it really works brilliantly for dwelling theater as properly.

The Slatefiber woofer, additionally made in-house utilizing recycled materials, offsets the tweeter properly. Introduced in Focal’s well-liked Chora audio system in 2019, the cone has made its approach into a number of Focal merchandise since, designed to supply impartial tonality. The crossover level between the 2 drivers is about at 2.8kHz, with a complete claimed frequency response of 56Hz to 30kHz.

Sweet, luxurious sound

Clear and expansive sound makes these Focal bookshelves hard to pass up. 97bdc08f img 4422

It’s laborious to determine the place to start with the Vestia No1’s inviting sound signature. Should or not it’s their clean and candy midrange with a delicate contact of cream on high? Their easy extension within the treble that pulls out the subtlest particulars in strings, brass, and any variety of digital devices and results? Or their immersive, close to three dimensional stereo imaging that pulls you into the motion?

Honestly, it’s all my favourite, working collectively to raise every thing from 30-year-old episodes of Seinfeld (yeah, Seinfeld is over 30) to the natural, near-live hand drums in Snarky Puppy’s Jefe.

While you might consider Focal as a music-first audio model, I began my listening whereas catching up with Better Call Saul’s closing season. I swapped within the Vestia for the superb Polk Legend L100 bookshelf audio system I’d pulled out as a reference pair in anticipation of their arrival. And whereas I like what Polk has performed with the L100, it was frankly an instantaneous improve within the particulars division once I plugged within the Vestia.

Everything got here by way of with astonishing readability and viscerality; shuffled papers had a scrumptious crunch, whispered dialogue tickled at my ears, and even the baritone of a barbershop quartet in one of many transition scenes enthralled, as if laying down his dulcet melodies only for me.

Moving on to a few of my go-to cinematic check topics, the audio system continued to impress. The rainbow of results in Marvel’s Ant-Man have been all dealt with with textural definition, from the thick, thwapping wings of the helicopter ants to gunshots, surging electronics, and armies of ant legs rolling throughout micro landscapes. But what actually jumped out at me is how properly the audio system engulfed me within the enjoyable, bowing and spreading out the stereo picture each vertically and horizontally to ship me hurtling by way of the motion.

Vestia No1 White Grilles

The Vestia’s imaging isn’t fairly as diamond-hard as Polk’s L100, however it’s extremely expansive, whereas nonetheless constructing a transparent and virtually palpable heart picture. The latter impact was particularly notable with music playback. 

Rolling by way of loads of high-resolution audio tracks in Apple Music, in addition to compressed tracks on Spotify, the audio system confirmed a beautiful run throughout registers, spinning devices by way of the bass, midrange, and the very suggestions of the treble frequencies with spectacular fluidity. They additionally showcased nice velocity, knocking out zippy sixty fourth notes with ease, whereas providing loads of dynamic expression to develop and contract with the subject material.

As famous earlier than, although the audio system sound strikingly correct, in addition they paint a layer of clean velvet into the midrange that’s particularly engaging, whereas their extension into the treble for devices like french horn, strings, and synthesizers is glowing candy. 

Every so usually, I heard a tiny little bit of, not harshness, however I’ll name it tautness on the high of the midrange the place sibilance can rear its head. But such moments have been extraordinarily uncommon, and the sound by no means turned sharp, even when the music tended that approach. The Vestia do have a tendency to reveal little errors, artifacts, and even poor mixes – the worth for precision. For instance, the brand new Fruit Bats album is my favourite of 2023 up to now, however the vocal combine is surprisingly low, and the Vestia gave the problem nowhere to cover. It nonetheless sounded nice, however all of the sudden my good friend’s grievance in regards to the combine was all of the extra apparent.

If I’ve one actual critique to lift in regards to the No1’s sound, although, it’s the bass response. While it’s wealthy and musical, it’s not precisely thunderous. The lowest grooves in songs like The Weeknd’s Starboy or Biggie’s Hypnotize simply don’t hit with as a lot gravitas as you may count on from 6.5-inch woofers.

That mentioned, anybody on the lookout for massive, foundational bass must be pairing their bookshelves with a good subwoofer anyway, and the audio system pulsed with sufficient growth to satisfyingly convey bass grooves, explosions, and different action-packed cinematic moments to life.

Competition and comparisons

As talked about, there are a variety of nice choices on this value class, beginning with the Polk Legend L100 I referenced above. I feel the Vestia supply extra luxurious element within the midrange, and the Polk pair generally is a contact shiny within the treble, however they appear and sound nice, with the spotlight being their particularly clear and well-defined stereo imaging.

One of my favourite selections on this class, or any class actually, are KEF’s LS50 audio system, which provide crystalline readability and loads of dynamics for something you play. I haven’t heard the most recent iteration, the LS50 Meta, however it’s protected to imagine they sound unbelievable as common. That mentioned, they’ll value you one other $400 over the Vestia.

Another good choice value contemplating is the SVS Ultra audio system, which pack in vividly clear and dynamic sound and strong bass response in a package deal that appears pretty much as good because it sounds.

There’s additionally Focal’s new Theva line, which is changing the model’s extra reasonably priced Chora lineup, beginning slightly below $1,000 per pair.

Conclusion

The Vestia No1 bookshelf audio system supply a luscious style of Focal luxurious at an approachable value level. Their candy, clear, and expansive sound is hard to match for the cash, even on this very aggressive class. If you’re trying to spend money on a unbelievable pair of mid-level audiophile bookshelf audio system, the Vestia No1 must be excessive in your listing.

The publish Focal Vestia No1 Bookshelf Speaker Review – Silky Smooth Sound first appeared on ResidenceTheaterReview and is written by Ryan Waniata

World News

Kali Audio IN-8 V2 Speaker Review With WS-12 Subwoofer

Posted on by John Higgins

Designed to be studio monitors, the Kali Audio IN-8 V2 speakers are more about performance than aesthetics, but the performance is so good — especially for the price — the aesthetics almost don’t matter.

The post Kali Audio IN-8 V2 Speaker Review With WS-12 Subwoofer first appeared on HomeTheaterReview and is written by John Higgins

World News

Reviewed – Fluance Ai41 Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Posted on by Scott Schumer

Fluance is a Canadian audio manufacturer with a 20-year history of making great sounding gear at accessible prices. Their Ai41 Powered Bookshelf Speakers ($249 for the pair at Amazon) are a new example of their heritage, showcasing impressive sound reproduction with Bluetooth 5, RCA and optical inputs and good value. Updating the outgoing Ai40 bookshelves, these speakers improve the electronics with the latest Bluetooth spec, increase amplifier power from 70 watts to 90 watts, and feature impressive sound in a small form factor. Even without a dedicated subwoofer, they are able to generate usable bass response down to a listed 35Hz on their own, and include a subwoofer output that when connected, automatically cuts off frequencies below 80Hz to the bookshelf speakers and passes the low frequencies to the sub.

See at Amazon

The Class D, 90-watt RMS (2 x 45 watts) amplifier is built into the right speaker and will give you plenty of volume to fill small to mid-size spaces. One eight-foot, 18-gauge speaker wire is included as is a remote control and power cable (and thankfully no external brick power adapter as was the case with the predecessor Ai40).

