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 normal KEF LSX 2.1 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) reference system that features SVS’s 3000 Micro subwoofer, which in itself says lots concerning the Thevas’ sonic abilities. They don’t provide 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 might 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 advantageous community amplifier in its personal proper, although they did lose some dynamism and articulation, and the sound profile was somewhat 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 easy articulation in instrumental assaults, with out the sharpness that may typically journey together with it. There’s a nice layer of cream behind the treble frequencies that lets every little thing circulate naturally.
The Theva don’t share fairly the identical abilities 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 gentle 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 Principle turntable (9/10, WIRED Recommends). The musical resonance of John’s fluttering arpeggios and folksy inversions glide throughout the soundstage with sensible extension, matching nicely 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 strong substitute, carving out a swirling stereo picture that feels each deep and large as devices come out previous the audio system’ edges. Once I swapped in Polk’s Legend Collection L100 (also $1,000) for some A/B listening, the L100 introduced a extra exact heart picture for vocals and dialog, however the Theva’s extra laid-back sound profile made them a greater pay attention most often.
Talking of the middle picture, the Theva do a superb job with dialog in movies and TV exhibits. Auditioning every little thing 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 notably impressed by the Thevas’ dynamics, drawing me in with delicate components and thoroughly 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 often wished for some additional readability and definition, particularly up high. The Vestia No. 1 present that, and when you’ve bought the money I believe it’s in all probability price spending up for them. However the $200 worth distinction isn’t a drop within the bucket.
In the event you’re on a tighter funds, you would put that towards a subwoofer. This can each deepen the Theva No. 1’s already strong bass response and clear up some area within the decrease midrange. Both manner, 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 come back.
