I spent a few weeks with the audio system, swapping them in after the B&W 606 S3. While they didn’t instantly wow me as I targeted on evaluating TVs and different gear, they stepped in fairly seamlessly for my typical KEF LSX 2.1 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) reference system that features SVS’s 3000 Micro subwoofer, which in itself says loads 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 superb pairing, although few would name it an inexpensive one. The Theva nonetheless sounded fairly good with the cheaper Technics SU-GX7 ($2,000), a fantastic 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 difficulty right here, although. Throughout my listening, I used to be repeatedly impressed by the Theva No. 1’s penchant for easy 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 the whole lot circulate 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 minimize with agency precision and directionality however completed with a delicate 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-Turn Orbit Theory 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 large or dimensional because the Vestia’s, but it surely’s a strong substitute, carving out a swirling stereo picture that feels each deep and vast as devices come out previous the audio system’ edges. When I swapped in Polk’s Legend Series 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 hear normally.

Speaking of the middle picture, the Theva do a superb job with dialog in movies and TV reveals. Auditioning the whole lot from sitcoms like The Office to go-to take a look at 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 often wished for some additional readability and definition, particularly up prime. The Vestia No. 1 present that, and for those who’ve bought the money I feel it’s most likely price spending up for them. But the $200 worth distinction isn’t a drop within the bucket.

If you’re on a tighter price range, you could possibly put that towards a subwoofer. This will each deepen the Theva No. 1’s already strong bass response and clear up some area within the decrease midrange. Either method, 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.