The Ai41 tweeters are one-inch, silk soft dome with neodymium magnets and a ferrofluid cooled design, and the five-inch woofer cones are made from a glass-fiber composite with butyl rubber surrounds. These components combined with Fluance-engineered enclosure bracing, tuned rear ports, on-board amplifier and carefully integrated crossover result in a frequency response of 35Hz to 20KHz. Even without a sub, these small-sized bookshelf speakers deliver solid bass and impressive balanced sound that will fill all small to midsized rooms. 

How do the Fluance Ai41 speakers perform?

These are not just good sounding powered bookshelf speakers – they are GREAT sounding powered bookshelf speakers and at only $249, make the case for great value. Remember, you don’t need a separate amplifier – so not only are you saving your hard earned cash, you are saving space and getting stellar performance from a tuned system. Much like most current powered monitors and soundbars, DSP works with the amplifier to match the capabilities of the drivers, cross-over (2800Hz Phase Coherent 12dB/Oct), and rear-firing bass port. They sound terrific as a 2.0 system and adding a subwoofer – which is easily done via the RCA subwoofer out on the rear of the right speaker, will extend your bass reach even deeper. I decided to conduct my listening sessions without a sub, but note you will undoubtedly get a more immersive feeling by adding the sub of your choice. I switched back and forth between Bluetooth and line-level inputs without any noticeable difference.

The first of my two ‘ah-ha‘ moments were musical selections. I wanted to be sure the mid-range would retain clarity and spaciousness while still getting the detail in the high frequencies and a solid anchor on the bottom. My new go-to reference track for this listening is Doja Cat’s Say So from the 2020 album Hot Pink.

YouTube Video

Her vocals occupy the mid-high region requiring the sound system to resolve the mids and highs accurately to get this track right. The Fluance Ai41 were up to the task remaining clean and present with no harsh after-taste. Another test track for checking the mid-range performance is Circles by Post Malone.

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The acoustic guitar is right in the middle of the mid-range and never loses detail when the drums drop in, nor does the track lose its definition when the backing vocals wash over everything. Moving off-axis, the Ai41s remain forgiving and true, keeping the sound field free of coloration. Finally, I switched to the optical input coming from my Roku-powered HDTV streaming Stranger Things, which has great sound effects coming from every direction and a lot of whispered dialogue. The speakers again delivered, letting me enjoy and engrossing me in this well mixed episode.

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If you will be using these as a desktop system, either for gaming, streaming, or music from your computer, I wager you will be very pleased with these as your playback system. With rear firing ports, Fluance recommends placing these on the front of shelves to give the speakers little breathing room.

Fluance will also offer a slightly larger version called the Ai61 ($299.99) which, for fifty dollars more offers 120-watts and a 6.5-inch woofer with the same tweeter, same connectivity, and same finishes. Frequency response reaches slightly lower down to 32Hz. So, with such minimal differences, why would Fluance offer this option? I can only guess with the Ai41 they are appealing to placement constraints where the smaller footprint is preferred, and with an added subwoofer the smaller size speaker may not sound considerably different. If you have the space and an extra fifty dollars, the Ai61s make a lot of sense if you plan to skip adding on a dedicated sub.

If you wish to add a sub while staying in the Fluance line, they offer a 10” / 45-watt, ported front-firing option (the DB10 at $199.99) or a 12” / 240-watt, ported front-firing option (the DB12W at $299.99). Frequency response is 35Hz – 180Hz for the DB10 and 34Hz – 180Hz for the DB12. The Klipsch R-12SW ($249) is also a 12” front-firing, rear ported sub with 29Hz to 120Hz frequency response packing 200 watts RMS of on-board power. For bass you can feel as well as hear, I prefer subs that extend at least down to 20Hz and there are more than a few at these price points that reach even lower. My personal favorite is the RSL Speedwoofer 10S, which is a bit more expensive at $399, but delivers the goods with 350 watts and substantial output at 20Hz. The SVS SB-1000 Subwoofer and Paradigm Defiance V8 are excellent options for more refinement at a slightly higher price point.

Connections and Controls

Set-up is easy including Bluetooth pairing and selecting between sources (Bluetooth, RCA or Optical inputs) which can be handled from the included remote or via pushing the volume control knob on the front of the right speaker. There are color-coded confirmations of your selection and LED brightness can be dimmed via the remote control. The back panel is minimal on the passive speaker, while the active speaker includes all of the inputs, a Bluetooth reset button, and a power toggle and cord connection. Fluance recommends the active speaker on the right and also includes a simple EQ adjustment via the remote controls Bass/Treble buttons.

The Look

There are four available finishes: Black Ash with Black front, Dark Brown Wood with Black front, White with Black front and Natural Light Wood with White front. All look clean and fit most décors provided you don’t mind the visible drivers.

High Points

  • Simple usage and a range of inputs should support most listener’s sources
  • Subwoofer output with automatic cutoff at 80Hz
  • Exceptional overall sonic capability in a small bookshelf form factor

Low Points

  • No grill – some interior design aesthetics might lean towards a more finished look and you will be in trouble if your cat likes to play ‘poke the tweeter‘
  • No Phono pre-amp
  • Swapping the controls to the left side is not supported

Comparisons and Competition

The Klipsch R-15PM ($249 / pair) are exactly the same price and similar in size at 12.5” x 7″ x 8.1″, have similar size drivers but add a Phono pre-amp on board along with Bluetooth, RCA line level and optical inputs. The Klipsch are slightly (10-watts) more powerful with 100-watts RMS on tap versus the Fluance which sports a 90-watt amplifier. If you are not adding a sub, the Fluance Ai41 reach a little deeper down to 35Hz whereas the Klipsch start dropping off at 62Hz.

The Edifier R2000DN (249.99 / pair) are also the same price but are even more powerful with 120-watts on board. There is no subwoofer output which may make these a non-starter for those that want to extend the bass response of their system. Bluetooth is version 4.0, which is not the version 5 found on both the Fluance and Klipsch options. Bluetooth 5 brings greater range and less latency to the wireless party, making these Edifiers less appealing. Still, the sound quality is there so if you only care about music listening and don’t plan on adding a dedicated sub, these should be on your list.

Final Thoughts

Fluance has a winner with their Ai41 powered bookshelf speakers as their performance and connectivity make for an affordable high-quality sound system that is very easy to set up and live with. If you will be hooking up a turntable and/or prefer wired USB computer playback, the Klipsch Reference R-15PM present a compelling option. If you don’t plan on adding a sub and will only be listening to music, the Edifier R2000DN deserves consideration as well. I recommend the Fluance Ai41 system particularly for their musical tonality and detailed mid-range, as well as the dedicated subwoofer output and overall value.

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RBH PM-8 Powered Studio Monitor Review

Posted on by Olivia Deveau
RBH PM-8

Though RBH markets its PM-8 speaker as a “Powered Studio Monitor,” its design actually puts it in the “active speaker” category. Oftentimes used interchangeably, the distinction needs to be made, since the Venn diagram of active and powered speakers is not a circle. Simply put: an active speaker is always powered, but a powered speaker is not necessarily active. When it comes to a pair of PM-8s, there is no master speaker and a passive counterpart, and each benefit from digital crossovers and separate amplification for each driver.

