To Hans Wetzel,
I need advice. I am torn between the Bowers and Wilkins 603 and Elac’s Uni-Fi UF5. I’ve been able to listen to the 603, but no one carries Elac in Houston to listen to. What are your suggestions? My wife liked [the 603’s] sound, but I worry about price and “listening fatigue.” Big price difference [between the two speakers]. I’m using an old Acurus A250 amp.
Dion Sanchez
United States
While I reviewed the “Slim” version of the Elac you mention, I haven’t yet heard any models from Bowers and Wilkins’ new 600-series line. I did, however, review the more expensive 704 S2 model, and it wouldn’t surprise me if the 704 S2 and 603 are voiced similarly. If that is the case, then I agree that listener fatigue could be an issue, as the upper midrange and treble of the 704 S2 was prominent, to say the least. Certainly, that sound profile works for some people, and perhaps you and your wife fall into that category. The Elac, on the other hand, is not a speaker with which listener fatigue would be an issue, I don’t think.
I would suggest giving the 603 another listen with some different material, including singer-songwriter-type music, as well as a “hot” recording or two, one at least where there is plenty of sibilance, or brass and percussion. If you like what you hear, I’d suggest pulling the trigger. But if you’re still not sure, I would consider adding one more speaker to your list: Q Acoustics’ 3050i. My review is forthcoming, but in many ways, I think it somewhat splits the difference between Bowers and Wilkins’ über-dynamic house sound and the Elac’s smooth, somewhat forgiving profile. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee. . . . Hans Wetzel
