I spent a few weeks with the audio system, swapping them in after the B&W 606 S3. Whereas they didn’t instantly wow me as I centered on evaluating TVs and different gear, they stepped in fairly seamlessly for my ordinary KEF LSX 2.1 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) reference system that features SVS’s 3000 Micro subwoofer, which in itself says lots in regards to the Thevas’ sonic abilities. They don’t supply the identical thunderous bass, however the 6.5-inch drivers held their very own down low throughout content material.
I spent most of my listening powering the audio system with a Naim Uniti Atom (8/10, WIRED Recommends) amplifier, which because it occurs is owned by the identical firm as Focal. As you could guess, it makes for a wonderful pairing, although few would name it an inexpensive one. The Theva nonetheless sounded fairly good with the cheaper Technics SU-GX7 ($2,000), a high-quality community amplifier in its personal proper, although they did lose some dynamism and articulation, and the sound profile was a little bit extra ahead and edgy.
That’s hardly ever a problem right here, although. All through my listening, I used to be constantly impressed by the Theva No. 1’s penchant for clean articulation in instrumental assaults, with out the sharpness that may typically trip together with it. There’s a pleasing layer of cream behind the treble frequencies that lets all the pieces move naturally.
The Theva don’t share fairly the identical skills for ultra-definition because the 606 S3, however their extra fluid supply is music to my ears, actually and figuratively. Cymbals don’t simply crash, they puff with powdery expanse. Gritty electrical guitars are lower with agency precision and directionality however completed with a smooth touchdown that assures they’re by no means harsh or sibilant.
My favourite instrument all through my listening classes needs to be piano, particularly when cueing up Elton John’s fabulous Tumbleweed Connection on vinyl, courtesy of the U-Flip Orbit Concept turntable (9/10, WIRED Recommends). The musical resonance of John’s fluttering arpeggios and folksy inversions glide throughout the soundstage with sensible extension, matching effectively with the album’s lyrical strings and jangly acoustic guitar.
The soundstage isn’t as massive or dimensional because the Vestia’s, but it surely’s a stable substitute, carving out a swirling stereo picture that feels each deep and extensive as devices come out previous the audio system’ edges. After I swapped in Polk’s Legend Collection L100 (also $1,000) for some A/B listening, the L100 offered a extra exact heart picture for vocals and dialog, however the Theva’s extra laid-back sound profile made them a greater pay attention typically.
Talking of the middle picture, the Theva do a wonderful job with dialog in movies and TV reveals. Auditioning all the pieces from sitcoms like The Workplace to go-to check movies just like the expertly produced Skyfall, I used to be greater than happy by the nuanced presentation. In Skyfall, I used to be significantly impressed by the Thevas’ dynamics, drawing me in with refined components and punctiliously positioned particulars, then shocking me with wickedly brash explosions, buzzy engines, and punchy gunshots that ramped up the motion.
As a lot as I loved the Theva No. 1, I sometimes wished for some further readability and definition, particularly up prime. The Vestia No. 1 present that, and when you’ve obtained the money I believe it’s in all probability price spending up for them. However the $200 value distinction isn’t a drop within the bucket.
In case you’re on a tighter funds, you may put that towards a subwoofer. It will each deepen the Theva No. 1’s already stable bass response and clear up some area within the decrease midrange. Both approach, you’ll be getting a great set of speakers that may be your go-to listening setup for no matter you play, from vinyl to sitcoms, for years to return.