The PM-8 is equipped with an 8-inch aluminum cone mid/woofer, Class D amplification that supplies 150 watts to the AMT tweeter and 250 watts to the subwoofer, balanced XLR inputs and throughout, and DSP controls (including Finite Impulse Response filters). The speaker has a frequency response of 32Hz to 20kHz, commensurate with its hefty size. Each weighs 43.35 pounds and stands nearly 20 inches tall, making a pair of them hard to miss, which may or may not work for you, depending on your room setup and intended use.

Configuring the RBH PM-8

Since I tested the PM-8s for personal use and not professional studio sessions, the setup was relatively simple and smooth. Source components included an Apollo Twin USB DAW and 2014 MacBook Pro for Apple Music and Spotify Connect. I opted not to connect a subwoofer for this review.

RBH doesn’t provide optional stands for the monitors, but if there’s anything I’ve learned during my short time in the vast and hyper-specific audiophile world, stands are sacrosanct, and if you’re using them in a room that gets a lot of foot traffic, sturdy stands are an absolute must. So, the sizeable PM-8s were sitting pretty in the living room atop a pair of Argosy Spire 360Xi Studio Monitor Stands. The pair of PM-8s I reviewed had one monitor with composite side panels, and another without – the two available finish options for the speaker – and truly, both are equally attractive and could be fit into a home theater setup or studio arrangement easily – it just depends whether you prefer shiny or matte. Though the composite panels are supposed to minimize cabinet vibrations and as a result enhance sound, I really could not tell a difference between the two when isolating and A/Bing between them.

How does the RBH PM-8 sound?

Something that remains at the forefront of my mind when listening to new speakers is whether or not the music has been fundamentally changed. At most, a mix’s qualities should be enhanced, not disguised – minimal makeup versus an eighteenth-century powdered face. Thankfully, and unsurprisingly, the PM-8s forgo the Marie Antoinette routine and, generally, the genius of my music choices was magnified but not altered.

A perfect example of this would be Lana Del Rey’s 2014 Ultraviolence. Produced in part by one half of The Black Keys, Dan Auerbach, Ultraviolence’s depth is often dismissed. When I cued up the deluxe edition on the PM-8s, however, the album was truly given new life, and my middle-school self smiled smugly at Del Rey’s detractors. “Florida Kilos,” a sultry ode to one of Del Ray’s favorite topics (drugs), comes through so smoothly and powerfully, I felt like I’d really only heard half of the percussive choices till I heard the song through the PM-8s.

Similarly, “West Coast,” a fan-favorite love letter to the hippie hideouts of the Golden State, finds new depth and takes advantage of the monitors’ impressive imaging abilities. Del Rey may very well be a “studio artist” (agree to disagree) but the PM-8s make you feel like the singer is right there in the room with you.

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Another album that well and truly floored me was Florence + the Machine’s 2018 LP, High As Hope. An album generally ignored within the artist’s repertoire, High As Hope is more muted than the band’s bigger hits, but it’s a perfect example of how important dynamic range is. “Big God” is the album’s spotlight of Welch’s ability to hit a lower register, and though the song is relatively simple, there’s so much going on in the background that’s easy to miss. The eeriness of the piano and the song’s exploration of abandonment is brought to the forefront, and the cleverly mixed-in strings sample from Simon Benson & Peter Cox’s “Azure-Blue” probably would not grab you by the throat and make you feel something if it weren’t for the PM-8s’s authority. Welch’s transition from soft to forceful vocals and everything between is perfectly captured by the monitors, as is the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it inclusion of Kamasi Washington on tenor sax. 

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Next, I turned to Thom Yorke’s “Hearing Damage,” from the New Moon soundtrack. The distortion and tendency towards high-frequency sounds makes this track a tricky bastard, in that even on the best setup, the song simply has a tendency toward harshness in keeping with its name. I was relieved to learn the PM-8s passed the biggest treble test I gave them. Yorke’s vocals are perfectly set against the song’s percussion at the forefront, and the monitors registered every ounce of low-end distortion and hit of the hi-hat with beauty and precision. 

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Similarly, Tori Amos’s “Cornflake Girl,” and “Crucify,” both featured on A Tori Amos Collection – Tales of a Librarian, reach impressively high highs and low lows within their relatively short lengths, and the PM-8s in no way neglect either end of the audible spectrum. The sleigh bell-laden percussion track and flute solo of “Cornflake Girl” contrast against the deeper piano and bass riffs, but instead of making the mix sound jarring or discordant, the monitors bring smaller aspects to the forefront and blend the opposing sounds together well. 

“Crucify,” a song that relies almost entirely on a speaker’s ability to provide perfect depth as well as imaging, comes out crystal clear and bass-laden, exactly as it should.

As mentioned briefly above, the monitors’ ability to convey space is so prevalent it feels like a crime to not try and test those limits. Enter Lykke Li’s brand of outside-the-box pop, exhibited most fiercely in 2011’s Wounded Rhymes, a staple in every alt aficionado’s collection.

 “Youth Knows No Pain,” a masterpiece on its own, is a shock to the system via the PM-8s. Li’s steady soprano glides steadily against the constant bass drum and tambourine, and the percussive presence of “Sadness Is a Blessing” feels much more imposing, in the best way possible. The monitors mask nothing, Li’s voice remains the focus, but every other element is allowed to shine, and any listener could pick out each and every hit of a cymbal or piano key as if it were its own isolated track. As someone who has listened to this particular record as if it were written just for me and across every system I can, believe me when I say there’s truly something special about the way it’s rendered on the PM-8s.

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 When it came to rock music, the PM-8s unsurprisingly shone. As someone who appreciates and even prefers big sound, I loved throwing a wide variety of rock at the PM-8s to see what they could handle (spoiler: they took it all and then some). Type O Negative’s 1993 single “Christian Woman” is a great example of the range that rock can have, not to mention a true masterpiece. Peter Steele’s raspy-soft vocals play so well against Kenny Hickey’s hard-hitting guitar – there’s no push and pull, both incredibly powerful elements are center-stage, and the only distortion detected is the band’s signature gothic metal sound, which favors a harsher aesthetic. Even the most discerning metalhead would be pleased to hear how well this criminally underappreciated band images with these monitors.

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The downside 

It’s very hard to find something wrong with RBH’s take on the active studio monitor. Are they really large? Sure. Do they absolutely kick the ass of every speaker I’ve listened to recently? Also, yes. If you’re looking for an active monitor for use in a home theater setup, however, these may not be your best bet. Though they are versatile and magnificent-sounding, they are, at the end of the day, studio monitors, and not the most user-friendly for AV applications. 

Additionally, the lack of coordinating stands is a minor hitch, but may throw some off, especially since RBH’s studio monitor stand offering leaves a bit to be desired when it comes to stability. You certainly don’t need $500 stands, but you might want to invest in something to keep these guys elevated and secure. 

