I recently had the opportunity to spend a couple of weeks with the Theva No. 1 speakers, swapping them in after my experience with the B&W 606 S3. At first, I was more focused on evaluating other gear like TVs, but the Theva speakers seamlessly stepped in to replace my usual KEF LSX 2.1 reference system, which includes the SVS 3000 Micro subwoofer. The fact that the Thevas held their own against this setup says a lot about their sonic skills. While they may not offer the same thunderous bass, the 6.5-inch drivers still delivered a solid performance across a variety of content.
Throughout most of my listening sessions, I powered the speakers with a Naim Uniti Atom amplifier. Coincidentally, Naim is owned by the same company as Focal, making it a fabulous pairing for the Theva No. 1 speakers. However, I also tested them with the Technics SU-GX7 amplifier, a more affordable option in its own right. While the Theva speakers still sounded quite good with the Technics amplifier, they did lose some dynamism and articulation, and the sound profile became a little more forward and edgy.
Fortunately, this was rarely an issue during my listening experience. The Theva No. 1 speakers continuously impressed me with their smooth articulation in instrumental attacks, without any sharpness that can sometimes accompany it. There’s a delightful layer of cream behind the treble frequencies, allowing the sound to flow naturally.
While the Theva speakers may not possess the same level of ultra-definition as the B&W 606 S3, their more fluid delivery was music to my ears, both literally and figuratively. Cymbals had a puffy and expansive quality, and gritty electric guitars were precise and directional, yet finished with a soft landing that prevented any harshness or sibilance.
One instrument that particularly stood out during my listening sessions was the piano. When I played Elton John’s Tumbleweed Connection on vinyl using the U-Turn Orbit Theory turntable, the musical resonance of John’s fluttering arpeggios and folksy inversions glided across the soundstage with brilliant extension. This matched well with the album’s lyrical strings and jangly acoustic guitar.
Although the soundstage of the Theva No. 1 speakers may not be as big or dimensional as the Vestia’s, it still offered a solid substitute. The speakers carved out a swirling stereo image that felt both deep and wide, with instruments popping out past the speakers’ edges. Comparing them with the Polk Legend Series L100 speakers for some A/B listening, the L100 presented a more precise center image for vocals and dialog. However, the Theva No. 1’s more laid-back sound profile made them a better overall listening experience in most cases.
When it comes to dialog in films and TV shows, the Theva No. 1 speakers excel. Whether I was watching sitcoms like The Office or test films like Skyfall, I was pleased by the nuanced presentation. In Skyfall, the Thevas’ dynamics impressed me, drawing me in with subtle elements and carefully placed details, then surprising me with explosive moments, engine sounds, and punchy gunshots that ramped up the action.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the Theva No. 1 speakers, there were moments when I wished for some extra clarity and definition, especially in the higher frequencies. The Vestia No. 1 speakers provide that clarity, and if budget is not a concern, I believe they are worth considering. However, the $200 price difference is not insignificant.
For those on a tighter budget, investing in a subwoofer could be a good option. This would not only deepen the already solid bass response of the Theva No. 1 speakers but also clear up some space in the lower midrange. Regardless of your budget, the Theva No. 1 speakers are a great choice that can serve as your go-to listening setup for years to come, whether you are playing vinyl records or watching sitcoms.
