I spent a couple of weeks with the audio system, swapping them after the B&W 606 S3. Whereas they did not instantly wow me after I targeted on evaluating TVs and different tools, they stepped in fairly seamlessly for my regular KEF LSX 2.1 (9/10, WIRED advisable) reference system that features SVS’s 3000 Micro subwoofer, which in itself says so much in regards to the sonic skills of the Thevas. They do not supply the identical thunderous bass, however the 6.5-inch drivers stored their content material down.
I spent most of my listening time powering the audio system with a Naim Uniti Atom (8/10, WIRED Recommends) amplifier, which occurs to be owned by the identical firm as Focal. As you may guess, it makes for a implausible mixture, though few would name it an reasonably priced mixture. The Theva nonetheless sounded fairly good with the cheaper Technics SU-GX7 ($2,000), a tremendous community amplifier in its personal proper, though they misplaced some dynamics and articulation, and the sound profile was a little bit extra ahead and sharper.
Nonetheless, that’s not often an issue right here. Whereas listening, I used to be always impressed by Theva No’s predilection. 1 for easy articulation throughout instrumental assaults, with out the sharpness that may generally accompany it. Behind the excessive frequencies there’s a nice layer of cream that makes the whole lot move naturally.
The Theva do not fairly share the identical ultra-definition skills because the 606 S3, however their smoother supply is actually and figuratively music to my ears. Cymbals do not simply crash, they puff with a powdery expanse. Uncooked electrical guitars are minimize with strong precision and directionality, however completed with a gentle touchdown that ensures they’re by no means harsh or sibilant.
My favourite instrument throughout my listening periods must be the piano, particularly after I hearken to Elton John’s Fabulous Tumbleweed connection on vinyl, courtesy of the U-Flip Orbit Idea turntable (9/10, WIRED advisable). The musical resonance of John’s fluttering arpeggios and folksy inversions glide throughout the soundstage with sensible extension, becoming nicely with the album’s lyrical strings and jangling acoustic guitar.
The soundstage is not as massive or dimensional because the Vestia’s, however it’s a strong substitute, producing a swirling stereo picture that feels each deep and extensive as devices emerge from the sides of the audio system. Once I traded in Polk’s Legend Sequence L100 (additionally $1,000) for some A/B listening, the L100 offered a extra correct heart picture for vocals and dialogue, however the Theva’s extra relaxed sound profile made them a greater pay attention typically.
Talking of the middle picture, the Theva do a wonderful job with dialogue in motion pictures and TV exhibits. I audition for the whole lot from sitcoms like The Workplace to fashionable take a look at movies just like the expertly produced ones Heavy rainI used to be greater than glad with the nuanced presentation. In Heavy rainI used to be notably impressed by the dynamics of the Thevas, which drew me in with delicate parts and thoroughly positioned particulars, then shocked me with terribly brash explosions, whirring engines and snappy gunfire that ramped up the motion.
How a lot I like Theva No. 1 additionally discovered, I often wished for some further readability and definition, particularly on the high. The Vestia No. 1 supply that, and in case you have the cash I feel it is most likely price splurging for. However the $200 value distinction is not a drop within the bucket.
You probably have a smaller price range, you possibly can put it in the direction of a subwoofer. This can improve each the already strong bass response of the Theva No. 1 deepen as to release some area within the decrease mids. Both manner, you get an awesome set of audio system that may be your favourite listening setup for years to come back for no matter you play, from vinyl to sitcoms.