How does the RBH PM-8 compare to the competition?

Most other active studio monitors on the market are built with dome tweeters, not AMTs, so if that specific aspect matters most to you, the RBH PM-8s reign supreme when it comes to price point and sound capabilities. 

If the tweeter construction isn’t an issue for you, but price is, the best studio monitor that offers similar sound capabilities at a relatively lower price would be the JBL 750P active studio monitors ($99/each). However, its frequency range is relatively limited by comparison – as expected – and output is understandably much lower. 

The Focal Solo6 Be may be the closest match in specs and price ($1,499/each), but that specific monitor is intended for nearfield use, so it’s not as versatile as the RBH.

Final thoughts

I’ve raved enough about the sound for the message to come across loud and clear, but it bears repeating: the PM-8s are very much next-level, at least when it comes to do-it-all, powerhouse monitors. Verifiably elegant for a pair of bulky cabinets, the PM-8s hold up against a wide range of music, and never seem to falter or make you think, “does this song sound better in my car?” – a thought I have most definitely had at times with other speakers. Though a bit on the pricier side, the monitors seem appropriately priced at $1,995.95 each with composite side panels, and $1,595.95 each without.

Some may choose to go the more traditional route and opt for a pair of bookshelf speakers geared towards a more traditional setup, but if you’re looking for high performance speakers that don’t force you to fret over finding the right amp, the PM-8s are most certainly worth your consideration.

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Review: Paradigm Premier 100B Bookshelf Speaker

Posted on by Greg Handy

The Paradigm Premier speaker line is probably best described as a trickle-down version of the company’s highly lauded Persona Series. This product line is positioned as the first step into audiophile-level performance, with more approachable price points, while retaining the Crafted in Canada pedigree. The Premier series consists of six models: two towers, two bookshelf, and two center channel speakers. Under review here is the entry-level bookshelf model, the Premier 100B, with an MSRP of $399 each or $798 for the pair.  (Available here from Audio Advice.)

The Premier 100B is a two-way bass-reflex design, with the port located near the top of the speaker’s rear panel. Despite the “bookshelf speaker” designation, the 100B is engineered to sound its best atop a well-designed speaker stand. But the fact remains that it could be placed on a shelf or media console tabletop if desired.

The cabinet’s 11.125-inch height, 6.125-inch width, and 9.125-inch depth makes it easy to place. It’s constructed of three-quarter-inch thick medium density fiberboard (MDF) on all sides except for its one-inch-thick baffle, where the tweeter and midrange/bass drivers are mounted. A single set of binding posts sits at the speaker cabinet’s bottom back panel. While most Premier line models have tapered cabinetry, the 100B has a simpler rectangle shape with all corners at 90 degrees. This is perhaps the most significant indication of the Premier series’ budget status as compared with the Persona line.

At first glance, it would appear the 100B has separate factory-integrated speaker grills for both the tweeter and midrange/bass driver, which adds to an overall modern and sophisticated aesthetic. While these coverings do offer some form of driver protection, their actual purpose is to serve as a Perforated Phase Aligning (PPA) lens. The various shapes and sizes of the PPA and the cyclonic pattern of the cover for the mid/bass driver were carefully engineered to improved phase alignment. The 100B also comes with magnetically attached cloth speaker grills, but I found they gave the speaker a somewhat dated and more traditional look. 

The 100B also benefits from proprietary drivers designed in-house and employ Paradigm’s Active Ridge Technology (ART) surrounds. This technique molds the surround, also known as the suspension, directly onto each midrange/woofer cone, allowing for much greater and much more linear excursion, with a 3dB increase in output yet a 50-percent reduction in distortion. The suspension is made of an injection-molded thermoplastic elastomer, while the 5.5-inch midrange/bass driver is carbon-infused polypropylene. A one-inch dome ferrofluid-cooled tweeter, referred to as X-PAL, promises to deliver clear and accurate high frequencies well above the audible spectrum, resulting in a rated frequency response of 68 Hz to 25 kHz (±3dB). 

Setting up the Paradigm Premier 100B

I positioned the Premier 100Bs on Sound Anchor speaker stands within my dedicated listening room and mated them with a pair of Pass Labs XA 60.8 mono-block amplifiers and an XP 12 Preamplifier. All interconnects and speaker cables are from Wire Worlds Gold Eclipse 8 product line and I relied primarily on my Oppo BDP 105 as the primary source to stream music from Tidal.  

The Premier line offers three cabinet finishes: white, black, and a dark faux wood laminate referred to as espresso. I was impressed with the espresso finish’s verisimilitude; however, a fine white hairline at the cabinet’s edges became noticeable over time.  

How does the Paradigm Premier 100B perform? 

Streaming various songs by Sara K. was a perfect way to gauge the 100B’s handling of acoustic instrumentation and the female voice. I was immediately impressed by the speaker’s linear and well-balanced frequency response. The voicing struck me as neither fatiguing nor too laid back or uninteresting. Additionally, imaging was impressive, with an excellent center stage and perfect center placement of Sara and her guitar, with supporting instruments to the left, right, and behind her. Specifically, in the song “I Can’t Stand the Rain,” Sara’s voice displayed texture when she projected it, along with a smoothness when she inflected it. Her acoustic guitar was delivered with an endearing quality floating mildly in front of me, adding to the overall experience. 

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Next, I cued up “YYZ” from Rush’s Moving Picture’s, mostly to get a sense of the speaker’s capacity for dynamics and transient response. Bass isn’t, of course, one of the 100B’s strengths, given its 68Hz low-frequency extension, so I added a subwoofer to the mix by employing the home theater bypass function of the Pass Labs preamplifier with a NAD M17 V2 preamp processor. With a Focal Sub-1000 taking over the reproduction of 80Hz frequencies and below, the whole soundstage opened up dramatically. Even though the 100Bs performed well in their own right, once I added the subwoofer, a more well-rounded and complete image emerged. 

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To push the 100Bs to extremes at both ends of their 68 Hz to 25kHz frequency response, I played a favorite torture test track: AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” from their The Razors Edge album. While I felt the upper frequencies and midrange performed well, this song made the speakers bass limitation more obvious. Engaging the subwoofer put a different spin on the 100Bs, making it sound substantial not just in the lower end but with more effortless mid-bass and midrange reinforcement. 

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Throughout all of my listening, the thing that stood out to me most about the Premier 100B is that within its frequency range no particular driver or band drew attention to itself more than another, leading to an overall pleasing and balanced presentation. High frequencies were rendered nicely with a touch of air, particularly noticeable with electric guitars and cymbals. Midrange and bass exhibited detail and control, blending nicely with the tweeter. 

High Points

  • The Premier 100B borrows Paradigm’s advanced technologies such as PPA and ART from the company’s top-of-the-line Persona line at a more attainable price point. 
  • The Premier 100B benefits from an exceptionally flat frequency response, allowing the original recording to reveal itself as intended, without any noticable coloration. 
  • The speakers imaged extremely well during nearfield listening, creating an impressive center image, with excellent depth and forward staging.  
  • The speaker’s small footprint allows easy positioning on shelves or a media console when dedicated speaker stands are not an option. 
  • The overall voicing and lack of distortion allowed for extended listening sessions without fatigue.  

Low Points

  • As expected for any speaker at this size and price point, you’ll need to add a sub to get much of the bottom end. 
  • While this is a slightly noticeable issue, a fine light-colored line on the cabinet’s edgework is visible on the dark espresso finish.  

How does the Paradigm Premier 100B compare to the competition?  

The competition is fierce within the bookshelf speaker category, but if you’re shopping around at this price point, there are a few considerations. 

Priced at $898 per pair, the GoldenEar Aon 2 is a bookshelf speaker with some serious hardware: a six-inch mid/bass driver and two 6.5-inch side-mounted low-frequency radiators, one on each side of the cabinet, along with a folded ribbon tweeter.  GoldenEar claims an impressive frequency response of 35 Hz to an 42kHz, rivaling some tower speakers’ bass extension and handily besting most speakers at the upper end. 

The Revel Concerta2 M16 retails for $900 per pair. With a two-way ported bookshelf design that uses waveguide technology, along with design elements borrowed from Revel’s highly regarded Performa3 line of speakers, the M16 is a great direct comparison to the Premier 100B. My experience with this speaker is somewhat limited; still, it was enough to leave a memorable impression of its audio performance and high-end fit and finish.

At $990 a pair, the Focal Chora 806 was an approachable alternative to the Premier 100B. This speaker’s fit and finish is excellent, typical for Focal. Like the 100B, the 806 is a two-way ported bookshelf speaker. With a tweeter made of both aluminum and magnesium, and a slate-fiber midrange/bass driver, this speaker delivers bass extension similar to that of the Paradigm. 

Final thoughts

The Paradigm Premier 100B proved to be a competitive entry-level with performance that should satisfy any audio enthusiast. With PPA and ART technologies borrowed from the Paradigm Persona line, the Premier 100B achieves a linear frequency response, with neutral voicing and excellent imaging, and lends itself to hours of unfatiguing enjoyment. This particular price point is highly competitive, with many manufacturers working diligently to earn your attention. True, that does contribute to the paradox of choice, but in the end, consumers benefit as competitors continual push the boundaries of price vs. performance, which is what I experienced with the Paradigm Premier100Bs. 

Without reservation, if you are interested in bookshelf speakers within the $700 to $1,000 price range, I can enthusiastically recommend the Paradigm Premier 100B as a must-audition before making any final purchase decisions.  

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Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series Anniversary Edition Theater 5.1 Speaker System Review

Posted on by Brian Kahn

The original Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series speakers were introduced twenty-five years ago and they have been the company’s best-selling speaker line over the years, so an update to the line is certainly noteworthy. The 600 Series Anniversary Edition line celebrates six generations of engineering improvements and the sale of over one million units.

Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series Anniversary Edition System

The new 600 Series Anniversary Edition is the seventh generation of the 600 Series and is comprised of four speaker models,: the 603 S2 floor standing speaker ($2,000 per pair); the 606 S2 stand-mounted speaker ($800 per pair); the 607 S2 compact stand-mounted speaker ($700 per pair);, and; the HTM6 S2 center channel ($800, each). Optional stands are available for the 606 S2 and 607 S2. Three powered subwoofers – the ASW608, ASW610 and ASW610XP ($500, $800, and $1,500, respectively) – provide low-frequency reinforcement for the series. B&W sells a pair of the 603 S2, a pair of the 607 S2, a HTM6 S2 center, and a ASW610 sub as a package for $4,300.

Although this series is the entry level series of Bowers & Wilkins’ home audio lineup, its speakers do benefit from technology borrowed from B&W’s reference-grade speakers. The new speakers borrow crossover technology and components used in the more expensive 700 Series Signature range. The 600 Anniversary series incorporates a “refined and upgraded” version of the Decoupled Double Dome tweeter, which pushes the breakup point to 38kHz. The midrange’s Continuum cone, which was first used in the 800 Series Diamond, promises to provide improved detail and accuracy in comparison to prior midrange drivers. The 600 Anniversary Series speakers also feature a revised and upgraded crossover design.

The 600 Series Anniversary Edition speakers are available in four finishes: white, black, oak, and a special-order red cherry. My review samples were finished in a matte black. The vinyl wrap finish was plain but cleanly applied. 

The 603 S2 is a three-way, ported design with a slender profile featuring a one-inch aluminum dome tweeter, a six-inch Continuum midrange driver, and two 6.5-inch paper bass cones. An optional plinth-style base can be installed for additional stability, good to have if pets or younger listeners are around. The grilles are secured with hidden magnets, which allow for a clean front baffle. The clean baffle coupled with the pleasant aesthetic of the contrasting silver finish of the tweeter and midrange, and the black of the two woofers on bottom makes for a clean, modern look. 

The 603 S2 tower is 41.5 inches high when mounted on its base, 7.5 inches wide, and 13.4 inches deep. The plinth style base is 12.6 inches wide and 14.6 inches deep, so despite the narrow profile of the speaker, you will need some additional clear floor space if you want to use the base. The 53.1-pound speaker feels pretty solid but is not as inert as the similarly-sized but more-expensive Revel F206 / F226Be. Bowers & Wilkins states the frequency response as 48Hz to 28kHz (+/-3dB, with a 6 dB down point of 28Hz). Nominal impedance for all passive speakers in the series is 8 Ohms, and the sensitivity of the 603 S2 is stated at 88.5 dB (2.83V, 1m). 

All of the speakers in the line feature what appears to be the same rear plate, with double binding posts in case you want to bi-wire and B&W’s familiar dimpled and flared port. A two-part foam bung is supplied so you can partially or fully plug the port to tune the speaker to your listening room and the speakers’ positions therein.

The ASW 610 sits in the middle of the ASW 600 series subwoofer lineup. As with its siblings, it’s a front-firing, sealed suspension design. The built-in Class D amplifier is rated at 200 watts and has a frequency response of 26Hz to 140 Hz (+/- 3dB), with a 6dB down point of 20Hz.

Setting Up the Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series Anniversary Edition Theatre System

The speakers arrived securely packed in cardboard boxes with clear instructions on the outside, which made unboxing them a breeze. I installed the base plinths in just a few minutes with the four included bolts and included Allen wrench. The speakers come with sets of simple spikes for carpeted floors and rounded plastic feet for hard surfaces. The included manuals provide clear, easy-to-follow instructions and setup advice. 

I listened to the 603 S2s and 607 S2s in both stereo and multi-channel configurations. Starting with the stereo system, I used the Naim Uniti Atom all-in-one music player (reviewed here), connecting everything with Austere cabling. I had a pair of SVS SB-2000 Pro subwoofers (reviewed here) already set up in the room, so I tried those with the 607 S2’s until I got the B&W ASW 610 in from the garage and unboxed. The ASW 610 does not come with an App or any sort of room correction software, but does provide a back-panel controls for both line and speaker volume, low-pass frequency cutoff (including a switch to disengage), bass extension, equalization, and phase switches. I ended up with the equalization switch set to “A” and bass extension set to “C.”

After a few days of two-channel listening I moved the speakers into my theater room where I connected them to my Krell TAS Amplifier (reviewed here) and Marantz AV8805 AV Preamplifier(reviewed here). Oppo’s UDP-203 (reviewed here) and a Roku Ultra (latest model reviewed here) were my primary sources. The HTM6 S2 sat on top of a low equipment rack and the ASW 610 was positioned just inside the right-channel 603 S2.

How Does the Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series Anniversary Edition Theatre System Sound?

Joss Stone’s “Chokin Kind” from The Soul Sessions (Tidal, Virgin) can quickly reveal problems in the upper midrange and treble, but the 603 S2s handled themselves very well. Stone’s voice can be hard to reproduce cleanly, and the 603 S2s did so with only a hint of hardness at higher volumes. So far, the new tweeter was off to a good start.

The drums on this track provide a solid foundation without being overpowering, and the B&Ws did a good job of portraying them with composure, never devolving into the sort of one-note bass that can plague lesser ported speakers. I found the dynamics to be good even at volumes louder than I could comfortably listen to.

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“Everything I Wanted” by Billie Eilish (Tidal, Interscope Records) provided solid imaging with Eilish’s solo vocals, solidly positioned in space slightly behind the plane of the speakers. While most of the track features synthesized music, Eilish’s now-familiar voice provided ample opportunity for balanced, detailed, and natural musical reproduction., The layered chorus vocal tracks were a bit diffuse. as they were on the other speaker systems through which I auditioned this track. The 603 S2s were able to reproduce the synthesized bass without losing any composure at low to moderate volumes, whereas the smaller 607 S2’s provided more low-frequency energy than I expected from their compact cabinets, but quickly lost detail and energy below about 50 Hz. I found I was able to easily integrate a pair of SVS SB-2000 Pro subwoofers to extend low frequency extension. 

The B&W ASW610 subwoofer took a bit more work to integrate with the 607 S2s in a stereo configuration, but worked well once it was dialed in. Before I moved the speakers out of this room, I tried the 603 S2s with the ASW 610 on this track and found that they too benefitted from the extra extension. If I had not heard the track with the subwoofer, I would not have missed the extra bass energy, but once I heard it, I realized the 603 S2s could not quite reach low enough to reproduce everything on the track.

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Before moving to multi-channel music or movies I felt compelled to try at least one stereotypical audiophile recording. I went with “Bird on a Wire” from Jennifer Warnes’ album Famous Blue Raincoat (CD, Private Music). I have heard this track on countless systems, and while the vocals and instruments are all well-recorded in their own right, it is the imaging and soundstage that set this recording apart. The 603 S2s did a good job with the lateral portion of the soundstage, but the depth seemed slightly compressed not matter how I adjusted the speaker positioning. It was still quite good, but couldn’t match the depth of soundstage I’ve obtained with other, similarly sized speakers. Jennifer Warnes’ voice was rendered with greater detail and more neutrally than on the B&W 683 towers I reviewed a little over a decade ago, though.

YouTube Video

I listened to several multi-channel music discs, one of them being ‘The Eagles’ Hell Freezes Over (DVD, Image). The multi-channel soundstage was much larger than what I was able to achieve with the stereo version of this album and the individual instruments were placed in the proper position. The drums from “Hotel California” were produced with speed and palpable impact. The subwoofer did a good job reproducing the different drum notes without any bloat or blurring.

I tried a couple other multi-channel music discs and found that bass heavy tracks from Crystal Method’s Legion of Boom (DVD-Audio, DTS) were too much for the single ASW 610. This disc has a lot of synthesized bass elements that, when played with larger Paradigm or SVS subwoofers, pressurize the room. A single ASW 610 could not pressurize my 12- by 17-foot room with notes under 30 Hz. If you are seeking to pressurize a mid- to large-sized room with powerful, low-frequency bass, you’ll either want a second ASW 610 or a more powerful sub such as the ASW 610 XP.

I could not complete a review of a 5.1 theatre (British speakers so British spelling) system without at least one movie. In anticipation of Top Gun: Maverick, my son and I watched Top Gun, (UHD, Paramount) again (my wife refused to join us). I think this may be the second or third time we’ve watched it during the pandemic. The HTM6 S2 kept up with the 603 S2s when it came to vocal clarity, maintaining its composure and timbre until I was way off to the side, well beyond 45 degrees off-center. I suspect the relatively close positioning of the midrange drivers allowed for this MTM-style speaker to maintain its performance across a wide range of listening positions.

The Dolby Atmos soundtrack is well done, with both lots of detail and lots of low frequency energy to give the B&W 600 Series Anniversary Edition Theatre system a good workout. I was not surprised to hear lots of detail in all channels. The dialogue was always rendered clearly, as were the sonic cues providing differing positioning details.

Even though the movie is filled with action scenes, there are several dialogue-heavy scenes where the characters’ positions move laterally across the screen. This tests the system’s ability to remain consistent as the vocals are passed from the center channel to the main front speakers. The B&W 600 Series Anniversary Edition did well with this. The towers have more lower midrange weight which was only noticeable if listening very closely on deeper voices. I would be surprised if any listeners noticed this unless they were listening very closely just for timbre mismatching. 

I was able to play the movie at reference levels and with the front left and right speakers running full range without any obvious signs of the speakers’ reaching their limits. That said, if you are looking to play your action movies above reference levels, I would suggest running the towers as “small” and having a capable subwoofer (or two) handling the low bass in order to provide even more dynamic range.

YouTube Video

The Downside

The 600 Series Anniversary Edition does a lot right, but there were a few things I would like to see improved upon. The aesthetics are a bit plain, but I think the clean lines work well with the white or black finishes. The magnetic grill of one of the sample speakers fell off every few days, but since it was only one of five speakers to perform this spontaneous striptease, it might be an anomaly. As the 600 Anniversary Series Theatre is relatively compact, some owners might be inclined to place them in tighter quarters. The rear port design could be problematic in tight spaces, though.

The ASW subwoofer series is lacking some features commonly found in many competitors that help with ease of setup. The ASW series lacks any sort of auto-EQ or room correction, which will not be an issue for those who are also using a modern receiver or preamp with room correction, but could be a problem for those using it in a two-channel system. I have become spoiled by subwoofers with app-controlled setup, which makes subwoofer setup much easier and faster.

How Does the Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series Anniversary Edition Theatre Compare to the Competition?

There are several competing speaker lineups that provide similar options: Focal’s Chora line, SVS Sound’s Prime Pinnacle line, and the Paradigm Premier line. I have only heard the Focal Chora (the stand-mounted 806) and it would probably be comparable to the B&W 606 S2 in performance. While I have not heard the SVS or Paradigm speakers, I have heard good things about them from my colleagues. All have multiple speaker options that would allow for a similarly configured and priced 5.1 system. 

I note that the Focal Chora subwoofer is more similar to the B&W ASW line, in that it is a sealed suspension design with manual back-panel controls. The Paradigm subwoofers are ported and the SVS Subwoofers can be had in either ported or sealed configurations. SVS Sound and Paradigm subwoofers both come with app control and Paradigm has Anthem Room Correction built in.

Final Thoughts

The B&W 600 Series Anniversary Edition Theatre system provides a lot of performance for its relatively modest price. I was pleasantly surprised by the increase in performance from the last 600 series speaker system I reviewed. Normally “new and improved” is a small incremental change, here it was readily apparent. There was less coloration than the B&W 683’s I reviewed in the past, more resolution in lower levels, and more dynamic range. 

The 603 S2s provide solid performance on their own or as part of a larger system. The 607 S2s would be good for a small bedroom or office, but even then, I would want to have a subwoofer handle the lower frequencies, as that would both increase the dynamic range and provide better definition below about 50 Hz. 

The combination of the components made for a system that was capable and satisfying with both music and movies alike. When listening to familiar music through the system, it just sounded right. There was good balance from top to bottom without any undue coloration calling attention to itself. For those who need more resolution or dynamic range, there is always the B&W 700 Series, but the 600 Series provides good performance at a fair price, making it easy to recommend for audition.

Additional Resources
• Visit the Bowers and Wilkins website for more product information.
• Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Wireless Headphone Review at HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series Anniversary Edition Theater 5.1 System First Look at HomeTheaterReview.com.

World News

Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series Anniversary Edition Theater 5.1 Speaker System Review

Posted on by Brian Kahn

The original Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series speakers were introduced twenty-five years ago and they have been the company’s best-selling speaker line over the years, so an update to the line is certainly noteworthy. The 600 Series Anniversary Edition line celebrates six generations of engineering improvements and the sale of over one million units.

Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series Anniversary Edition System

The new 600 Series Anniversary Edition is the seventh generation of the 600 Series and is comprised of four speaker models,: the 603 S2 floor standing speaker ($2,000 per pair); the 606 S2 stand-mounted speaker ($800 per pair); the 607 S2 compact stand-mounted speaker ($700 per pair);, and; the HTM6 S2 center channel ($800, each). Optional stands are available for the 606 S2 and 607 S2. Three powered subwoofers – the ASW608, ASW610 and ASW610XP ($500, $800, and $1,500, respectively) – provide low-frequency reinforcement for the series. B&W sells a pair of the 603 S2, a pair of the 607 S2, a HTM6 S2 center, and a ASW610 sub as a package for $4,300.

Although this series is the entry level series of Bowers & Wilkins’ home audio lineup, its speakers do benefit from technology borrowed from B&W’s reference-grade speakers. The new speakers borrow crossover technology and components used in the more expensive 700 Series Signature range. The 600 Anniversary series incorporates a “refined and upgraded” version of the Decoupled Double Dome tweeter, which pushes the breakup point to 38kHz. The midrange’s Continuum cone, which was first used in the 800 Series Diamond, promises to provide improved detail and accuracy in comparison to prior midrange drivers. The 600 Anniversary Series speakers also feature a revised and upgraded crossover design.

The 600 Series Anniversary Edition speakers are available in four finishes: white, black, oak, and a special-order red cherry. My review samples were finished in a matte black. The vinyl wrap finish was plain but cleanly applied. 

The 603 S2 is a three-way, ported design with a slender profile featuring a one-inch aluminum dome tweeter, a six-inch Continuum midrange driver, and two 6.5-inch paper bass cones. An optional plinth-style base can be installed for additional stability, good to have if pets or younger listeners are around. The grilles are secured with hidden magnets, which allow for a clean front baffle. The clean baffle coupled with the pleasant aesthetic of the contrasting silver finish of the tweeter and midrange, and the black of the two woofers on bottom makes for a clean, modern look. 

The 603 S2 tower is 41.5 inches high when mounted on its base, 7.5 inches wide, and 13.4 inches deep. The plinth style base is 12.6 inches wide and 14.6 inches deep, so despite the narrow profile of the speaker, you will need some additional clear floor space if you want to use the base. The 53.1-pound speaker feels pretty solid but is not as inert as the similarly-sized but more-expensive Revel F206 / F226Be. Bowers & Wilkins states the frequency response as 48Hz to 28kHz (+/-3dB, with a 6 dB down point of 28Hz). Nominal impedance for all passive speakers in the series is 8 Ohms, and the sensitivity of the 603 S2 is stated at 88.5 dB (2.83V, 1m). 

All of the speakers in the line feature what appears to be the same rear plate, with double binding posts in case you want to bi-wire and B&W’s familiar dimpled and flared port. A two-part foam bung is supplied so you can partially or fully plug the port to tune the speaker to your listening room and the speakers’ positions therein.

The ASW 610 sits in the middle of the ASW 600 series subwoofer lineup. As with its siblings, it’s a front-firing, sealed suspension design. The built-in Class D amplifier is rated at 200 watts and has a frequency response of 26Hz to 140 Hz (+/- 3dB), with a 6dB down point of 20Hz.

Setting Up the Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series Anniversary Edition Theatre System

The speakers arrived securely packed in cardboard boxes with clear instructions on the outside, which made unboxing them a breeze. I installed the base plinths in just a few minutes with the four included bolts and included Allen wrench. The speakers come with sets of simple spikes for carpeted floors and rounded plastic feet for hard surfaces. The included manuals provide clear, easy-to-follow instructions and setup advice. 

I listened to the 603 S2s and 607 S2s in both stereo and multi-channel configurations. Starting with the stereo system, I used the Naim Uniti Atom all-in-one music player (reviewed here), connecting everything with Austere cabling. I had a pair of SVS SB-2000 Pro subwoofers (reviewed here) already set up in the room, so I tried those with the 607 S2’s until I got the B&W ASW 610 in from the garage and unboxed. The ASW 610 does not come with an App or any sort of room correction software, but does provide a back-panel controls for both line and speaker volume, low-pass frequency cutoff (including a switch to disengage), bass extension, equalization, and phase switches. I ended up with the equalization switch set to “A” and bass extension set to “C.”

After a few days of two-channel listening I moved the speakers into my theater room where I connected them to my Krell TAS Amplifier (reviewed here) and Marantz AV8805 AV Preamplifier(reviewed here). Oppo’s UDP-203 (reviewed here) and a Roku Ultra (latest model reviewed here) were my primary sources. The HTM6 S2 sat on top of a low equipment rack and the ASW 610 was positioned just inside the right-channel 603 S2.

How Does the Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series Anniversary Edition Theatre System Sound?

Joss Stone’s “Chokin Kind” from The Soul Sessions (Tidal, Virgin) can quickly reveal problems in the upper midrange and treble, but the 603 S2s handled themselves very well. Stone’s voice can be hard to reproduce cleanly, and the 603 S2s did so with only a hint of hardness at higher volumes. So far, the new tweeter was off to a good start.

The drums on this track provide a solid foundation without being overpowering, and the B&Ws did a good job of portraying them with composure, never devolving into the sort of one-note bass that can plague lesser ported speakers. I found the dynamics to be good even at volumes louder than I could comfortably listen to.

YouTube Video

“Everything I Wanted” by Billie Eilish (Tidal, Interscope Records) provided solid imaging with Eilish’s solo vocals, solidly positioned in space slightly behind the plane of the speakers. While most of the track features synthesized music, Eilish’s now-familiar voice provided ample opportunity for balanced, detailed, and natural musical reproduction., The layered chorus vocal tracks were a bit diffuse. as they were on the other speaker systems through which I auditioned this track. The 603 S2s were able to reproduce the synthesized bass without losing any composure at low to moderate volumes, whereas the smaller 607 S2’s provided more low-frequency energy than I expected from their compact cabinets, but quickly lost detail and energy below about 50 Hz. I found I was able to easily integrate a pair of SVS SB-2000 Pro subwoofers to extend low frequency extension. 

The B&W ASW610 subwoofer took a bit more work to integrate with the 607 S2s in a stereo configuration, but worked well once it was dialed in. Before I moved the speakers out of this room, I tried the 603 S2s with the ASW 610 on this track and found that they too benefitted from the extra extension. If I had not heard the track with the subwoofer, I would not have missed the extra bass energy, but once I heard it, I realized the 603 S2s could not quite reach low enough to reproduce everything on the track.

YouTube Video

Before moving to multi-channel music or movies I felt compelled to try at least one stereotypical audiophile recording. I went with “Bird on a Wire” from Jennifer Warnes’ album Famous Blue Raincoat (CD, Private Music). I have heard this track on countless systems, and while the vocals and instruments are all well-recorded in their own right, it is the imaging and soundstage that set this recording apart. The 603 S2s did a good job with the lateral portion of the soundstage, but the depth seemed slightly compressed not matter how I adjusted the speaker positioning. It was still quite good, but couldn’t match the depth of soundstage I’ve obtained with other, similarly sized speakers. Jennifer Warnes’ voice was rendered with greater detail and more neutrally than on the B&W 683 towers I reviewed a little over a decade ago, though.

YouTube Video

I listened to several multi-channel music discs, one of them being ‘The Eagles’ Hell Freezes Over (DVD, Image). The multi-channel soundstage was much larger than what I was able to achieve with the stereo version of this album and the individual instruments were placed in the proper position. The drums from “Hotel California” were produced with speed and palpable impact. The subwoofer did a good job reproducing the different drum notes without any bloat or blurring.

I tried a couple other multi-channel music discs and found that bass heavy tracks from Crystal Method’s Legion of Boom (DVD-Audio, DTS) were too much for the single ASW 610. This disc has a lot of synthesized bass elements that, when played with larger Paradigm or SVS subwoofers, pressurize the room. A single ASW 610 could not pressurize my 12- by 17-foot room with notes under 30 Hz. If you are seeking to pressurize a mid- to large-sized room with powerful, low-frequency bass, you’ll either want a second ASW 610 or a more powerful sub such as the ASW 610 XP.

I could not complete a review of a 5.1 theatre (British speakers so British spelling) system without at least one movie. In anticipation of Top Gun: Maverick, my son and I watched Top Gun, (UHD, Paramount) again (my wife refused to join us). I think this may be the second or third time we’ve watched it during the pandemic. The HTM6 S2 kept up with the 603 S2s when it came to vocal clarity, maintaining its composure and timbre until I was way off to the side, well beyond 45 degrees off-center. I suspect the relatively close positioning of the midrange drivers allowed for this MTM-style speaker to maintain its performance across a wide range of listening positions.

The Dolby Atmos soundtrack is well done, with both lots of detail and lots of low frequency energy to give the B&W 600 Series Anniversary Edition Theatre system a good workout. I was not surprised to hear lots of detail in all channels. The dialogue was always rendered clearly, as were the sonic cues providing differing positioning details.

Even though the movie is filled with action scenes, there are several dialogue-heavy scenes where the characters’ positions move laterally across the screen. This tests the system’s ability to remain consistent as the vocals are passed from the center channel to the main front speakers. The B&W 600 Series Anniversary Edition did well with this. The towers have more lower midrange weight which was only noticeable if listening very closely on deeper voices. I would be surprised if any listeners noticed this unless they were listening very closely just for timbre mismatching. 

I was able to play the movie at reference levels and with the front left and right speakers running full range without any obvious signs of the speakers’ reaching their limits. That said, if you are looking to play your action movies above reference levels, I would suggest running the towers as “small” and having a capable subwoofer (or two) handling the low bass in order to provide even more dynamic range.

YouTube Video

The Downside

The 600 Series Anniversary Edition does a lot right, but there were a few things I would like to see improved upon. The aesthetics are a bit plain, but I think the clean lines work well with the white or black finishes. The magnetic grill of one of the sample speakers fell off every few days, but since it was only one of five speakers to perform this spontaneous striptease, it might be an anomaly. As the 600 Anniversary Series Theatre is relatively compact, some owners might be inclined to place them in tighter quarters. The rear port design could be problematic in tight spaces, though.

The ASW subwoofer series is lacking some features commonly found in many competitors that help with ease of setup. The ASW series lacks any sort of auto-EQ or room correction, which will not be an issue for those who are also using a modern receiver or preamp with room correction, but could be a problem for those using it in a two-channel system. I have become spoiled by subwoofers with app-controlled setup, which makes subwoofer setup much easier and faster.

How Does the Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series Anniversary Edition Theatre Compare to the Competition?

There are several competing speaker lineups that provide similar options: Focal’s Chora line, SVS Sound’s Prime Pinnacle line, and the Paradigm Premier line. I have only heard the Focal Chora (the stand-mounted 806) and it would probably be comparable to the B&W 606 S2 in performance. While I have not heard the SVS or Paradigm speakers, I have heard good things about them from my colleagues. All have multiple speaker options that would allow for a similarly configured and priced 5.1 system. 

I note that the Focal Chora subwoofer is more similar to the B&W ASW line, in that it is a sealed suspension design with manual back-panel controls. The Paradigm subwoofers are ported and the SVS Subwoofers can be had in either ported or sealed configurations. SVS Sound and Paradigm subwoofers both come with app control and Paradigm has Anthem Room Correction built in.

Final Thoughts

The B&W 600 Series Anniversary Edition Theatre system provides a lot of performance for its relatively modest price. I was pleasantly surprised by the increase in performance from the last 600 series speaker system I reviewed. Normally “new and improved” is a small incremental change, here it was readily apparent. There was less coloration than the B&W 683’s I reviewed in the past, more resolution in lower levels, and more dynamic range. 

The 603 S2s provide solid performance on their own or as part of a larger system. The 607 S2s would be good for a small bedroom or office, but even then, I would want to have a subwoofer handle the lower frequencies, as that would both increase the dynamic range and provide better definition below about 50 Hz. 

The combination of the components made for a system that was capable and satisfying with both music and movies alike. When listening to familiar music through the system, it just sounded right. There was good balance from top to bottom without any undue coloration calling attention to itself. For those who need more resolution or dynamic range, there is always the B&W 700 Series, but the 600 Series provides good performance at a fair price, making it easy to recommend for audition.

Additional Resources
• Visit the Bowers and Wilkins website for more product information.
• Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Wireless Headphone Review at HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series Anniversary Edition Theater 5.1 System First Look at HomeTheaterReview.com.